AA® Tribe Talks: Mad on designing clothes, motherhood and nostalgia
Meet Mad, an Adelaide accountant, clothing designer and content creator whose structured mindset is balanced by a need to create. While numbers may come naturally to her, fashion gives her space to explore a different side of herself: one shaped by emotion, nostalgia and the inspiration that appears when she slows down long enough to notice it.
That inspiration often leads her back to the ’90s and early 2000s. Drawing from icons like Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Beyoncé and Aaliyah, Mad’s style is confident, feminine and effortlessly cool. It’s an aesthetic that has even earned her comparisons to Euphoria’s Maddy Perez (okay, we might have planted the idea—guilty!).
Her go-to American Apparel® style is the Zip Hoodie, a wardrobe staple that feels right at home in her daily looks.
Between her career, creative projects and motherhood, Mad brings discipline and intention to everything she does, while still making room for the things that fill her cup.
First things first: have you watched Euphoria? We now have two favourite Maddys in our lives, and we can't unsee the resemblance. Has Maddy Perez ever influenced your style, or do you look to other fashion icons for inspiration?
I can’t say I am the biggest fan of Euphoria but I think Maddy Perez absolutely slays! Her aesthetic is something that feels familiar to me as it is what I naturally gravitate towards so to be compared to her is honestly the biggest compliment. A lot of my fashion icons are 90s/2000s baddies like Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Beyonce and Aaliyah so I think this is where the crossover comes from.
By day you're an accountant, but on the side you design clothes and create content. How do those different sides of your personality complement each other?
It is the most unexpected mix, I am a very structured and analytical type of person. I’ve also been in the accounting field for years so it’s second nature to me but creativity fills my cup. Years of study and becoming chartered have taught me discipline, consistency and time management, which are the same skills I bring into designing clothes and creating content.
How do you make space for yourself and your creative pursuits while navigating motherhood?
I have the best support network around me who allow me to make time for myself to be me. Making space for the things that clear my mind are essential for me and they make me a better mum. My husband works in a creative field in video and has taught me a lot about editing/good lighting/using a camera. It is something we both enjoy and understand which makes content creation more fun.
Has becoming a mom influenced the way you get dressed each day? If so, how?
YES. Outfits MUST be toddler proof. I have to wear outfits that will allow me to run, bend, lift, stretch and are easy to clean. I am very much loving 00s athleisure at the moment, it’s practical and I can still have fun with styling!
What are some of the biggest lessons or values from your Filipino-Australian upbringing that you still honour today, and hope to pass on to the next generation?
I was born and raised here in Australia but have always felt deeply connected to my culture. My husband is also Filipino-Australian and I’ve always felt welcomed and a part of his family from day one. I think the sense of community in our culture is so strong. We have the best time together, we love food, we love music, we love bonding through celebration! Filipinos will always make you feel loved no matter who you are. That sense of community is something I’m very proud of and that infectious warmth is something I want my daughter to always feel and be proud of.
You describe fashion as the best form of communication, and you also design clothing. If your designs could speak, what would they say?
If my designs could speak they would say “how do you feel?” Because for me, everything I’ve ever designed came from something that made me feel a type of way; a memory I want to hold on to, a music video I thought was cool, a pair of cool sneakers or even a flower. I design from emotion and allowing others to express themselves through their own style is something special to me as a designer. That’s when I feel like I’ve done my job.
The American Apparel® Zip Hoodie is one of your wardrobe essentials. What makes it such a staple for you?
It suits everything and is such a good layering piece. I can dress it up, I can dress it down. I wear it so much!!! The fit is also so perfect.
We know Taureans have a reputation for loving good food, so tell us: what are Adelaide's best hidden gems for a bite to eat?
THIS IS TRUE. The Adelaide food scene is honestly so good and we have so many hidden gems. I could talk about this topic for ages but here are my top picks:
If you’re down for steaks, Arkhe.
If you love Japanese food, Shobosho is a MUST.
American BBQ? Smokin’ Good… I still think about the beef brisket.
Frankly's Bagels are the best! I take my friends here when they come from interstate and they love it!
Croissants? Mascavado! Hands down, I have no words just look at their Instagram!
If you could have coffee with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
My dad!!!! My dad passed away when I was young, but I am still close with his side of the family and whenever I see them they tell me the best stories about him and about our family! I know he was a creative soul. He also wore gold chains… so I like to think so much about me comes from him!
See what Mad’s up to:
Instagram
@maddycablao
@madmadeadl
