MELODY TAN
While many might argue that social media is frivolous, when applied with purpose, social media is a powerful tool in curating special moments that can be pieced together to tell an important story.
It is by going to the source will one find the beginning of a river.
It is when we begin at the origin, will we then be able to trace the story of a tribe. And it is through knowing the story, will we appreciate the importance of safeguarding age-old traditions which have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Melody Tan is a fearless fashionista with a vision that merges sustainable fashion with e-commerce, a millennial social media maverick and a world traveller with a unique sense of style. Based in Singapore and Sweden, Melody is also the owner of Âme Studio, working with artisans from around the world to preserve and promote craft, culture and heritage.
TextileSeekers shares Melody’s aspiration in keeping traditions alive while creating dialogues with artisans. This was one of the pillars that drove us to create our bespoke slow travel experience to Sa Pa. We applaud Melody’s goal of encouraging provenance and wish to get to know her better through our Resident Artists’ Q&A, which you can read all about here.
Q1. Tell us a little about yourself: What is your background and what inspires you to create
My name is Melody and I am a social media content creator based in Singapore and Stockholm. I work with brands to create content for them and have been engaged in social media for the last 12 years. I am mostly inspired by travel - the opportunity to see new perspectives, experience places and encounter different people keeps me grounded.
Q2. What kind of a traveller are you?
I guess I am a comfort-seeking traveller. I like to travel comfortably otherwise the experience is ruined for me.
Q3. Have you ever traveled solo? What tips would you give to a first-time solo traveller?
Yes when I was 19 I spent a week in New York alone in the winter. I would say everyone needs to do something like this once in your life. It’s daunting and scary but you learn so much about yourself. My advice to a first-time solo traveller would be to plan an itinerary and even splurge on an accommodation or meals - just have something to look forward to at the end of your day of sightseeing, be it relaxing in a nice hotel room if that’s what you like, or enjoying a good meal.
Q4. Where have you traveled to this past year? / Which travel destination has left you with the most memorable experience?
This past year I have travelled to Puglia and Rome in Italy, Paris, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Sa Pa and Hanoi in Vietnam, Yogyakarta and Bali in Indonesia and Bangkok in Thailand. Puglia was definitely eye-opening for me. I did a one month work experience at a family-run Masseria (converted farmhouse). It felt like I was living in the set of Mama Mia. The people I met came from all around the world and I would greet guests and have some of the most amazing conversations with them. I worked in the kitchen, surrounded by the best produce. Most of all, I got to experience the beautiful, beautiful Puglia, see its ancient medieval towns, along with all the insanely amazing views. It was truly breathtaking.
Q5. The emphasis on working with women sends such a positive message. Who are the female figures whom you admire?
Frida Kahlo. Michelle Obama.
Q6. How is slow travel different from the usual way of traveling?
I would say slow travel is to travel consciously. To also take things down a notch and enjoy what’s in front of you. For myself, being involved in social media, sometimes it’s difficult to do that as it’s always about documenting my trip in the best way possible.
Q7. As an entrepreneur, how do you focus on wellness in your life?
I definitely believe in having a work-life balance, and to work smart, To do that, you definitely need to be disciplined to a certain degree, but also learn to take the time for yourself and look after your own wellbeing.
Q8. Who do you think should come on this trip? and what would one hope to take away from this tour with TextileSeekers?
I think anyone with an interest in fashion and textile should definitely come on a TextileSeekers’ trip. It’s so fascinating to see how the women in remote parts of Vietnam live and witness how textile is such a big part of their culture and identity.
Q9. Do you have one or two all-time favourite fashion pieces? Do you have a favourite designer/artist?
Jacquemus - I love how fun he makes fashion. I admire Henri Rosseau and Frida Kahlo for their paintings.
Q10. What are you reading now?
I am reading Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell.