M.A.R.A.

It’s still 70 degrees people. Here are some Spring 2012...

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:32:53 -0400

It’s still 70 degrees people. Here are some Spring 2012 inspirational ensembles from one of my favorite designers, Detroit-born with Chinese ancestry, Anna Sui. (Part 1)

Photos from nymag, annasui.com
Other Keywords: famous asian fashion designers, famous asians, nyfw, new york fashion week spring 2012, polka dots, shorts, high waisted shorts, black, red, purple, violet, fur, 1940’s, one piece pant jumper

Thakoon Panichgul. Thai-born. Omaha raised. Fantastic designer....

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 10:12:40 -0400

Thakoon Spring 2012

Thakoon Spring 2012

Thakoon Spring 2012

Thakoon Spring 2012

Thakoon Panichgul. Thai-born. Omaha raised. Fantastic designer. Pink painted hair and stark sky blue snap button shirt dress with a black lace vest overlay finished with gold toe cowboy booties. And that’s just the first ensemble.

I’ll spare you my description of each piece, but did you see the orange lace? ORANGE LACE! And my god: the gold and orange paisley halter with matching Bermuda shorts is PEPLUM PERFECTION.

Photos via nymag. Thakoon’s site.
Other keywords: famous thai designers, famous male thai fashion designers, blue, orange, pink, paisley, brown, tan, gold, halter, bermuda shorts, tiered, tier, polka dots, black lace, orange lace, sari, cowboy booties

Derek Lam’s millenial fluorescent hues of yellow, coral,...

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:00:05 -0400

Derek Lam Spring 2012

Derek Lam Spring 2012

Derek Lam Spring 2012

Derek Lam (at right) Spring 2012

Derek Lam’s millenial fluorescent hues of yellow, coral, and turquoise collected with a brown leather revival, thick white hemmed blue jeans, and a neutral brushed camel is genius for Spring 2012. ROCK ON.

Honestly, I never thought I’d ever wear the brown Carlito’s Way jacket I bought in the East Village past 1997 (though, truth be told, I kept it - and yes, it still fits!); nor did I ever think I’d actually find inspiration for that brown leather shin length skirt my mother bought me 10 years ago. I can wear my vintage turquoise earrings and ring with that ribbed orange tank top somewhere at the bottom of that “I might still wear that” pile. And all of these I can and will wear early fall. Muhahaha.

Photos via nymag. More on Derek Lam, who is of Chinese descent.
Other keywords: famous asian fashion designers, famous asian designers, famous chinese fashion designers, famous male fashion designers, famous asian male fashion designers, chinese fashion designers, chinese-american, new york fashion week spring 2012, nyfw, @DerekLamNYC

My picks from Vivienne Tam’s Spring 2012 collection. ...

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:01:06 -0400

Vivienne Tam Spring 2012

Vivienne Tam (at right) Spring 2012

My picks from Vivienne Tam’s Spring 2012 collection. Love the print in orange on white sheer as well as yellow-gold on black sheer. The flutter sleeves are a beautiful touch.

The laser cut linen pants paired with a colorful top and matching lining (WITH fruit stripes gum colors at the waist - mind the detail please) harnesses the sky bluish hues nicely. And those purple velvet shorts with the laser cut black silhouette sheer top are delicious; as is the teal ruffled one piece pant halter.

Photos via nymag. More on Ms. Vivienne.
Other keywords: Famous asians, famous asian fashion designers, famous chinese designers, famous asian female fashion designers

Just a smidgen of Monique Lhuillier’s Spring...

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:00:05 -0400

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2012

Lhuillier in the middle

Just a smidgen of Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2012 collection. Leather and lace, leather straps against chiffon, navy and black shiny bustier flowing to a mermaid bottom, and a gold and black hourglass halter … gorgeous

More on the Philippine-born fashion designer

Photos via nymag
Other Keywords: famous filipino fashion designers, female filipino fashion designers, wedding dress designer, leather halter strap dress, leather and lace, hourglass halter maxi dress, black. gold, red, white, blue, space age, rock chic glamour,

Prabal Gurung’s Spring 2012. Fantastic. One of my faves....

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:02:06 -0400

Prabal Gurung’s Spring 2012. Fantastic. One of my faves.

Photos via nymag
Other Keywords: Nepalese fashion designer, famous asian fashion designers, famous asians, male fashion designers, purple lace, laser cut, chiffon, organza, halter dresses, sheer white with black dresses, butterfly sleeve, purple sequins, shiny purple, cocktail dresses, tea party dresses, spring wedding dresses, space age, retro, 1940’s throwback

Taiwanese Alexander Wang and his Spring 2012 ready-to-wear...

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:01:06 -0400

Alexander Wang, middle, Spring 2012

Alexander Wang Spring 2012

Taiwanese Alexander Wang and his Spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection above. Maroon, red, or crimson embellished bolero and minis. Wow. Also, how adorable is he? His Fall 2011 is below. Ideas from the basics in the closet are a-spawning.

More on Alexander Wang: Wiki
Photos via nymag
Other keywords: Chinese fashion designers, famous asians, famous asian fashion designers, taiwanese fashion designers, male fashion designers, nyfw, new york fashion week, spring 2012, fall 2011, grey, black, maroon, crimson, red, satin slit cuts, embellished jacket, bolero, pedal pushers, shorts, mini dresses, urban chic, bomber jackets, fur collared jackets, quilted cape jacket, lace up boots, sheer tuxedo blouse, black wool turtleneck dress, sheer black tuxedo top, slits

Doo Ri’s Spring 2012 jersey drapery is unparalleled. That...

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:01:05 -0400

Doo Ri’s Spring 2012 jersey drapery is unparalleled. That low cut, grey, Greek revival dress with the high slit paired with gold wedges is perfect for a warm spring NY night. And I could just roll around in purple anytime. I mean. It’s purple. That is all.

Fall 2011. Drapery, Ruffles, and Layers, oh my!!! Do you see those layers of wool beautifully ruffled and draped?!? The hourglass wool maxi dress whose grey is juxtaposed against a pseudo skin color of tan?!? The black netting down the front and at the sides?!? And that asymmetrical front to back dress with lace up suede boots. Goodness. Take another look if you fail to see the artistry in every detail of these pieces.

Korean American Doo Ri worked for Geoffrey Beene for six years and was appointed Head Designer. Ri started her own company in 2001 in the basement of her parents’ dry cleaning business. More on the talented Doo Ri.

Her past collections are equally delicious, still wearable, an inspiration, and thus definitely a must see. Peplum shorts and drapery. Swoon.

Spring 2010

Resort 2008

Photos are from nymag and doo ri
Other Keywords: korean american designers, famous asians, asian designers, asian female designers, resort collection, spring 2010, fall 2011, drapery, draping, draped dresses

Selections from Jason Wu’s Spring 2012 RTW. High....

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:01:00 -0400

Selections from Jason Wu’s Spring 2012 RTW. High. Waisted. Shorts. Pleated peplum. 1940’s throwback deliciousness. My goodness! And there’s more!

Photos via nymag
Other Keywords: famous asian designers, chinese fashion designer, taiwanese fashion designer, taipei, spring 2012 ready to wear, new york fashion week, nyfw, jason wu, short shorts, glitter, bow tie, pink, yellow, grey, black, cocktail dress,

How is it possible that such a combination of colors can convey...

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:01:05 -0400

Peter Som Spring 2012

Peter Som Fall 2011 (L), Spring 2012 (R)

How is it possible that such a combination of colors can convey such a tasty texture? A movable feast of fashion!

Peter Som, who is of Han Chinese descent, was raised in San Fransisco and describes his designs as “effortless elegance and refined sexiness”. Note how Som’s collections naturally evoke a retro mod aesthetic; he honed his skills designing for Bill Blass.

Fall 2011 - THOSE BOOTS!!!

Photos via nymag
Other Keywords: famous asian fashion designers, male fashion designers, chinese fashion designers, famous asians, famous chinese men, peach, blue, yellow, orange, dresses, model Liu Wen (in the flowy blue slit dress, spring 2012, at right in 2nd photo set above)

Selections from Tadashi Shoji’s Fall 2011 and Spring 2012...

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 10:31:00 -0400

Selections from Tadashi Shoji’s Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 RTW collection above. Japan born and raised designer Shoji at bottom right above. Also note Chinese model Lily Zhi (top row, midle, photo above; bottom row middle, photo below)

Other Keywords: japanese fashion designers, new york fashion week, spring 2012 ready to wear, fall 2011, bee, yellow, black and white stripe, yellow and black stripe, organza dress, long maxi dress, grey platform strap heels, white lace dress, chiffon, sheer dress

Project Runway’s Anya Ayoung-Chee (2nd photo set, middle)...

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:30:00 -0400

Spring Resort 2012

Anya Ayoung-Chee in the middle

Project Runway’s Anya Ayoung-Chee (2nd photo set, middle) was crowned Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe 2008 and is of Chinese descent. More on the multi-talented beauty.

HELP! If anyone knows the name of the Asian model (middle, top row) pls let me know. I’ll be happy to post a link to your site and/or mention for credit (I’m a stickler for that). Google search provided no useful results :/ Thanks in advance!

Photos via nymag
Other Keywords: famous asians, beauty pageant, pageant winners, asian beauty pageant, famous asian female designers, swim, resort collection, safari style, blue, gold, yellow, black, stripe, zebra, green, black, white, multi color, maxi dress, chiffon, gold chain, halter, mumu, wood necklace

Richard Chai’s Fall 2011 collection. (Note: Asian models...

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:33:00 -0400

Richard Chai’s Fall 2011 collection.
(Note: Asian models Ming Xi (top row, middle) and Liu Wen (bottom row, 1st from left)

I chose to collage the ensembles that look comfortable, are work-appropriate, and of course, exude nyc-style savvy. Also, the cut and lines provide structure and shape, striking a balance with the 80’s refreshed looseness of the coats, trousers, and long skirts.

More on Richard Chai: Label Overview, Richard Chai for Target, Wiki
The Korean American designer extraordinaire.

Other Keywords: korean american fashion designers, famous koreans, male fashion designers, nyc chic, fall 2011 collection, grey wool, black, loose, structured, zipper, 80’s donna karan throwback, nyc fashion week, new york city fashion week

Ruby Neilam Salvador Adams (aka Neile McQueen-Toffel) is a...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:51:00 -0400

Ruby Neilam Salvador Adams

(aka Neile McQueen-Toffel) is a Filipino-American actress, singer, dancer born in the Philippines, July 10, 1936, and is of German, Spanish, English, Chinese, and Filipino descent. Adams spent 18 months during WWII imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines. [Family photo above via]

Adams gained national attention by age 20 when she starred in Bob Fosse’s Broadway production of “The Pajama Game”. A string of legends such as Rodgers and Hammerstein, hand selected her to star in their Broadway productions. Film and television features soon followed.

Adams’ MGM publicity photo c. 1960 [via]

Adams married actor Steve McQueen just four months after they met in 1956. Adams wrote about her 15-year marriage and 24-year friendship with McQueen in her book, My Husband, My Friend.

[via]

In 1963, McQueen told LIFE magazine, “With strangers, I can’t breathe…But I dig my old lady…”

MCQeen and Adams in a Sulphur bath, Big Sur, 1963. Photo by John Dominis.

McQueen and Adams stylin 60s mod [via]

McQueen and Adams in Taipei 1965 [via], photo by Doris Nieh

McQueen and Adams at home [via]

McQueen and Adams poolside in their Palm Springs bungalow, 1963.
Photo by John Dominis. [via]

Sources & more: Life, book excerpts, book press release, Wiki, IMDb
Other Keywords: famous filipinos, famous asians, famous asian dancers, famous asian singers, famous asian actors, chinese-filipino, mestizo actors, steve mcqueen’s wife, steve mcqueen’s love, formidable asian women, asian female performers, asians in broadway, 1960’s mod photos, famous filipino-americans, mixed asian, hapa

Sadaki Sasaki. Hiroshima. aurorae: “The Children’s Peace...

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 07:03:29 -0400

Sadaki Sasaki. Hiroshima.

aurorae:

“The Children’s Peace Monument” is a monument for peace to commemorate Sadako Sasaki and the thousands of child victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. (via 広島・原爆投下の日２)

Ken…you kill meOther Keywords: Transformers: Dark of the...

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:11:00 -0400

Ken…you kill me

Other Keywords: Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Hangover, Community, Role Models, Couples Retreat, Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, The Shield, famous asians, famous asian, famous asian comedians, funny asian dude, this guy’s a trained medical doctor (what?!? yeahhhhh)

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Jose Antonio Vargas, outs himself as an illegal immigrant

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:49:00 -0400

June 22, 2011

Jose Antonio Vargas, who moved to the US from the Philippines when he was 12 years old, divulged his undocumented citizenship status in The New York Times Magazine today to rally support for the DREAM Act, which would allow children of undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least five years, graduated from high school, and are of good moral character the opportunity to earn citizenship through at least two years of college or military service.

Vargas, who has written for The Washington Post and was a technology editor with The Huff Post, and contributed to the Pulitzer Prize-winning articles on the Virginia Tech shootings, was inspired to step forward after learning of high school graduates who marched in Washington to support the Dream Act.

“We are not who you think we are. We don’t just mow your lawns, and babysit your kids, and serve you tacos…we do a really good job doing that…but we do other things and we are a part of this society…and I think everyone deserves dignity.”

The risks. The interview. The article in the New York Times Magazine.

Other Keywords: famous filipino-american writers, filipino american journalist, immigrant activism, the dream act

Illustrating Sports in 2011 ...

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 12:20:32 -0400

Chrissy Teigen

Photographed by Raphael Mazzucco in Boracay Island, Philippines. Swimsuit by Elizabeth Southwood for Sauvage.

Photographed by Raphael Mazzucco Boracay Island, Philippines.

Jessica Gomes

Photographed by Warwick Saint in Peter Island, British Virgin Islands for Sports Illustrated. Swimsuit by Lybethras.

Photographed by Warwick Saint in Peter Island, British Virgin Islands. Swimsuit by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Other Keywords: Famous Asian models, models of Asian descent, Asians in sports illustrated 2011, sexy Asian models (seems redundant to say so, no? :)

Li Na Wins 2011 French Open!

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 09:04:33 -0400

Photo: Huffpost

Saturday, June 4, 2011 - Paris

29 year-old Li Na becomes the first Asian-born Chinese, man or woman, to win a Grand Slam singles title. Beating defending champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy, 6-4, 7-6 (0) in yesterday’s match, Li is now projected to rise from the 6th to the 4th seed in women’s tennis. The Wuhan, China native said this was a “dream come true”. More on Li Na and her victory.

Other Keywords: female asian tennis player, female trailblazers, asian female trailblazers, famous asian athletes, french open champions, female french open champions, asian grand slam champions, first female, first asian, first asian born

British Surgeon, Karen Woo, Shot Dead in Afghanistan Ambush

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:39:56 -0400

The New York Times and Telegraph UK report that 36 year-old British surgeon, Karen Woo, is one of 10 killed by the Taliban in an ambush Thursday in Afghanistan.

Officials confirmed today that Dr. Woo was part of a foreign medical team hiking into one of the toughest parts of the country to provide services before being shot to death on Thursday in a remote corner of the Hindu Kush in northern Afghanistan.

The International Assistance Mission (IAM) team consisted of doctors, nurses, and technicians, including six Americans and three women.

More here and here.

Other Keywords: asian british doctor killed in taliban ambush in afghanistan, medical aid team killed in ambush in afghanistan, IAM, dr. Karen Woo