Backstage at the AsianinNY Christmas Extravaganza

Fashion Designer Jose Duran & Accessory Designer Jade Chiu adding finishing touches on singer Pamela J. Powell

Makeup Artist Yvonne Lin doing last minute lip gloss touch up!

Jade Chiu makes amazing accessories including that awesome headpiece/bracelet you see.

Jose Duran with founder of AsianinNY.com Diana Lee

Jose Duran Trunk Show

This past Saturday, I stopped by We The People Collective for the Jose Duran Trunk Show. Jose, who is from the Dominican Republic but now based in NYC, showed me his amazing jacket with fur sleeves that was "fierce" (yes, I know over-used word)! Vera Ng, stylish owner of WTP, pointed out a subtly sexy long sleeved black dress, an un-boring basic that was super affordable at $160. I also loved the simple black shirts with the unexpected sheer back. I met sweet pop- singer, Paula DeAnda and her cool stylist Daniel Martinez, who had styled Paula with a body hugging woven elastic dress from Jose Duran's collection for a recent performance. Visit We The People to check out more of Jose Duran's great collection.

We the People Fashion Collective
156 Stanton Street
New York, NY 10002

ph: 212.533.1091

Gifts Galore & Cupcakes at International Playground:

Looking forward to another fun event byThe Shiny Squirrel at International Playgrounds' space in the lower east side. There'll be 26 amazing designers showcasing their lines and an awesome sale. The opening reception is tonight from 7:00 - 9:00 pm with Michael T Djing!

The Shiny Squirrel presents
Gifts Galore & Cupcakes
December 17-19
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
13 Stanton st
at International Playground

Life Curated Holiday Party - Free Heat, Free Cocktails, and 20% off Purchases

Tonight, The Shiny Squirrel and Life: Curated, a cool new store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is having a huge Holiday party which is going to be really awesome. They're offering a store wide 20% discount with free cocktails!

Also the lovely ladies from Six Six Sick will be DJing at the event as well!

When/Where: Life: Curated

Address: 186 Grand St between Bedford and Driggs Aves (347-689-9143)

Behind the Scenes: Threads of Color Market Appointment at Tommy Hilfiger Archives

Yesterday, I accompanied Professor Ionia Dunn Lee, founder of non-profit Threads of Color, and Lakisha Youngblood, an LIM College student, to the archives of Tommy Hilfiger. It was surreal to see a huge room filled with Hilfiger designers (lots of runway clothes which were never mass produced). I even saw a metal bustier that was worn by Naomi Campbell once and is never to be worn again! With the help of the charming John Burke, Director of the Company Archive and Corporate Closet at Tommy Hilfiger, and his ever helpful assistant Sarah, we picked out some iconic Hilfiger ensembles for the "Salute to America" Fundraiser. This event which is a Fashion Mannequin and Informal Fashion Presentation to be held on on January 11th, 2010 at Bernstein Display, will raise scholarship funds for fashion students and promote the global diversity of American Fashion Designers.

Want to know what we picked out? Then you should attend the event - it's only $20 for general admission! You can buy tickets at the Threads of Color site.

October Photoshoot

It's been a while since my last post. I was traveling in China the last 2 weeks of October and 1st week of November and got sick with pneumonia. And spent most of November recovering :( But...I'm back!!! I'm happy to be healthy and home :)

Louise:  Bhon Beige Artery top, Bedford Street Laundry Pants, Kelsi Girl Sandals

Ethan: Black Bird Tee and Billy Pants by Liber, stylist's fur coat, Steve Madden Boots.

Just wanted to share a photoshoot that I styled in October. I didn't have a chance to post it on my blog, but it was posted on RunwayPassport.com. It was a tons of fun, but lots of work. I was fortunate to find a cool venue (HUGE thanks to RP editor-in-chief, Liz), great photographer, talented makeup and hair stylists, and gorgeous models (I actually met Louise the day before my shoot).

Ethan: Liber Black Bird Tee and Billy Pants, Steve Madden Boots, Stylist's fur coat, Indian Head Ring

But I bet most people don't realize how much time it takes pick up the clothes from the different showrooms (different dates, times, locations) and then return them. Not to mention, you still have to pick up shoes and accesories (hats, scarves). Gotta keep those receipts! The clothes provided by BHON and LIBER and We The People were amazing. The people I worked with were awesome and worked really hard (we were there from noon to 8:30). Anyhow, it was a great experience. Hope you like the photos! I'll have some behind the scene shots soon too!

Louise: Bhon Beige Ribcage, Black suede shorts by Sweetface, Hat by Uniqlo

Louise: Bhon Beige Ribcage, Black suede shorts by Sweetface, Hat by Uniqlo
 Ethan: Michael Knit Hoodie by Liber, Steve Madden Boots

Michael Knit Hoodie by Liber, Steve Madden Boots

Ethan: Black Bird Tee and Jason shirt by Liber, Steve Madden BootsLouise: Black Bhon New York Ribcage shirt, H & M purple lingerie, Sweetface suede shorts, Kelsi Girl Sandals

Black Bhon New York Ribcage shirt, H & M purple lingerie, Sweetface suede shorts, Kelsi Girl Sandals

Louise: Eighteenth tee, Pants- Bedford Street Laundry, Accessories - stylist's, 
Ethan: Michael Knit Hoodie by Liber, Steve Madden Boots

 

Russell Simmons Argyleculture Grand Opening at Macy's

Robert and Quendry

Jason (Marketing for Simmons Design Group).

The Herald Square Macy's 2nd Floor Men's Section was transformed last week with the Grand Opening of the Argyleculture Men's Shop. A DJ spinned behind a booth, while guest sipped on martinis and nibbled on h'ordeuvres. We got a look at the bright, mix and match argyle vests, sweaters, and shirts by Russell Simmons. I could see the versatile pieces being worn by young men looking to inject some color, style, and panache to their wardrobe. The outfits would be great for those looking to update their looks. Russell Simmons stopped by for photo opportunities and interviews to a mob of press. Check out these well-dressed guys at the event (looks like the bow-tie might be a popular new look!).

Backstage at Cheng-Huai Cheng's Spring/Summer 2011 Show

Everyone knows that models have the sexiest jobs, and I hear that medical doctors come in a distant 2nd. I'm not going to med school anytime soon, so when I found out that my friend Cheng was looking for a model for his launch party, I jumped at the chance. I love his designs and I was excited. I went in to get my fitting and thought the dress was beautiful. But I admit I was nervous. Cheng advised me to practice! I wanted to do a good job for him. I even sought the advice of my friend (former Miss Panama) who used to teach models how to walk. Her tips: Be confident, walk like you usually do, don't look at anyone, and practice!

5 pm: Call time @ Vig27 - As a 1st time model, I'm a bit nervous, (I practiced beforehand too!). I get tips from 2 hot full time models. Acacia: Keep your legs straight while walking! Autumn: Keep your shoulders back.

5:30: We watch Cheng's video by Aurora Crowley. Amazing! Cheng asks us to do poses for 20 seconds. Emotional, but not too posey! And no smiling! Petite model Anna, also a UN delegate, is great at posing and suggests moving to the music. Another model, 6 foot tall, Irish Rose moves like a dancer while posing. I also meet the sweet and beautiful Tinnyse, Miss Bahamas 2008 & junior ambassador to The Bahamas for the United Nations.

6ish: Make Up Artist is here! We rehearse 2 times.

7pm - Food arrives! Guac, hummus, salad, dumplings. Who say models don't eat? 2 plates of dumplings polished off - 60 seconds flat.

8pm - I'm the 2nd to last model to get make up. Yuhua Hamasaki does an amazing job on my eyes and gives me feathery lashes. They feel a little heavy! Next comes hair by Isaac Davidson and Matthew Doers. Hair pins, hair net, & Auburn wig teased to the max! And finally gorgeous black lace dress with 6 inch heels.

9pm - Show starts! Host Marti Equality Cummings sings and then introduces Cheng. We're on. Everyone looks gorgeous in the beautiful dresses & outfits. We all strut and vogue. Lots of flashing photographer lights. The talented designer Cheng-Huai Chuang comes out to applause!

So overall, I learned that modeling is not easy. It's important to look confident and practice, get feedback, and more practice! But above all, have fun while doing it!

To see more of Cheng-Huai Chuang's new collection and video, click here.

Photos provided by Pedro Vasquez and Alice Chin.

FIT Japan Fashion Now

Last Thursday, September 23rd, my friend Ayano invited me to a reception at the Museum at FIT and I had a chance to see the Japan Fashion Now exhibit. It was a fun event with an open bar and lots of people dressed in amazing outfits. I wish I had snapped more pictures of the people who were in attendance. 

Undercover (Jun Takahashi) Ensemble: Pale blue polyester and cotton, lace, tulle, fur, brass, glass, nylon, rayon, rubber (wow, that's a mouthful to say!)

White Mountaineering Man's Ensemble: Green wool, cotton, nylon, neoprene, suede - Fall/Winter 2010-11, Japan - Lent by White Mountaineering

I also took a lot pictures of the out of this world clothing on display, which were just...well you just have to see it. Some of my favorites included a Jellyfish ensemble by Somarta, a creamy sheer concoction of a dress that I would love to wear. The menswear also really impressed me, especially an ensemble by Phenomenon - ankle length pleat shirt underneath a green armadillo-like nylon jacket paired with pants, and these cosmic over the knee silver leather boots. The exhibition also included some ensembles from the 1980's by Kenzo, Gothic and Lolita dresses as well as avante garde pieces by Issey Miyake and many more designers. If you haven't had a chance, you definitely need to stop by and check out the extensive exhibit!

Menswear by Phenomenon (Takeshi Osumi): Man's Ensemble: Green Nylon, cotton, metallic leather, nylon - Fall/Winter 2010 Japan, Lent by Phenomenon

One of my favorites: Jellyfish Ensemble by Somarta - Lent by Soma Design, Ivory Polyester, nylon, Satin Ribbon, Plastic, Brass, leather, Spring/Summer 2009, Japan

Comme des Garçons (Rei Kawakubo) Biker/Ballerina Ensemble
Black Leather, pink and white gingham, tulle
Spring/Summer 2005, Japan - The Museum at FIT Purchase
Tanya Melendez,

Curator of Education & Public programs The Museum at FIT, in Comme des Garçons