Freedom Is About Perspective

 Skups Gelato

Ah, the feeling of freedom. Perhaps not from the global pandemic, but at least for me, from my thesis project. Two weeks ago I had my thesis defence and it passed with flying colours. The lecturers took a liking to my project and I'm absolutely thrilled. Now I have pretty much all the time in the world to wander around—responsibly with mask on and hand sanitiser in tow, of course—and do whatever the hell I want. No more excuses to start working out or picking up a new project or learning to garden—or what have you. But, for now, I'd like to relax as much as I can. The other day Agung and I visited a gelato parlour in town, which is located right next to Wo Ai Mie. We've been meaning to go there since we first discovered the place. It is very cute, small and cozy—which took me out of the capital for a bit—with limited, physically-distanced and regularly sanitised seating, so it's safe. They have some pretty yummy flavours, but nothing too crazy—my pick was the red velvet cheesecake and apple pie, and I love both! Personally, I picked to have the cone to keep it zero waste.

Noesa headband // Petanghari mask // old top // hand-me-down skirt + purse // M&S socks // Nappa Milano loafers // photos by Agung

It wasn't until I was putting this post together did I realise that I'd been wearing a mask for the majority of this shoot—in fact, as you can see, only one photo shows me without a mask covering my mouth. It's surreal to think that I no longer see it anymore, that it feels so natural to have mask on when we're out and about. This got me thinking, why are there people in the world who are so adamant about not wearing a mask? Yes, I get it—masks are so uncomfortable, masks can muffle your words and they don't show your entire facial expressions. Truth be told, I'm not exactly a mask person myself. If anything, I'd rather not wear one at all. But I also know that wearing a mask at this point in human history will save lives—the lives of those I love, the lives of those I've never even met—and it'll be irresponsible and downright selfish not to. I mean, is it freedom at all, if by choosing not to wear masks put others' lives in danger? Now I actually even love masks—they add such aesthetic value to my daily outfits and allow me to support local businesses I either wouldn't've been able to or known about. It's my new favourite thing to match my outfit to my mask or vice versa—just know this won't be the last you see me do this.

P.S: Didn't realise I was wearing double tenun ikat pieces in this post, but I'm loving it!