Taft Foodmasters Seitan Vegetarian Gyro Tasting Launch

I went to the Taft Foodmasters Gyro Launch and Vegetarian Seitan tasting recently at the Sub-Zero and Wolf Manhattan Showroom.  I try to eat healthy and have been trying to cut down on meat, so I was curious to try their selection of seitan products.  For those of you who don't know what seitan is - it's a food made from wheat gluten and is a good source of protein and very tasty.  I actually grew up eating Seitan, because it's traditionally used in many vegetarian Chinese dishes. However, I had not really had it incorporated into  western dishes and was instantly hooked.

Founder of Taft Foodmasters, Jessica Taft (center)

I tried a few creative dishes using seitan, including stir-fried seitan with vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce. The Grandmama Seitan slice of pizza topped with Seitan sausage from Krunch Pizza Bar was a tasty treat.  I was also a big fan of the gyro from the Long Island City Gyro Company, which was absolutely delicious.  The texture was very similar to a meat gyro and was well spiced.  But it was less greasy and much lighter than the meat version.   Taft Foodmasters also provided samples other healthy vegetarian options including a White Bean Salad, Quinoa Herb Salad, and a simple Green Salad.  Taft Foodmasters sells their products wholesale, so if you want to try their seitan, head to one the restaurants I mentioned to try it, and maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised. 

 

Rabia Z. Mukhawara Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Designer Rabia Z.

Designer Rabia Z from Dubai showed her stunning Mukhawara Collection at Casa La Femme, a romantic and richly decorated Egyptian restaurant in the West Village, New York City. Guests were seated at carved dark wooden tables gently lit with candles and booths draped in colorful organza.   Rabia Z's collection is inspired by her vision of "an American stylista, who travels from West to East, charming the world with her poise and panache".  Titled "Traditions. Today. Tomorrow.", the collection is influenced by the designer's traditional Afghani Arab background and has innovative, modern touches.  

The mukhawara is a "long traditional dress worn by the Emirati and GCC women", according to the show notes.  The beautifully draped pieces were in rich jewel tones of purple, turquoise, and electric blue and embellished with screen-printings of age-old Mukhawara embroidery in contrasting colors along the collar, sleeves, or waist. The looks were modest yet alluring, traditional yet modern.  Without displaying any skin besides the face and hands, the Mukhawaras still managed to highlight the beauty and grace of the female form.  Having never worn a Mukhawara before, I was curious to try it on.

The show closed with comments from famed celebrity stylist Kithe Brewster, who produced and provided styling direction for the show.  He had discovered Rabia Z. over four years ago in Dubai when he judged an emerging designer contest that Rabia Z. had won, and was wowed by her work.  Mr. Brewster described the collection as being very worldly and felt it would provide an excellent option for the Islamic community.  For more information about Rabia Z.'s collection, please visit RabiaZ.com.

Dr. Robert G. Brewster, Kithe Brewster

Stylist Kithe Brewster, Her Highness Sheikha Alia Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Princess of Dubai, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bih Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Makfoum Crown Prince Dubai, Designer Victor de Souza

Kiboots - Handcrafted Kilim Boots

Have you ever walked down the street and noticed that everyone seems to be wearing the same pair of boots?  What if you could find a one of a kind piece, something that you can call your own special boot?  Kiboots, a young Netherlands based boot company uses a combination of leather and vintage kilim rugs to make unique boots for women and men.

Kilims are flat-woven rugs or carpets common in Southeast Europe,Turkey and Pakistan.  There are thousands of different colors and patterns which could include zigzags, diamond patterns and horizontal stripes.  I met one of the founders, Martijn Lugtigheid, who showed me some of their pieces at the Allure Lounge during fashion week.  I tried on and received a pair of Kiboots.  The one I chose was burgundy and had white and orange designs woven into it.  I love the fun color combinations and patterns.  They are perfect for the fall and are quite comfortable too!  The price for a pair of women's boots is 179.95 Euro, which comes out to about $242, which is a very good deal (especially now).  You can order the shoes on the Kiboots website.

The 2nd Annual New York Chinese Film Festival Closing Ceremony

Capitale, a grandiose bank turned event space in Chinatown, NYC, with its 65 foot ceilings and Corinthian columns was the perfect location for the Closing Ceremony of the 2nd Annual New York Chinese Film Festival.  Well dressed guests mingled in the spectacular lobby and were served hor's d'oeurves before being seated in the ballroom for a luxurious dinner.

Qi Jia, Vice President of China Central Television gave an opening speech about her sincere hopes for the film festival to further enhance mutual understanding between the US and China.  John Gilbert, the Director of Music at New York University presented the first award for New Asian Director Award  to Gao  Xiao Song 高晓松 and Jiang Tao.  Gao Xiao Song expressed his surprise to receive the award because his goal was to make a commercial movie and his main focus was on the box office when directing his film, My Kingdom.  Director Jiang Tao said that it was his first attempt to produce a commercial movie and felt that he still had a long road ahead and hoped to learn from his colleagues in Hollywood and Europe.

Actor Wang Bao Qiang  王宝强 and Singer/Actor Geng Han 韓庚 were presented with the Most Popular Asian Artist Award. Mr. Wang humbly said he was accepting the award on behalf of his producer and director, because he felt that he alone did not deserve the award. 


Director Barry Levinson (Rainman) presented famed Hong Kong Director Tony Ching with The Most Outstanding Asian Director Award, and talked of his admiration for Tony Ching's strong personal vision.


The quietly elegant Hailu Qin 秦海璐 was presented The Most Outstanding Asian Artist Award by Steven Orlins, chairman of the Committee on United States China Relations.  Last but not least, Lawrence Scott, executive producer of PBS presented  to and the effervescent and glowing Vivian Hsu 徐若瑄, who expressed her joy in receiving he Most Outstanding Asian Artist Award.

Director Gao Xiao Song (My Kingdom)

Actress Hailu Qin (center)

Actor/Singer Han Geng

Director Barry Levinson (Rainman)

Director Tony Ching 程小東

Vivian Hsu

Harry Belafonte: Sing Your Song

You may know Harry Belafonte from his deep voice crooning the lyrical classic "Day-O", but did you also know that Mr. Belafonte was highly involved in the American equal rights movement and is still active even at the young age of 84?  I was so honored to meet artist/activist Harry Belafonte at the screening of his documentary Harry Belafonte: Sing Your Song, directed by Susanne Rostock at the Ford Foundation in NYC.  The film chronicled the beginning of his artistic career as an singer/actor in Harlem and his admirable role in the equal rights movement alongside the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr.  Mr. Belafonte, who was born in 1927, faced discrimination as a black performer, and had to deal with issues of segregation, while he was traveling as an entertainer throughout the United States.

During the Q& A session, he was asked when as an artist did he decide to become an activist, he answered by saying that the question should be flipped because he has been an activist since he left his mother's womb.  He cited his mother as an inspiration because she had told him to never let a day go by without fighting against injustice.  When asked where he would like to visit in the world and who he would want to meet, he resonded by saying that he wants to visit any place he's never visited and to meet anyone who he's never met.  His one regret?  He never received his diploma, to the disappointment of his mother.  A degree seems unnecessary at this stage in the eloquent Mr. Belafonte's life, with all his outstanding achievements.  But it was truly inspiring to watch his film and to meet him.  I highly recommend this documentary for anyone who wishes to know more about the American civil rights movement.

Anna May Wong: In Her Own Words - A Documentary by Yunah Hong

I recently attending a screening of documentary 'Anna May Wong: In Her Own Words' directed by Yunah Hong at the Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI).  I knew very little about the Chinese American actor and was fascinated to learn about her struggles and achievements.  Anna May Wong was born in 1905 and starred in her first feature film role at the tender age of 17.  She then went on to star in dozens of films in the United States and Europe.  The films follows her life and the challenges she faced in finding a role outside of the typical casting as an Asian exotic.  Yunah Hong said she hoped that the film could influence the young generation of Asian Americans to follow their dreams.

Director Yuna Hong is currently raising money on Kickstarter  to buy the broadcast rights to the footage she used from Anna May Wong’s films. Once she raises enough money, one of the film’s funders, the Center for Asian American Media, will distribute it to public television stations.  Please check out her Kickstarter project and support!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1107767469/get-anna-may-wong-on-public-tv

With Director Yunah Hong

SMF Couture Raises Money For LiNK Global

SMF Couture (SET MÍ FRÉ), a new line of men's street wear, recently raised money for LiNK Global (Liberty in North Korea) to build awareness for North Korean refugees.  Held at the Bennett Media Studio in the Meat Packing District, SMF showcased their collection during a live fashion show and sold T-Shirts that were created specifically for this event.


The graphics on the front of the t-shirt was inspired by "North Korean flag made by 20,000 kids" made by the Arirang Mass Games Flag Formation, in which 20,000 North Korean children held massive flip cards creating a display for the audience.  The back of the shirt had a verse from the bible about humility and giving back to those in need.  All of the proceeds from the shirts were given to LiNK Global.

“As Korean Americans we at SMF felt it was important for us to help build awareness of
LiNk Global and their fight against the human rights crisis in North Korea.” – Jin Kim

SMF Couture will make its debut in a variety of boutiques this January first collection, which features significant dates and scenes from New York, is entitled In The Beginning, inspired by old New York. Although their clothing is made in the USA, creator's Jin and Mike always connect back to their roots in South Korea.

SET MÍ FRÉ Couture (SMF) is a collection of men’s street wear that breaks the mold and stands for individuality. Established in 2010, SMF Couture was first coined by a group of New Yorkers whose family lineage extends into the garment district. Originating from Korea, Jin and Mike were determined to create a brand that represented men globally.  For more information about SMF Couture and Link Global please contact Lidan Long Lidan@smfcoututre.com or Tony Kim Tony@smfcouture.com

Thrillist & H&M Party

For those of you in NYC!

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday, October 19, 2011

H&M
435 7th Ave (at 34th St)
New York City

Party with Thrillist at H&M’s Grand Re-Opening. Guests will get 25% off their entire purchase all night long (word to Lionel), and the first 100 guests to spend $200 (after discount) will get two exclusive tix to the Versace for H&M pre-shopping party. As guests romp through four freshly redesigned floors of modern classics, they'll jam out to a live DJ, grub on tasty bites, sip mouthwatering cocktails, gain knowledge from professional stylists, and score candy treats from cigarette girls, who promise to be smoking hot, but not terrible for your health.

Drop your deets at http://thrillist.com/HMBash to experience the Grandest. Re-Opening. Ever.

http://thrillist.com/HMBash

The King Collective Sample Sale - Thursday 10/13 11am-6pm

I stopped by the King Collective's sample yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to see a few racks of current and past seasons of Ivana Helsinki along with some of their other designer pieces.  I had attended Ivana Helsinki's show a few seasons ago and loved it - check out a pic from 2010 collection here. The King Collective is making space for their new collections, so the prices were at significant discount from wholesale prices.  If you have time today, you should definitely check it out!  There were plenty of unique pieces from a little black dress with fringed sleeves to a previous season's sailor themed printed dress.

The King Collective is making room for the new collections headed our way!

One of a kind pieces at amazing prices
Ivana Helsinki
Evenagamba
Pink Chicken
Thursday 10/13 11am-6pm

530 Seventh Avenue (38th St/39th St) , Level M1

Tusk Semi-Annual Sample Sale October 14-22

Tusk is having their  Semi-Annual Sample Sale.  Check out my previous  interview with the founder and designer of this beautiful leather purse and accessories line - here! 

- Save more than 50% - 70% OFF select fine leather bags & accessories for women, men and travel.

- Receive an additional 10% OFF purchases of $300 or more.

- Enjoy 15% OFF ALL REGULARLY-PRICED merchandise in our retail store.

- And to sweeten the deal, receive a complimentary canvas shopping tote to use again and again!

Event Begins: 10/14/11 (closed Sunday, 10/16/11)    
Event Ends: 10/22/11
Sale Hours: 11am - 7pm (doors open at 11am)
Location: 242 W. 26th St. between 7th & 8th Ave.
Phone: 212-242-8485
Payment Methods: Cash/Visa/MC/Amex
Website: www.tusk.com
_______________________________________________________
Select Price Points

    * Women’s Leather Wallets: $40 (Regularly $95)
    * Men’s Leather Billfolds: $30 (Regularly $70)
    * Travel/Messenger Bags: $100.00 (Regularly $275.00)
    * Women’s Leather Totes: $80.00 (Regularly $255.00)
    * Gift Items: $25-35 (Regularly: $65-75)

Interview with Meehee NY - Handmade Unique Jewelry

I met up recently with the Sungu Kim, one of the owners of Meehee NY, an intimate jewelry boutique on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  Sun and his wife Meehee worked in different fields before they decided to follow their passion for creating beautiful handcrafted jewelry.  They collaborate with their customers to craft one of a kind pieces that their clients treasure.  Imagine getting a piece where you actually work with the artisan!   Read on to find out about Meehee and their thoughts on fall trends.

How did you get started?
My wife, Meehee actually studied German Literature.  But her passion was in fashion.  She worked at her sister's graphic design company while she was making handmade jewelry and sold some of her designs to a couple of boutiques around the SoHo area in NYC.  She sold in trade shows and did very well.  We went to holiday markets at Bryant Park and became very popular. I was also working in another field. I studied computer programming and worked at a computer database company.   After starting Meehee NY Inc., I completed comprehensive jewelry making at Studio Jeweler inc.   Her style is a great style for city people - not too overwhelming.  They are simple, everyday pieces.  Very wearable pieces.  Understated and elegant with lot of delicate feminine touches.

How do you come up with ideas?  
I have metal and stones at my workshop.   I may pass by it many times and the materials don't talk to me.  But sometimes the idea just comes.   Maybe when I'm drinking coffee, the idea just pops up.  The metal will talk to me and I could work on something for 6 hours straight.

What's your specialty?
We allow our customers to give input.  Sometimes a customer may see a piece they like, but they want something a little different. Everybody loves different colors. For example, some customers come in looking for wedding rings that are not too commercial, not too fancy.  They work with us to design it, so it has meaning to them and they love it.  It's like getting an heirloom. It becomes a more personal piece. 


What are your most popular pieces? 
Something you can wear everyday piece.  Right now, people do not like to have chunky pieces.  Red and Black pieces always sell well.  People prefer more simple pieces.  Diamonds sell very well. Cocktail rings with gemstones like ruby, citron, and blue aquamarine are also popular.

What pieces are popular for the fall? 
Red pieces are always good for fall and the holiday.  Gold.  Some black for the winter.


Where are your products manufactured and where do you source materials?
90% of my products are hand made in our New York workshop.  Materials are from Brazil, India, and China. 

What's your price range?
The price range is from $35 for smaller pieces to $600 for a real gold or diamond piece.  We could spend more, but right now the cost of metal is too high.  We're creating pieces now using unique combinations - I even put diamonds with silver pieces.  I don't use too much gold now because of the cost. 

What's something that you do for your community that you are proud of?

We really like talking and getting to know our customers.  We have customers that come in and they don't always buy, but we enjoy developing these relationships. Recently Meehee donated a piece for the local school to auction off. 

For more information on Meehee, please visit Meeheeny.com.

Malan Breton Spring/Summer 2012

Malan Breton Spring/Summer Collection

Taiwanese born, self-taught designer Malan Breton opened his spring/summer 2012 fashion show with a graceful ballerina pirouetting to the melodic strums of live harp and violin music. 
His collection that followed was just as elegant but with a modern edge.  The ladylike womenswear had plenty of show stopping see-through hats and fascinators. The dresses had bold patterns in stripes or flowers in primary colors.  There was an evident Japanese influence in the silhouettes with kimono pieces and gowns with interesting oragami shapes, especially in the back.  Sheer seems to be a popular texture, with lots of organdy and chiffon.  But the menswear was where Malan Breton really stood out with classic looks in unique and bright color combinations, such aa silver and gold paired with neutral espresso, grey or blue trousers and shorts.  The men looked as if they belonged in another era with their slick pompadours.  I could see these pieces being worn in any time period. The show closed with the famed and ageless model Irina P. gliding across the catwalk in a Black Silk Organdy Chrysalis Corsetiere Gown.