Out of Print
How the designer and co-owner behind Strange Mercy finds presence, intention and creativity in isolation.
Sometimes I wore it out on a grocery run, other times to throw something on after yoga, and others just to lay on my back and put my feet up while trying to get more Vitamin D. There was never an occasion, however mundane, that I didn’t think would be made a tiny bit better just by wearing it. It possessed that rare combination of comfort and mood-lifting that is often reserved for articles in one’s closet that have had some history to them. And so even if the recent history that was now attached to this t-shirt was one of a truly weird and brutal year, I still can’t help but gravitate towards it whenever I need a bit of a sartorial serotonin boost.
For Michelle Pasia, one half of the team behind Strange Mercy, the goal has always been about more than just making clothes. Giving weight instead to designing pieces ‘that focus on the emotional and spiritual body, as we are greatly influenced by our desire to spread joy and good vibes.’
Drawing equal parts inspiration from the motifs and typefaces of ‘70-era t-shirts as the New Age philosophies of Ram Dass (the celebrated spiritual guru behind the book Be Here Now), Strange Mercy’s colorful line of hand-drawn tees and silk scarves aim to imbue their wearer with the same sense of consciousness and purpose that drive its design team.
I chat with Michelle to find out how she’s personally managed to both push forward and stay present in a time when much of our world can feel like it’s at an endless standstill.
Michelle Pasia says she wants Strange Mercy to provide “a sense of both physical and emotional comfort to the wearer.”
Out of Print: Can you tell us about your background? What kind of work did you do before you founded Strange Mercy?
Michelle Pasia: I graduated with a degree in fashion and started my first job in store operations. I was there for about a year before moving on to a new role as a fashion buyer for one of the country’s largest department store chains. Then I left for the US to study product development in FIT.
My partner, Gino [Galisim] is an interior design graduate who also started his career in retail. He later moved on to a design role and has been working in the industry for more than a decade.
Where did the idea for the brand come from? What were you envisioning when you started to dream it to life?
I started out by selling vintage clothing which I’d personally source while in the States. At the time, I was more aware of the poor practices in the fast fashion industry and wanted to build a brand that could provide a better alternative.
A few months after launching the brand, I found myself in a slump after failing to secure a job abroad. I took a year off to make room for creative exploration. I spent my time painting and illustrating, fully involving myself in the process without any attachment to the outcome. That’s when I realised that I could use the brand as a vehicle for consciousness. I wanted to channel my creative energy into forms that people could connect with on a deeper level. I think this was how the brand transitioned to what it is today.
What is the significance of the name 'Strange Mercy'? Does it have to do with the St. Vincent song? What about that particular song influences your brand's design philosophy?
Yes! While living in the States, Strange Mercy was one of the random songs that would play on my iPod which I would listen to during my commutes. Something about the song felt reassuring, especially at a time when I was experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. During this period, thrift shopping became a form of therapy for me and so I associated that feeling of comfort from the song to how I felt when thrifting.
Even as we started producing our own goods, we’ve always held on to that intention of providing a sense of both physical and emotional comfort to the wearer.
Michelle Pasia: I graduated with a degree in fashion and started my first job in store operations. I was there for about a year before moving on to a new role as a fashion buyer for one of the country’s largest department store chains. Then I left for the US to study product development in FIT.
My partner, Gino [Galisim] is an interior design graduate who also started his career in retail. He later moved on to a design role and has been working in the industry for more than a decade.
Where did the idea for the brand come from? What were you envisioning when you started to dream it to life?
I started out by selling vintage clothing which I’d personally source while in the States. At the time, I was more aware of the poor practices in the fast fashion industry and wanted to build a brand that could provide a better alternative.
A few months after launching the brand, I found myself in a slump after failing to secure a job abroad. I took a year off to make room for creative exploration. I spent my time painting and illustrating, fully involving myself in the process without any attachment to the outcome. That’s when I realised that I could use the brand as a vehicle for consciousness. I wanted to channel my creative energy into forms that people could connect with on a deeper level. I think this was how the brand transitioned to what it is today.
What is the significance of the name 'Strange Mercy'? Does it have to do with the St. Vincent song? What about that particular song influences your brand's design philosophy?
Yes! While living in the States, Strange Mercy was one of the random songs that would play on my iPod which I would listen to during my commutes. Something about the song felt reassuring, especially at a time when I was experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. During this period, thrift shopping became a form of therapy for me and so I associated that feeling of comfort from the song to how I felt when thrifting.
Even as we started producing our own goods, we’ve always held on to that intention of providing a sense of both physical and emotional comfort to the wearer.
Michelle on her partner Gino: “He has a more calculated approach to things. For instance, when I present an idea to him he’ll usually respond with a barrage of questions. Though I hate to admit it, I think this helps maintain the balance. He provides structure and at the same time keeps me grounded.”
Going back, can you tell us what your creative process was like putting together your first collection? What inspired you design-wise back then?
When I was putting together the first collection, that was the year when I took a break and was just experimenting with different ideas. I didn’t even think I’d be printing my designs on t-shirts! I just kept myself fully involved in the creative process until I’d get into that flow state and then eventually arrive at something I was comfortable enough to share.
At the time, the cause I felt most strongly about was female empowerment, so the whole collection revolved around that. I had always been inspired by the 1960’s and ‘70s eras, hippie counterculture and the new age movement, so this was the route I pursued in terms of style. It also just felt more fitting to start off with vintage-inspired graphic tees given that I started out as a brand that sold vintage goods.
How has that process changed over the last few years?
Generally, it’s been pretty much the same. I’ve always treated the brand as a platform for self-expression and so my approach has always been very open. I like playing around with different styles while keeping in mind that we still embody the brand’s vision in our designs. I’ve kept an artistic approach to my process and have always relied on my feeling and intuition to take the lead. I suppose that over the years, I’ve learned how to let go and just concede to the process itself. I’ve discovered that some of the best ideas usually come out this way.
One of your first collections that really took off was based on the zodiac signs. Do you personally believe in astrology?
Yes! I like reading up on it and using it as a guide to understand myself better.
What are you and your partner, Gino’s, signs? How do you think they come into play when you guys work together on Strange Mercy?
I’m an Aries and my partner Gino is a Capricorn. I suppose this means that we’re both assertive control freaks that tend to be wed to our opinions — probably the reason why we butt heads a lot (no pun intended)! On the plus side I think that works for us because it shows that we’re both intensely driven.
When I have an idea I usually like to dive into it headfirst and just do my own thing, then maybe think about the other stuff later. On the other hand, he has a more calculated approach to things. For instance, when I present an idea to him he’ll usually respond with a barrage of questions. Though I hate to admit it, I think this helps maintain the balance. He provides structure and at the same time keeps me grounded.
As cardinal signs, we’re both natural instigators so I guess that plays well in the creative process because we always want to push for fresh ideas.
When I was putting together the first collection, that was the year when I took a break and was just experimenting with different ideas. I didn’t even think I’d be printing my designs on t-shirts! I just kept myself fully involved in the creative process until I’d get into that flow state and then eventually arrive at something I was comfortable enough to share.
At the time, the cause I felt most strongly about was female empowerment, so the whole collection revolved around that. I had always been inspired by the 1960’s and ‘70s eras, hippie counterculture and the new age movement, so this was the route I pursued in terms of style. It also just felt more fitting to start off with vintage-inspired graphic tees given that I started out as a brand that sold vintage goods.
How has that process changed over the last few years?
Generally, it’s been pretty much the same. I’ve always treated the brand as a platform for self-expression and so my approach has always been very open. I like playing around with different styles while keeping in mind that we still embody the brand’s vision in our designs. I’ve kept an artistic approach to my process and have always relied on my feeling and intuition to take the lead. I suppose that over the years, I’ve learned how to let go and just concede to the process itself. I’ve discovered that some of the best ideas usually come out this way.
One of your first collections that really took off was based on the zodiac signs. Do you personally believe in astrology?
Yes! I like reading up on it and using it as a guide to understand myself better.
What are you and your partner, Gino’s, signs? How do you think they come into play when you guys work together on Strange Mercy?
I’m an Aries and my partner Gino is a Capricorn. I suppose this means that we’re both assertive control freaks that tend to be wed to our opinions — probably the reason why we butt heads a lot (no pun intended)! On the plus side I think that works for us because it shows that we’re both intensely driven.
When I have an idea I usually like to dive into it headfirst and just do my own thing, then maybe think about the other stuff later. On the other hand, he has a more calculated approach to things. For instance, when I present an idea to him he’ll usually respond with a barrage of questions. Though I hate to admit it, I think this helps maintain the balance. He provides structure and at the same time keeps me grounded.
As cardinal signs, we’re both natural instigators so I guess that plays well in the creative process because we always want to push for fresh ideas.
A print from Strange Mercy’s Universal Energy collection.
I first met you during Aura sa Artesania, which was a pop-up of local brands that you personally curated alongside the team from Artesania. Why was it important for you to gather and connect with like-minded small businesses?
I remember what it was like when we started our first business back in 2011. We joined a popup called 10A Alabama and I recall feeling so inspired because it was such a tight-knit community. All the vendors knew each other and were so supportive of each other that it never felt like we were working or selling.
Since we started Strange Mercy, we’ve always been on the lookout for a similar event but could never seem to find one. So when Francine and Francesca Gacrama (of Artesania) expressed their mutual intent to hold space for us alongside other brands, we jumped on the opportunity right away. It was important for us to connect with other small businesses because we wanted to create a community that supports and uplifts each other, especially for those that are just starting out. I think being together keeps us motivated and reminds us of our collective purpose-why we do what we do in the first place.
How have you maintained that spirit of community amidst the pandemic?
Through collaborations. We recently launched a collection with Renegade Folk and were amazed at how we managed to pull it off despite being limited to emails and weekly video chats. To stay connected, we’ve also resorted to sending some of our stuff to friends and small business owners whenever we launch a new collection. Without us even asking, they’d instantly help by promoting our pieces online. We do the same for them by supporting their business in whatever way we can. Something as simple as buying from them and posting about it, supporting their efforts to raise funds for certain causes, or sharing their businesses with other people.
Can you tell us how being in isolation has affected you both personally and creatively?
Prior to the pandemic, I was already working from home so I’ve always spent time in isolation, especially when working on a new collection. Being in isolation is usually the most optimal work set up for me. I think the only difference is that this time around, it’s a little more challenging to feel inspired. That said, I’ve really been banking on 'inward trips' to fuel my creativity and have had to be more resourceful in finding ways to get inspired. I think this forced isolation has also driven us to reflect deeper on the brand’s purpose and re-evaluate the pieces that we put out. If anything, I think we’ve become even more mindful.
Given everything that's happened, how do you recharge and make room for new energy?
I run as often as I can as this clears my mind and improves my overall mood while helping me practice being present. I also spend a lot of quiet time alone listening to lectures from the Here & Now podcast and reflecting on how I can apply it to my daily life, spending time with my dogs, and giving myself time and space to just be.
Your latest collection plays around with ideas of consciousness and inner peace. What about those ideas spoke to you?
During the lockdown, I found myself looking for tools to cope. I started listening to Ram Dass’ Here & Now podcast and was moved by his teachings on consciousness. In one of his lectures he talks about “awakening out of the illusion of our separateness and becoming one sharing in the universal consciousness.” I thought about how fitting that was as we were all forced into isolation, confused, and struggling to make sense of things. Since we were all going through the same thing together, we could all empathise with each other more deeply. I wanted our designs to capture our collective consciousness and the oneness that comes out of the awareness of our shared experience.
Many of us used the period as an opportunity to go on trips within, reflecting on how we can help others and what part we play in all this. We wanted the collection to mirror that collective journey to self-awareness.
Lastly, how do you hope your pieces are incorporated into the post-pandemic lives of your Strange Mercy customers?
I’m hoping we’re still very much a part of our customer’s lives and that our pieces continue to bring them a sense of hope across any situation they find themselves in. When coming up with new pieces, we always keep in mind that our designs are universal, timeless, and transcendent. It’s always the best feeling when we see our customers still wearing pieces from our first collection. This just validates the idea that our pieces are always present and relatable no matter the circumstance. ︎
I remember what it was like when we started our first business back in 2011. We joined a popup called 10A Alabama and I recall feeling so inspired because it was such a tight-knit community. All the vendors knew each other and were so supportive of each other that it never felt like we were working or selling.
Since we started Strange Mercy, we’ve always been on the lookout for a similar event but could never seem to find one. So when Francine and Francesca Gacrama (of Artesania) expressed their mutual intent to hold space for us alongside other brands, we jumped on the opportunity right away. It was important for us to connect with other small businesses because we wanted to create a community that supports and uplifts each other, especially for those that are just starting out. I think being together keeps us motivated and reminds us of our collective purpose-why we do what we do in the first place.
How have you maintained that spirit of community amidst the pandemic?
Through collaborations. We recently launched a collection with Renegade Folk and were amazed at how we managed to pull it off despite being limited to emails and weekly video chats. To stay connected, we’ve also resorted to sending some of our stuff to friends and small business owners whenever we launch a new collection. Without us even asking, they’d instantly help by promoting our pieces online. We do the same for them by supporting their business in whatever way we can. Something as simple as buying from them and posting about it, supporting their efforts to raise funds for certain causes, or sharing their businesses with other people.
Can you tell us how being in isolation has affected you both personally and creatively?
Prior to the pandemic, I was already working from home so I’ve always spent time in isolation, especially when working on a new collection. Being in isolation is usually the most optimal work set up for me. I think the only difference is that this time around, it’s a little more challenging to feel inspired. That said, I’ve really been banking on 'inward trips' to fuel my creativity and have had to be more resourceful in finding ways to get inspired. I think this forced isolation has also driven us to reflect deeper on the brand’s purpose and re-evaluate the pieces that we put out. If anything, I think we’ve become even more mindful.
Given everything that's happened, how do you recharge and make room for new energy?
I run as often as I can as this clears my mind and improves my overall mood while helping me practice being present. I also spend a lot of quiet time alone listening to lectures from the Here & Now podcast and reflecting on how I can apply it to my daily life, spending time with my dogs, and giving myself time and space to just be.
Your latest collection plays around with ideas of consciousness and inner peace. What about those ideas spoke to you?
During the lockdown, I found myself looking for tools to cope. I started listening to Ram Dass’ Here & Now podcast and was moved by his teachings on consciousness. In one of his lectures he talks about “awakening out of the illusion of our separateness and becoming one sharing in the universal consciousness.” I thought about how fitting that was as we were all forced into isolation, confused, and struggling to make sense of things. Since we were all going through the same thing together, we could all empathise with each other more deeply. I wanted our designs to capture our collective consciousness and the oneness that comes out of the awareness of our shared experience.
Many of us used the period as an opportunity to go on trips within, reflecting on how we can help others and what part we play in all this. We wanted the collection to mirror that collective journey to self-awareness.
Lastly, how do you hope your pieces are incorporated into the post-pandemic lives of your Strange Mercy customers?
I’m hoping we’re still very much a part of our customer’s lives and that our pieces continue to bring them a sense of hope across any situation they find themselves in. When coming up with new pieces, we always keep in mind that our designs are universal, timeless, and transcendent. It’s always the best feeling when we see our customers still wearing pieces from our first collection. This just validates the idea that our pieces are always present and relatable no matter the circumstance. ︎
Sam Potenciano is a former magazine editor and stylist currently doing creative odd jobs in Manila.