M.A.R.A.

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

★ M.A.R.A.★

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