The Metropolitan Museum of Art: China: Through the Looking Glass

On Monday I attended the press preview of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new exhibition,  "China Through the Looking Glass,".  At the preview, Director of the Museum, Thomas Campbell,  Chairman of the Department of Art, Mike Hearn, Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer and, Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton, and famed Hong Kong director and Artistic Director of the exhibition, Wong Kar Wai, gave opening remarks.  Also in attendance were Anna Wintour, financier Silas Chou, Wendi Murdoch, and designer Vivienne Tam.

L to R (Top: Thomas Campell, Anna Wintour, Silas Chou, Wendi Murdoch, Wong Kar-Wai, Bottom: Mike Hearn, Marissa Mayer, Andrew Bolton)

The exhibition in one of the biggest undertaken by the museum, displaying 150 haute couture dresses, gowns, costumes and accessories from 40 designers alongside Chinese art,costumes, paintings, porcelains, and other art, including films.  It explores the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion, and how China has fueled the fashionable imagination for centuries.  The exhibition runs from May 7 to Aug. 16.  



The exhibition was so immense, I was a bit overwhelmed, but plan on returning to the Met to see the art and fashion at a more leisurely pace.  One of my favorite rooms was the Blue Porcelain room with designs influenced by traditional blue and white Chinese porcelain.

The Blue Porcelain Room: Gown by Designer Guo Pei ( designed Rihanna's yellow gown for Met Gala), ( photo with Guo Pei 2013)

Another favorite was the Astor Court which features a thematic vignette dedicated to Chinese opera, focusing on John Galliano’s spring 2003 Christian Dior Haute Couture Collection.  Two gowns designed by Martin Margiela using vintage Chinese opera costumes were a highlight.  

 Cinema plays a big role in Western understanding of the richness of Chinese history.  One of the galleries exhibits a group of cheongsam also know as qipao, considered the traditional dress of China.  Video clips of Maggie Cheung wearing colorful qipaos from the movie "In the Mood for Love" provide visual and audio ambience perfect for this exhibit.

Screenshot of Maggie Cheung dressed in one of the many colorful cheongsams in the film "In the Mood for Love" directed by Wong Kar-Wai.

Chinese Cheongsam 1932

In the Chinese Galleries, Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American actress was the center of attention.  Wong was a pioneer for Asian-American actors and one of the few actors in general to transition from silent to talking films.

Anna May Wong Christian Dior Evening Gown

Christian Dior Gown

Left: Alexander McQueen Dress in silk.

The Organic Pharmacy Cocktail Launch of Beauty Drops

I recently visited The Organic Pharmacy located at 353 Bleeker Street for their Organic Cocktail Launch. I was excited to learn about the London based company, which was founded by Margo Marrone, a pharmacist with a background specializing in herbal medicine and nutrition. Marrone was shocked about the level of toxins in our food and cosmetics and decided to start the brand with her husband Franco. I'm a big fan of organic and homeopathic products, and am happy to find that their products have no artificial preservatives, no artificial colorants, no artificial fragrances, are free of petrochemicals and preservatives, does no animal testing, and are organic and fair trade.

The first product I tried was their new Beauty Drops ($99), a supplement made with  ginseng, gotu kola, and blueberry.  The drops can be taken internally by adding 2-3 drops to a glass of water.  When sipped, Beauty Drops improves the energy of cells, gives the mind an energy boost and improves skin hydration.  I tasted the drops by itself; it had a pleasant flavor which was slightly sweet and herbal.  

Benefits of Beauty Drop Key Ingredients

Ginseng, Gotu Kola, and Blueberry:

I tried it in a cocktail as well and the flavor was hardly noticeable and blended well with the drink.  The beauty drops can also be added to an Organic Pharmacy cream, serum or mask, to give an instant energy boost for radiant and energized skin. 

I then tried the Carrot Butter Cleanser ($74) which smelled absolutely divine and had a lovely velvety texture. When massaged, it melted into my skin easily.  The cleanser is rich in antioxidants, is great for dissolving dirt, and gentle enough to use to remove eye make-up.  I was told that a little amount goes a long way.

Another product I tried the Honey & Jasmine Mask ($74), which also smelled fabulous and is enriched with Evening Primrose, Rose Hip and Jasmine to revitalize the skin.  The mask is also made with shea butter which Organic Pharmacy sources from a women's widow group cooperative in Ghana, and extracted using traditional methods.  Organic Pharmacy products are really reasonably priced and definitely should be on the radar for those who wish to purchase quality organic and sustainable beauty products.

Ryka Sneakers: Designed for Women

I recently attended Ryka Sneakers preview, where I learned about the brand for the first time.  Ryka sneakers has a 25 year history and are made specifically for women's feet shape, which makes sense because our bodies are different from men (hello hips!).  

 The “Q-angle”(quadricep angle) is the anatomical relationship between the hip and knee – measures 5–7 degrees greater for women than men.  Women tend to shift more weight to the outside of their feet which leads to instability at foot strike and higher risk of injury. 

The design of the shoe looks great and is functional.  This black shoe was one of my favorites.  The "scales" also provide compression.

All Ryka sneakers, including Ryka walking shoes, are designed and developed taking into account a woman’s unique fit needs.   I received a sample of the Dynamic 2 Training Shoes in purple/yellow ($74.99) and I can't wait to try them.  The price is also very affordable and would make a great Mother's Day gift!

Carolee Jewelry: Fresh Floral Inspirations, Macaroon Pastels, and Tropical Brights for Spring

Last week, I went to a special showing of Carolee Jewelry Spring collections and met their head designer, Jennifer Kato.  If you haven't heard of Carolee, the brand has stood for the ultimate in design, value and workmanship for over 40 years.  Jennifer introduced me to their new spring collections, which are inspired by  florals, colors from macaroon pastels, and tropical brights.  

Catch the Bouqet: Fabric Floral and Pearl Necklace, Beaded Necklace, Crystal Stems Dramatic Necklace

The main collection, which Jen describes as classic, feminine, and flirty uses pearls and semiprecious gems, and are perfect for bridal and special occasion.  Their Catch the Bouquet Collection has a stylish beaded collar and fabric flower and pearl necklace. 

The Gemstone Garden collection has multi-layered pieces, long necklaces that can be worn in different ways, and drop and chandelier earrings.  The Gemstone Garden Five Row Necklace is one of Carolee's most popular pieces.

(L to R: Gemstone Garden Dramatic Necklace and Five Row Necklace)

Carolee is also been a big supporter of Breast Cancer Research, so there are a lot of pink pieces in their collections.

Gemstone Garden Dramatic Drop Clip Earrings and Floral Stretch Bracelet

The Golden Trellis Collection is dramatic with bold silhouettes and made with semiprecious cherry quartz with a golden earthy tone.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NYC Venexiana Fall Winter 2015

This season, Venexiana designer Kati Stern, found her inspiration at the cubist exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  This was evident in some of the asymmetric and geometric patterns in the collection, but still featured her signature lace overlay gowns with punk rock glam edge.  The lineup started with looks in soft neutral hues of beige, nude, and blush pink, elegantly drape but with a hint of sparkle at the neck or waist. 

Hair was romantic and piled high in a modern day version of the Marie Antoinette pouf, braided in the back, and adorned with jeweled barrettes.

Watching the Venexiana show was like being a kid in a candy store. There were so many "I want!" moments.  For me that included gowns that had any of the following combination: floral, animal print patterns, sequins, halter or unique or asymmetric necklines, velvet, and flowy chiffon.

The colors are perfect for the fall/winter and holidays with black and metallics (gold, silver, bronze), and rich shades of plum, turquoise, and one stunning orange/red velvet dress.  With so many choices, it's difficult to pick a favorite.  Which one is yours?

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NYC: Son Jung Wan Fall/Winter 2015

Ever since I attended the Concept Korea fashion show a few years ago at Lincoln Center, I've been a big fan of Korean designer Son Jung Wan.  This season's Fall/Winter 2015 show did not disappoint.  

 The color wheel ran the gamut of rich hues including fuchsia, violet, orange, turquoise, mint gree, with metallic gold and silver thrown in to the mix.

I imagined myself wrapped in the brilliantly colored and  luscious coats made of fox and beaver fur, cashmere coats dramatically trimmed in fur, ideal for frigid New York City temperatures.  

These brightly colored pieces would definitely make an sophisticated alternative to the masses of urban black puffer coats (e.g. Canada Goose, Moncler) and keep you warm!