sam danan

Just the beginning of celebrating DREAMHAUS’ 10TH YEAR ✨What an honor it has been to share vision, reality, creativity and community with all of you. We are forever grateful, THANK YOU 🫶🏾 Wish we could tag you all! Happy Holidays to You & Yours from DREAMHAUS!

Nikk and I were at a small pizza shop we found in an alley in Korea as we talked about what our Novel Projects “souvenir” would be from this trip and the only thing that made the most sense was a jersey dedicated to my grandmother, Inang. We drew it on the back of a museum brochure. It would be modeled after the Phoenix Suns Jersey — a Phoenix bird being a symbol of kindness and grace. The sun we would convert into the Philippines sun/flag. The #11 was for the 11 children my grandparents have. The LCA patch is a homage to our family business. The Kapampangan (my native Filipino dialect) phrase, “King pusu ning pamilya” translates to “Heart of the family”. It would be created using Filipino piña fabric — very delicate and sheer and traditionally used to wear during celebrations and events. We also imagined it using Korean silk we purchased in Dongdaemun. We went to the man in my small town in the Philippines who exclusively makes jerseys for the neighborhood basketball leagues. At first, he wanted to turn us down because no one had ever done this before, especially with such delicate fabric but then he finally agreed and the only thing we could leave him with was this sketchy little drawing. Nikk and I looked at each other and knew we had to let go and allow it to be collaborative to his resources. His assistant ended up making it, who of all things, used to be a barong designer so had worked with piña fabric all his life. We had two created — one that stayed in Inang’s house and one that’s hanging at @dreamhausla like a retired basketball jersey would hang in the rafters of a gym. I smile every time I look at it, our most personal project together @honorablemohammed , one of its’ kind, a meaningful reminder of Inang’s legacy. A culmination of all things we love. #novelprojects

3 years — 3 years was the last time I launched a personal project called SOMEBODY TO ME. 3 years was the last time I launched a personal project — period. There are many, many projects and things I’m passionate about but during this long overdue time, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about what @smbdy2me actually needs to DO. It needs to tell stories, it needs to document our history in our own words, it needs to be a rolodex of inclusive identities, it needs to be a reminder that we are not alone in life, in love, in failures, and in dreams. I’m humbled to share The @smbdy2me Podcast, where I interview influential somebodies with a focus on their mentors and unsung heroes that helped them get to where they are today. Every week, I have the honor of sharing these unique conversations and witnessing a more personal side to these incredible individuals. NOW AVAILABLE on @applepodcasts , @spotifypodcasts , and @stitcherpodcasts . EVERY weekly Listen, Subscription, Rating, Review, and Follow is much appreciated 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Link in bio! Thank you to our producer, the incredible @royrollin !! Special thank you to my loved ones for believing in me when it was difficult for me to believe in myself — for challenging me, for pushing me, for being somebodies to me everyday ❤️

What a time to be in love!!

If you think all do is eat cake, drink matcha and be myself @ritual , you’re completely correct. I also continue to learn more about reproductive heath and our resilient bodies than I ever had in my whole life. I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated a workaversary before but this season of life just hits different because of the many parallels, overlaps and zigzags and I’m here for it ☀️

Flow state weaves in pockets of everyday, curious to approach any task (no matter how mundane) as a creative and curious experimentation. They’re opportunities when you’re talking to and with yourself the most, your #1 somebody. No judgment, no goal, just thoughts to scratch an inch and try something. Q1 Experiments & Observations 🌊

Four years ago, you sent me one of the most thoughtful emails I’ve ever received and it almost sounded too good to be true. I was in a tough place in my career so timing couldn’t have been more meaningful. I remember being nervous to write back, hoping the man on the email would be the same man in person. You were, and it was like talking to an old friend but one I hadn’t met yet but someone I knew I’d know for the rest of my life. We bonded so naturally over things like what family means to us and you always gushed about your daughters, the films, music and happenings we debated about (like we just talked about being bushes at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl), and the fearless way we dreamed up collabs and then actually made some happen. We cared about the same details and nuances, the things our communities would recognize and feel. We always talked about how we’d both be professors one day and guest lecture in each other’s classes. You always listened, you always made time. I’m indebted to you for bringing incredible people into my life, for trusting us with your vision and for letting us be a part of your legacy and having fun while doing so, for betting on us and letting us be authentically ourselves while laughing through it all. I don’t think words will ever really capture the impact you’ve had but when meeting your family yesterday, I’m glad we got to share the deep and mutual love and appreciation we will always have for you. Thank you for everything, Ibraheem. Thank you, friend 🕊️🤎

Archives I Don’t Want To Forget, In No Particular Order Part 1 💌

Last year, I had dreams of physical SMBDY2ME experiences and even though I didn’t know what they looked like, I always knew what they’d FEEL like. To everyone I’ve had the pleasure to meet, to loved ones who continue to support in every way, I hope this version of SMBDY has felt like a big big BIG hug because that’s what I feel from ya’ll. To more of this connection and openness to evolution, it’ll be embraced with open arms. If this feels like a sign to try something even though you don’t know what it’ll become, it is 🤎 go have the time of your life.

We’ll be in GOOD company w/ our friends at @prettygoodboy.la & @bluepawsdenim this Sunday at The Row DTLA for their Holiday Market 🤍 you won’t want to miss our first official pop-up: *NEW* things loading 👀 Dec 7th from 11am-4pm oh! & it’s @smorgasburgla Sunday too! The Row DTLA 1318 E. 7th St. #144 Los Angeles, CA 90030 See you soon 💫

Caught the first snowfall in Paris ❄️

| SIPING | In creating this project, we dug deeper with our models to reconnect with our heritage through our community. Directing this video, I knew that I wanted to share other people’s story and experiences of what it means to be Filipino. “Filipino identity is very powerful” - @amandasebastiann “I carry my families history by following my heart and living the lives they wanted me to live” - @annkrisha_ “Filipino love it’s it’s intense. It’s passionate” - @jannajalla “In Filipino culture, love is very usually expressed through actions, through effort” - @loganalcosiba Creative Director & Editorial Designer: @sumaan Photographer & Director: @emilynnrose DP: @iamsuzaine AC: @damnnjoanne Video Editor: @marietafarfarova Digital Tech: @jer.aquino Talent: @loganalcosiba @annkrisha_ @jannajalla @amandasebastiann Makeup Artist: @mikkamarcaida Makeup Assistant: @glammedbycam1 Hair Stylist: @athena_alberto Hair Assistant: @sarahlairddd Wardrobe Stylist: @akathayz Wardrobe Assistant: @isabellee.castro 1st Photo Assistant: @laurennieves_ 2nd Photo Assistant: @duo.decem BTS Videographer: @vania.musica BTS Photographer: @natalieborton_ Set Designer: @cja.thecollective Production Assistant: @kaitsicles Coordinator: @marissacortess #filipinoheritage #filipinoheritagemonth