HS: With the new branding (for lack of better term) “EVERYTHING IS FALSE” and the bi-monthly drop, what are you able to produce you haven’t yet done? Or, does this change your process and artist thought at all?

Messie: This is like Wonderland for me, the freedom to create as and when I want and be able to have the product be out there for supporters to take back as and when I want is completely amazing. It brings the brand back to its original roots. It also allows a greater lifespan to my works that I feel is a great change to a fast moving industry where great creations loose their luster in under 2 months. I see various things in regards to the FALSE type fashion I’ve been moving come to life, more M-65’s, off the mill accessories, great hand-screened garments, etc… all this without the pressure of having to move large numbers. This is only for those that thrive to know, those that aren’t satisfied with being fed the norm and those that find appreciation in the finer overlooked things.

HS: With product like denim and jackets, where there’s less printing, how does your hand play a part in making the garments? What does it take to make you leap into something outside the core material of t-shirts?

Messie: With certain jackets that we’ve produced under the FALSE banner, we’ve done various reconstructions, merging different materials and garment accessories. We focus on “the must”, “the necessity”, “the facts”. We generally do things that serve to play a side role and enhance our main garment of hand-screened tees. At times when it makes sense we have accessories that have no handy works at all but serve a purpose with the current style of releases like sunglasses, so much so that we’ve very recently developed a sunglass division. We’ve also added to our FALSE stable a unique function forward plush toy division set to go live end 2009. It’s fun and funky like that, where we just do what we think is right for us at the time it chooses to reveal itself.

HS: I want to talk a little about Singapore. From an outsiders perspective we might think of no chewing gum, rules about crossing the street, Raffles, perhaps a visit to Sentosa. How does your locale influence you, what’s the “real” Singapore?

Messie: Singapore has its ups and downs from different perspectives. You would say a very institutionalized prim and proper society. Everything is there for a purpose and everything for a reason. Our strict guidelines have made this country one of the safest in the world to reside in; you can literally walk down any street at 4am in the morning. From a creative point of view an altered state on your peripheral reality has to be made and once done so the country oozes with inspiration and aspiration. I love this country, it has made me… me.

HS: I’ve got to ask you about tattooing in Singapore. Obviously, you know my interest in the subject from the American History stand point, and I’m blown away by the piece you’ve done on your head. What got you into tattooing? And, what is the tattoo scene like in Singapore?

Messie: Why thank you my friend! I don’t know really.. hmmm maybe like the islanders and making myself a little prettier to the opposite sex? The tattoo scene here has been around for years but only recently seen public education on a large scale with our first Singapore Tattoo Convention held in the beginning of this year.. Damn I still need to go for those touch-ups!

HS: The Maori influence is clearly there on the head ink. Generally speaking, is South Pacific design and culture something that moves you?

Messie: Oh yes, I married a Maori tribe princess and that was my initiation into the family! Haa ha, Amanda’s roots date back to original Maori blood and the inspiration to have that fighting never say die spirit manifested itself on me in the form of my full head Moko (Maori Tattoo). That said it honestly influenced itself, it was like the moko had a mind of it’s own and came to life in various stages.