Inspired by the Kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, The Reversible Haori is our modern reinterpretation of its heritage silhouette. This style is detailed with the bold Parva print on one side, and a subtle gradient plain on the other. To celebrate the duality of this jacket, we asked 3 women from our community who work multiple jobs by day and night to join us in the shoot.
Farah Azizan is a PR professional by day and DJ by night with Darker Than Wax and Revision Music. Inspired by the power of a great story, she believes in a narrative rooted in the authenticity of human connection – and her path towards both careers explore the common thread of that.
Tell us a little more about what you do.
DJ, selector, storyteller, freelancer. I like to think that I make people listen – as a PR specialist, about your brand, and as a DJ to your music.
PR professional and DJ, how did the path towards these two careers begin? What are some big lessons you’ve learned as a part of your journey?
I’ve always liked music and writing, and was lucky that opportunities began to present itself in those areas of interest. It took a lot of practice for me to finesse my skills and develop a personal style. Almost a decade in and I’m a lot more comfortable writing, strategizing, and playing out at gigs internationally. Everything is still a big lesson though – I’m still always learning and curious.
SHOP THE REVERSIBLE HAORI + PARVA HERE
What’s one thing you’ve learned as a PR professional that’s helped you as a DJ (and vice versa)?
It has taught me how to embrace my role in music beyond DJing. I’m part of two local movements, Darker Than Wax and Revision Music, both have allowed me to exercise creative output, from content to bookings to campaigns.
You say “never underestimate the power of a great story”, what do you think makes a story great?
It boils down to human connection. It’s like reading a good book or watching a good movie, the narrative has to elicit an emotional resonance. Having a voice that makes people feel makes a great story.
Where does your drive and motivation come from everyday?
Reminding myself to be thankful about the simple things – waking up beside my soulmate, being able to live another day, memes.
What is success to you and do you think you’ve achieved it?
Life would be very bleak if I’ve already achieved success by now! There would be very little else to live for. It isn’t a singular, definitive feature for me. Success is the achievement of overcoming ongoing challenges, and can pose as a good motivational exercise – spiritually, mentally, physically.
What is one thing you stand for and believe in, and why?
Be assertive in identifying positive company and keep them close, because negativity is toxic and a cock block to enjoying life.
How would you like to be remembered?
You mean like an epitaph? I feel that something like this should be said by someone else. I asked my husband and he said, “Someone who’s cheerful and nice”.
There’s a lot of people who have a great ambition to go after their dreams but don’t know how and where to start. What would be your advice for someone with those questions?
Put in time and hard work, it’s not going to be easy and it’s not gonna happen overnight. Don’t be discouraged by failure, it’s the greatest teacher. I feel that we need to learn how to acknowledge that, especially in our culture where it is so frowned upon. I’ve failed many times, and it’s about learning how to be resilient, and getting back up stronger. Stay curious, never quell your desire to learn, network, and surround yourself with good company. It gets better once you start enjoying what you do.
We are inspired by Farah’s creative ambitions are proud to have her as Fieldtesters, a group of inspiring individuals that test MATTER products in their everyday journeys of passion, to help us improve durability and design. Farah is wearing the Reversible Haori + Parva, Cross-Back Top + Charcoal and Side Lunghi + Falcon Footprint in Size 1.