dot com baby vol. 01 - chaos n dreams (ongoing)
vol. 01 – @lazythinking__
Yesterday I tried to be a good Inner West local by exploring what the neighbourhood has to offer. I saw this event from @cherry__rype , so I arrived at 2.15 pm.
This was my first time at Lazy Thinking. It’s located in Dulwich Hill and only a six minute drive from my home. The artist selections yesterday were curated by @aeddancc . I found so many talented local heroes that I hadn’t seen before. I think you should definitely come to this venue next time to see what the locals have to offer.
As usual, I talked with everyone at the venue as much as I could. I was in the mood, as always lol. Hope you enjoy my adventure so far.
Borderspace
vol. 01 – @_borderspace
I literally went out last night because I got bored just sitting at home collecting dust lol. Then I saw the event on IG, so why the f**k not go out at that point, even though I didn’t know anyone. I like the idea of taking a deep dive into the unknown.
When I arrived at @sneakypossumbar , the first person I noticed was @tawny.myers . I swear I’d seen her playing bass for @_katemoth at the Push Mag Issue 07 launch. That became my conversation starter: “I think I saw you playing bass at the Push Mag launch!”
I also talked with @juice.tain , quite a long conversation actually. We agreed that finding connection requires courage, especially in a new environment.
Suddenly, @migumind came up to me. He said he really appreciated that I stuck around until the event was finished. Of course I did. I love being part of the community. Why not.
He also said he wants to do more of these events because he loves the idea of gathering people in a speakeasy environment.
There was one person who looked very familiar, but I wasn’t sure who it was. When I talked to @setwun , I asked him why she looked so familiar. Turns out it was @casually.ciara . I’ve seen her play a few sets at @club77sydney . I literally told her, her playlist is ruthless, and I love it.
Sasha Hart
vol. 01 – @sashamayhart
I met Sasha at the Push Magazine Issue 07 launch the week before. I was doing my usual on-the-spot cool baby curation, trying in my head at least to channel a bit of Bill Cunningham (RIP I love you man).
When I later checked her feed, I realised she is a painter, and a serious one at that. At first glance, her work echoes Edward Hopper’s (Nighthawks) and Grant Wood’s (American Gothic), but it does not take long to see that what she is doing is distinctly her own. The references dissolve quickly, leaving something unmistakably Sasha Hart.
She was born and raised in Lismore, on the Far North Coast of NSW, and moved to Sydney a few years ago. We found some common ground straight away. Both of us struggled to find a real connection when we first arrived in the city. We agreed that time does most of the heavy lifting eventually, quietly shaping where you land and who you become.
This was also my first time interviewing a painter, so consider this a mutual exercise in curiosity. Expect a bit of yapping from both of us.
Push Magazine
vol. 01 – @pushmagsydney
Went to the Push Magazine issue 07 launch for the drinks, the printed mag (because I didn’t have one yet), and the vibes. Ended up talking to half the venue because, apparently, I’m a yapper lol. I kept telling people they looked nice BECAUSE THEY ACTUALLY DID.
Also snapped a few portraits because everyone’s drip was sick.
Ran into @kayqra again after a while. She said I’m very extroverted. Maybe she’s right lol.
SPACE BEATS
vol. 01 - dancing in outer space vol. 09 by @spacebeatssoundsystem
Documented alien lifeforms with my legendary digicam + 3 webcams.
Orbiting back for Vol. 10
The abercrombie
vol. 01 - The Abercrombie
To be honest, this is my fifth night going out late lol. I went to @cosmicboogie.syd at the @abercrombie.sydney because the music there always feels friendly. That is exactly why my friend and I end up going once a month. Somehow, it has become our monthly routine.
When I arrived at the Abercrombie, I was greeted by the headmaster of Cosmic Boogie himself, @rururubio.dj . He said, “Welcome back to Cosmic Boogie.”
Of course I will always come back lol. Why not.
kitty of the valley
vol. 01 - @kittyofthevalley_
Managed to interview them right after the show at @marysunderground , and yes, I walked out with their CD in hand. I photographed the front, the centre spread, and the second last page. The physical release is a 12 page artwork with full lyrics, ending on a soft note: “From us, to you. With love, KOTV ♡ xx”.
The tracklist isn’t the same as the digital version. The CD includes a foreword by Sophie Grace-Bagster, Rumpus + Reprise, Lift Off (Ambient), and an extra track, Rain. They weren’t joking when they said this one is meant to be played loud. It really is a different experience.
Next week on Tuesday the 2nd, they’re playing an acoustic live set at @sapphobooks , Glebe for the Venus, Examined launch party.
I guess I’ll see you there?
Alternative kids
vol. 01 - alternative kids
@404ngelina asked me to come to the @unionhotelnewtown . I was literally there a few weeks ago for Halloween lol. She was shooting for @binsadband and said, “I reckon your vibe… post-punk emo indie kinda vibes.”
Of course I f*****g love it.
Honestly, I woke up feeling like s**t today. No idea why. Maybe the gloomy weather hit my mood, or maybe it’s Mercury retrograde being chaotic again lol.
I was surprisingly nervous when I arrived at the venue. The original plan was just to enjoy the night without taking any photos. For me, the first photo is always the hardest. Once that first shot is out of the way, everything becomes easy like usual.
I swear I’m friendly lol.
Mary’s Underground
vol. 01 - @marysunderground
Went to Mary’s Underground last night. The main quest was to interview one of the local heroes, @kittyofthevalley_
When I arrived, I immediately ran into more local heroes: @blairrromance and @cherry__rype (I tried the chocolate yesterday btw… I finally understand why she hates it now).
Lucy walked in wearing a T-shirt, denim, and full tattoos. I told her that’s exactly why she looks effortlessly grungy.
Then I spotted @1lastflick photos on the wall, so obviously I had to take a photo of them in front of them works.
I said hi to @allegrapezz_ , we chatted a bit, and I told her, “Let’s do the interview outside after the show.”
And yes, I still wish my mom had let me get tattoos growing up. The irony is insane considering the people I hang around now lol.
From the 13th debut runway backstage
vol. 01 — @fromthethirteenth debut runway backstage
I arrived at 2 PM for The 13th backstage shoot and spotted Kim with a big suitcase. Turns out she is one of the makeup artists for the show. When we got to the venue, the first people we met were Jordan and Adi. Jordan asked how long the interview would take. I said, “Ten minutes max, but I can make it shorter,” knowing we would both be busy once things kicked off.
While at the venue, I started talking to everyone, makeup artists, models, literally no one was left behind because, well, I am a yapper lol. Conversations drifted from how strong Vietnamese coffee is (it actually made me tremble) to people trying to guess if I am Filipino or not. I had just come back from the Philippines earlier this year for my friend’s wedding, so I get it, we probably are cousins from different islands lol. Also, the Philippines slaps, you should definitely go.
I shot most of the backstage moments with my legendary digicam paired with a tiny external flash for some extra punch. Creative decision, almost everything in the collection is black, so I wanted the flash to hit the garments directly and pull out the textures, stitching, and tiny details at their fullest. Of course, I forgot to charge the digicam the night before, so the battery started dying two thirds into the show. Luckily, my mirrorless camera stepped in like a dependable sidekick.
This was my first time shooting a runway backstage, so massive shoutout to Jordan for letting me capture the making of his debut runway, raw and in progress, behind the big long black curtain.
For the IG edit, I shaped the story into two flows within this series.
The first focuses on candid moments, the quiet concentration, the jokes, the last minute touch ups, to show that behind the glamour, we are all just humans doing what we love.
The second is where everyone looks majestic and gorgeous. Someone backstage told me the best moments to capture are the ones right before the runway starts. I would describe it as beautiful chaos, just like the current Dot Com Baby edition, chaos and dreams lol.
So enjoy The 13th, the creation in progress behind the curtain, plus the gorgeous guests who came to celebrate the debut.
Also, mom, I made a lot of new friends.
Cherry Rype
vol. 01 — @cherry__rype
See the two of us yapping after the show at @unionhotelnewtown . My two personal favourites are Shed My Skin and Strawberry Fields.
I even did my homework by listening to the whole Rory album so I could understand her better before asking rapid-fire questions lol.
Music videos by @1lastflick @coveredflaws @mallgoth6 @domengo.ig
I added subtitles for people with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) like me. APD affects an estimated 2 to 5 percent of people according to NSW Education and Frontiers in Neurology, and many cases go undiagnosed. I only learned I had it last year.
It is a niche condition, so I wanted to share in case it helps. If you ever struggle to follow conversations in noisy places, getting checked by an audiologist can make a big difference.
If you’ve got APD too, you’re not alone. I feel you lol.
NYA
vol. 01 – @n.cbx
I met Nya at Second Life Market two weeks ago. My gut said she had a Southeast Asian background like me, and turns out I was right. She’s Filo. Cousins from another island lol.
I noticed she really likes brown. She said it’s just easy to mix and match outfits with that colour.
We started at the Art Gallery of NSW. One thing I remember about taking photos in museums and galleries is the no flash rule, otherwise it can degrade the artworks.
We took some photos in front of a projector because it looked trippy lol.
Then we moved from the art gallery to the State Library because she said she’d never been there before. I suddenly became a tour guide.
By the way, the State Library was so packed during the day. It felt like everyone was trying to finish something flawlessly before the year ended.
Second Life market
My street style curation from @secondlifemarkets
Tbh, I always feel a bit nervous every time I ask a stranger if I can take their photo. But I’m learning to overcome that fear of rejection.
Turns out, I think I’m doing just fine.
Thank you to everyone who let me capture your style!
union hotel
vol. 01 — @unionhotelnewtown
I asked @blairrromance to come to her show at Union Hotel. She told me I could also interview @cherry__rype if I wanted.
When I arrived at the venue, I WAS SO NERVOUS. I used to be a photographer for a band, but since I haven’t done this in a while, ngl it felt like going on a blind date lol.
I met Mel (Blair Romance) first before being introduced to Lucy (Cherry Rype). I asked Mel if she ever gets nervous before performing, and she said, “Every time!”
I took some portrait shots of her because this time I could finally see most of her tattoos. My Halloween costume was a last minute decision, a cat salaryman lol. @holdingontoitclosely told me I needed one more touch, whiskers. She asked, “Do you want three or four?” I said, “Three’s fine.”
Then I took a few photos of the audience because everyone ate with their costumes. I later asked Lucy if I could interview her, and she said, “After the show!”
The next one will be my conversation with Cherry Rype📽
Been Sufferable
@dotcom.baby vol. 01 - @fromthethirteenth w/ @jrxdxn
A conversation after the runway. Thanks Jordan!
Btw I'm a Cancer lol.
After Party at Burdekin Hotel
dot com baby vol. 01 - @fromthethirteenth after party
"Oh I thought you gonna stay for one drink or two" I ended up drank more than that lol
Thanks @jrxdxn for the after party
Veda Diva & People of Newtown
dot com baby vol. 01 — veda diva & people of newtown
I met Veda at Moda Designer a few months ago. She’s the one on the first slide of the Club Kids series and we planned to do a shoot around Newtown.
The initial plan was to head to Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, but five minutes in, we spotted an orange 1965 Mustang. Just as we were about to take some photos in front of it, the owner, Daryl, showed up.
Veda asked if we could take a few shots with the car, and Daryl replied, “Do you wanna cruise as well?” I was like, “WTF of course I do!”
I asked if the colour was orange, but Daryl told me the official name was Poppy Red. We took a few photos inside before the cruise. Once we got in, I could smell the petrol. Expected, of course, and hear the roaring, screaming engine. (I’m lowkey a petrolhead, lol)
While cruising, Daryl asked if we wanted to stop for a drink at The Carla (Carlisle Castle Hotel). I said, “Sure!”
When we arrived, we were greeted by friendly locals who were just as amazed by the car. It’s rare to see a 1965 Mustang in 2025, so I get the excitement.
The first people who approached us were Chelsea and Bruce, and we got to experience Newtown hospitality at its finest that day. Inside, Daryl, Veda and I ended up talking about what it really means to be happy (and somehow scored two free schooner lol).
Then Chelsea started telling me about her work in the film industry. Turns out she’s a professional makeup artist! She’s currently working on a classified movie and even showed us some behind-the-scenes clips featuring a stuntman on fire.
After two drinks, we chatted with a few more locals before heading off to the cemetery, driven by Daryl. That’s where we wrapped the shoot and said our goodbyes.
I guess we’re just a flock of seagulls chasing happiness.
Thanks, Newtown.
Blair Romance
dot com baby vol. 01 — blair romance
Interviewed @blairrromance and typed all the subtitles manually (as usual). Also added a countdown timer so you’ll know how long each section lasts.
I put it there because I believe time’s more valuable than money (though you can buy Time, the magazine, at a newsstand haha).
The video runs for 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
🧠 Subtitles are for people with Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) like me.
Mine’s mild, but sometimes the brain just needs a little help catching up with what the ears hear.
So yeah, the subtitles are here to help us out.
We did the shoot right after the interview in Double Bay. Which happens to be the first area I visited during my first week in Sydney back in 2017, so it’s a personal spot for me.
Top 5 Asian Movies
Long Weekend
Saturday
dot com baby vol. 01 — saturday
My good friend Marco just came back to Australia for his graduation.
He said clubbing in Indonesia feels different — mostly because there’s no proper afters. The only ‘afters’ you can do there is grabbing breakfast. Fair point, I guess.
Meanwhile, I was hovering between two events on two nights in a row. Dancing without worrying about what comes next.
This one’s for you, Marco.
I know moving back to your hometown sucks lol.
Sunday
dot com baby vol. 01 — sunday
Mo asked me how I managed to go clubbing two days in a row, while everyone else was wiped out after one.
Turns out the secret is — I’m unemployed. lol.
Just realised the others have weekday jobs while I’m currently in my “soul-searching era” (please hire me).
Anyway, Mo asked me to come to Cosmic Boogie, an event held by the headmaster himself — Rubio.
The genre and the kind of vibe he wanted to bring? You’ll hear that in the interview.
When we arrived at Abercrombie, the first thing I noticed was the incense smoke and the disco ball spinning above.
Before the interview, we drank G&Ts, a quick smoke, and talked about free will — but that’s a story for another day.
Then suddenly, Rubio handed me a 4K handycam with night-vision mode and said,
“It’s yours for tonight.”
The interview ran for nine minutes.
Finally, I found the real use for my yapping — interviewing one of the events I genuinely loved.
Back in 2015, I was deep in my disco era. I listened to Breakbot, Steve Monite, and anything with a funky bassline.
Cosmic Boogie felt like a time capsule — a reminder that sometimes you just need a simple boogie to feel alive again.
Thanks, Cosmic Boogie.
Until the next event.
Club Kids Galaxy
It’s been almost a decade since I last wrote anything, and here I am again, typing like it’s 2013 Tumblr. Funny enough, I studied Communication for my undergrad, and even did a Master’s in PR & Advertising. So technically, I’m certified to write majestically (whether that’s true or not is another story haha).
Back in July 2025, my workplace gave me the heads-up that I’d be made redundant. Fast forward to August, I suddenly had time. Lots of it. The first thing I did was obvious: start looking for recruiters and roles I’d love, especially in advertising or post-production. I’ve always wanted to direct films someday — fingers crossed.
But job hunting is a waiting game. And while waiting, I found myself reaching back to the people I met in May 2025 during Australian Fashion Week and Moda Designer. I started taking photos again, the kind that don’t look clean or safe. I’ve been doing that professionally for the past three years, so why repeat myself?
My style of shooting starts with talking, not posing. I speak to my subjects like friends, and somewhere between jokes and silence, the portraits appear. It’s half photo, half confession. Maybe that’s why I keep doing it.
I actually started out shooting live bands. So I’m used to seeing my subjects move, jump, blur, and break the frame. Maybe that’s why I never cared for perfect poses. I prefer moments that feel alive.
Let’s just say this project is my magnum opus of 2025, born out of uncertainty, shaped by curiosity.
A collection of people I met at Moda Designer.
The designers who trusted me with their clothes.
The next one will be Dot Com Baby, a continuation of this era. Why that name? Because I am one — raised by pixels, surviving algorithms. At first, I wanted to call it Unfiltered or something edgier. But I’m not building a streetwear label, and this isn’t about hype.
dot com baby
vol. 01 — chaos & dreams
coming soon
Thank you for letting me be myself.
Hannah
✦ met @yh.nah outside @modadesigner__ ✦
club kids constellation // sidewalk star
“first test shoot,” she said.
me: “i’ll make you look cool”
truth is: she was already cool ♡
leather top ⛓ tartan slash
vivienne westwood glinting ⚜
docmart boots stomping pavements
headphones → metropolis portal 🎧
no ciggies
(both of us smoke anyway lol)
but lollies 🍭 felt louder,
sweet chaos > tired clichés
she’s not just a subject
she’s another orbiting planet
in the ✦ club kids galaxy ✦
where the sidewalk ≠ background,
the sidewalk = the runway
Monika
✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧
✨ 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝒌𝒊𝒅, 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒆 ✨
@babimoni1 drifting between the Eastern Suburbs 🌊☀️,
Sydney CBD rooftops 🏙️, and random supermarket aisles 🛒
— every corner becomes her runway.
from late-night clubs to morning light,
she’s always curating moments that feel bigger than life.
her own brand @diamondsrr4evaa 👗, her own energy, her own universe.
Phoebe
✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒃𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒉𝒂𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆 :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
saw her designs shining on @modadesigner__ ˖⁺‧₊˚ finally in front of my lens, using her own creation.
she deserves her own runway, truly.
cool look, sharp edge, soft heart —
club kid energy written all over her.
𓆩♡𓆪 designer — @barbiedreemhouse (@phacoste_ )
Caitlin
🌌 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝑲𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒚 ✧･ﾟ: Caitlin edition
Met @caitlin.mah_soeung at @modadesigner__ — she found the show through @machinehall (IG knows best lol).
She’s in the event management scene, but her heart? Pure K-pop ✨ @official_parksunghoon photocard swinging on her bag like a charm — if it matches her outfit, it’s a sign of good luck 🪽
We scrolled through the city, hopped the tram, ended up in front of those boujee Surry Hills houses because… why not? 🌆
The galaxy keeps expanding — from runways to random tram rides, everyone brings their own orbit.
🪐 𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆.
Summer Hill Arc
Loan look from @phacoste_ (thanks Phoebe!) — first spotted on the @modadesigner__ runway several months ago ⚡️
Hair & makeup + styling magic by @muasabrinacosta & @babimoni1 💄✨
Model: @jasmine_scorse ✨
At first we planned to shoot at the skate park. But Jasmine said there’d be too many kids (and parents probs won’t like it). So we moved to what I think is a squash court, with a cool graffiti wall in the back 🎨 (sometimes the best spots are the ones you stumble into lol).
Monika thought it’d be cool to make Jasmine DJ at mine (come see me spin sometime 🎶 lol). Even negotiated with the Summer Hill Fish n Chips lady for a shot (bought the food, obviously lol — and honestly, their fish n chips is 🔥. Shoutout to her patience lol).
Loan look from @tasman.banks (thanks Tas!) — first spotted at @modadesigner__ earlier this year ⚡️.
Hair & makeup + styling magic by @muasabrinacosta & @babimoni1 💄✨
First saw @jasmine_scorse years ago on a Sydney model agency site. Finally got to shoot with her — half Chinese, half Aussie, artist, surfer, ex-surf rock band, now into Lyra (aerial hoops) 🌀
We kept it all in Summer Hill. One sneaky digicam look (almost got kicked out of the posh IGA), the rest on mirrorless
Wrapped it at mine because… pink kitchen cabinet 🖤. BTS + mom’s handycam 📹
Aloe
Met @brotherhe back at @modadesigner__ — her style instantly caught my eye, especially that bold red hair.
When we met again today, I literally asked if she’s a chef, food blogger, or something else entirely. Turns out she’s just being herself — and honestly, that’s the best answer.
We talked about what fashion should be — and agreed it’s supposed to be fun. Easy. Playful. A way to express yourself without taking it too seriously 🌀
Also dug up my old archive of @i_d and @dazed mags from 2017 — brought them in as props for the shoot lol 📚
(let me shoot for you wink wink) 👀📸
