JSong & ...Way Spring 2012 Collection

My first show of the week, JSong and ...Way's Spring 2012 Show was a pleasant way to start Fashion Week.  The collection, like Spring, was a breath of fresh air with a bright color scheme and beautiful Asian-style floral motifs.  The pieces are very feminine and ladylike.  One of my favorites was a fun orange dress with long strands of string dangling from the hem.  I helped out JSong in welcoming guests and was excited to greet surprise guest, famed photographer Bill Cunningham of the NY Times at the show.  See below for more pictures from the show and Bill in action!

Interview with Su Hwei Lin,Owner of Manhattan Portage and Token

If you're familiar with the New York skyline, you know the famous logo of Manhattan Portage, the standard for reliable, lightweight, functional messenger bags.  Founded in 1980, the company has since expanded its bag line to many different styles and an additional high end line called Token.  Recently, I, Diana Lee and Peter Yang Zhao of AsianinNY.com met the inspiring Su Hwei Lin, President of Manhattan Portage, the chief executive and trademark owner of this brand and related companies.  She gave us her amazing insight on how MP has risen to be the leading bag company in its category.  Ms. Su Hwei Lin also shared with us her philosophy on how to become a successful Asian American entrepreneur.

Why do people want to buy Manhattan Portgage bags?
There is a Confucious saying- Don't sell something you do not like to others.  My goods are durable, of good quality, and are of reasonable price.  Anywhere I go, I can sell my product because of these strong points.  Whether I go to China, Africa, Israel, Libya, America, or Japan, it's the same mentality.  
 
Who designs the bags?
I've been creating all the designs since I started working at the company in 1998, but we just hired a new designers 1-2 months ago.  I know what styles look beautiful.  Our bags look good because the styles are very simple.  Our signature pieces include a red square bag, and also a triangular bag with a single shoulder strap.  We were the first to come out with the triangular style.  Of course, it's impossible to satisfy everyone.  But if someone complains about a bag, we use their opinions to improve upon our designs.  We will do our best.  Many famous brands constantly approach us to do collaborations with them. 



Where are your products made?
Taiwan.  I feel that it is an honor to have our products made in Taiwan.  Some Taiwanese manufacturers have factories in Vietnam or China, but because the factories have different standards because they are in a different country.  I'm looking for Taiwan manufacturers that have factories in Taiwan, because they have the standards that I'm looking for.  I pay a little more, but I feel better.


Where in the world do you sell best?
Asia. But, we sell in 40 countries worldwide, in the top stores all over the world.  Of course, we are not at the same level of stores like LV, Prada, but for our price range, we are the top. 
  
How can you become a really outstanding Asian American?

Know your roots. Don't forget where you come from. Don't look down upon your parents.  I see a lot of Asian kids who don't know how to speak their language and can only speak English.  I think it's important to speak your native language..  Understand what is good about our Asian culture, and what is not good about our culture.  Since we live in America, we also know what is good here and what is not good here.  We are bilingual, trilingual, etc.  We have a unique combination of both cultures, so we understand more.  That is why we are special.


What kind of people work at your company?
My company is very multicultural.  We have Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Thai, Americans, German, French, American Asians.  We have different attitudes, but we become the same culture because we are in the same company.   Very few people have the global mentality and appreciate the benefit of being multicultural, so that is why I have a hard time to find good people.  You have to be able to work together in a team and understand each other, and appreciate the advantage of working in a multicultural company.  I have European and American experience.  I have an Asian cultural background and wisdom, and that is why I can manage the team.  I don't want just the American way of business or the Chinese way of doing business.  We are an international business, which means we operate in a logical way.  I have a logical way of explaining things to my employees.  I am constantly learning from my employees, and they learn from me.  There is a Chinese idiom: One is never too old to learn.


How do you feel about your Asian background?
I'm very proud of myself because I come from a very good history, education, culture, family and good country.  I always tell myself that as long as I step out of my country, I represent all of the Taiwanese people.  A lot of Asian people don't think about that.   If I do something stupid,  people will say all Taiwanese people are stupid.  I've been to many countries, and they treat me differently because I am an Asian woman and I was not happy with the way I was treated.   Some people think because I am an Asian woman, they can take advantage of me.  But I am very careful of my image, especially when I do business.  I don't drink or smoke.  I'm very careful about how I dress - I like to dress well, but I know where to stop, or else people will get the wrong idea.  I've always been like this and even though I've become a millionaire, my attitude has not changed.  If you want everyone to accept you, you have to be logical.  People have an image of you, and it's up to you to change it. 

I used to go to a massage place in Chinatown and I met a family.  They had recently immigrated to America. I treated them to a meal at a nice restaurant, and the child spit on the floor while eating.  I explained that he should spit onto a plate instead and also told them that we should pay a tip for the waiter's service.  They didn't know the ways of America. If anyone else saw them, they would assume that all Chinese people are that way, and not realize that they were new to the country.


How did you become successful at Manhattan Portage?
I started working for Manhattan Portage 1998, but the company started in 1983.  When I started working, I had to prove my abilities to my partners.  At that time, the famous Manhattan Portage trademark was registered by other companies in many countries.  In Japan, the person who registered the logo, was opposed to our business in Japan.  My American partner had tried already to retrieve the trademark and failed.  But I wanted to try.  I asked my partner: What happens if I get the trademark back?  They said that I would be the owner of the trademark in Japan.  Do you know how long it took for me to get it back?  8 years.  I had to do it step by step.  In 2000, we were finally took back the logo.  You have to prove that you can do what you say, don't talk too much and don't give up.

How do you promote yourself?
I haven't used PR or marketing.  I don't do trade shows.  If you have a good product, your product will become well known.  People will tell others about your products and it will spread by word of mouth.  Our customers use the product until it's old and worn. But they will come back to buy a different style.

Do you have seasonal products? 
I don't like to be restricted to seasons.   The way I dress is the same way, something that I wear in the summer, I also wear in the winter.  We like continued business.  If I can keep stock 365 days a year and sell it any time, why not?  It's logical.  Also, it's more risky to be seasonal.  If you buy the wrong stock, then you can not sell it. 

How has your family influenced your personal/business philosophy?
Actually my family retails Western medicine, which is similar to my current business, but with a different product.  I grew up watching the family business, so it's like second nature to me.  I saw a lot growing up - I saw rich become poor, poor become rich.  I saw how people treat you when you become poor, they disrespect you.  I feel like I'm more mature than other people. 

My family also valued charity and doing good deeds.  Every day, our family's servants put water and food out for the poor.  One time a fisherman was selling a turtle.  My mother bought the turtle.  I went to my mom and said Mommy, the turtle is crying.  My mom said, don't touch the turtle, we're going to send him back to the ocean to see his mother.  I love to help people.  I feel happy when I can help someone.  When I was young, I thought it would be wonderful if I could be like GuanYin. We should do something good for our society.

Even now, I order lunch for my employees, because it's so expensive to eat in Soho.  We also have a rice cooker in the kitchen.  And if they don't want to eat what we order, they can bring their own meal.  I also provide my employees with H1 visa and health insurance.


What is your advice on becoming successful?

Be Persistant.  I decided to come to the US by myself and was very poor.  If I gave up when I was young, I would be in Taiwan right now and not here in NY. 
Be a good person.  Good heart, good thoughts, good behavior.  Good behavior leads you in a good direction, producing good results.  If you have wrong ideas, you will go in the wrong direction.    If you want good people, you have to be good yourself, because good people will want to choose you.  You have to become a nice person in order to choose good people.

The Aisle and Isaac Mizrahi Trunk Show event

When I received an invitation from The Aisle for a special Isacc Mizrahi Trunk Show Event, I immediately thought of my friend Liza, who was engaged to be married. While browsing the elegant Isaac Mizrahi bridal dresses, we sampled caviar topped cracker rings and rich miniature vanilla milkshakes provided by Peter Callahan Catering, who also served these treats at Dylan Lauren's bridal shower. We also got to meet famed cake master Sylvia Weinstock who had a basket of beautiful dried creme flowers available at her table.  Best of all, we had the chance to meet Isaac Mizrahi, who was super nice.  We saw another familiar face at the event!  I got to meet one of my favorite designers, Prabal Gurung (check out my review of his last show here)!

With Designer Isaac Mizrahi

With one of my favorite designers, Prabal Gurung

Such a pretty dress!

Me with Sylvia Weinstock!

Fashion Stands up For Liberian Orphans

I attended The "Spread the Love" Benefit recently for the Alpha Omega Children's Foundation. Founded by Rachel Njinimbam, former Miss Earth Liberia 2006.  A.O.C.F.'s mission is "to improve the lives of orphans in Libreria who are victims of war, HIV/AIDS or whose parents can no longer care for them to become self-reliant adults".  A fun fashion was show held at Lucky Lanes in NYC to benefit the organization.  The show started with the delicate and feminine cocktail dresses by Caeli NYC, followed by contemporary line Scratch by Pilar. Sand by Saya showed a colorful line of flip flops with intricate handmade decorations. Models sashayed down the runway in sexy swimwear by Yummy Honey and Natasha NYC.  The show ended with African inspired designs by the multi-talented Rachel, founder of A.O.C.F. 

Founder of A.O.C.F, Rachel Njimimbam

Designer Claire B. Perez with models in CaeliNYC designs.

Designer Saya Fukuda of Sands by Saya

Founder of A.O.C.F. and designer

Fun Swimsuite by Yummy Honey

Sexy Natasha Swimwear

Mid Summer's Night Dream" at Foley & Corinna in NYC

I attended the launch of jewelry line LyraLovestar's first retail distribution in NYC at Foley & Corinna and the debut of LyraLovestar in the premiere issue of Pynk Magazine.  The theme for LyraLovestar's line was very celestial with lots of sparkling stars and moons at affordable prices.  I also had the pleasure of enjoying yummy mini cupcakes by Millie Peartree (who has catered for celebrity birthday parties - including Alicia Keys), manicures by Ginger + Liz, and drinks sponsored by Hypnotiq.  Check out the pics! 

Interview with designer of SHIN: Shinwon Yoon

Imagine wearing an outfit that could be played around with to create different silhouettes.  That's the concept behind many of the designs for the fall season of SHIN, a dramatic knitwear line based in NYC.  Designer Shinwon Yoon was nominated for the Gen Arts Styles International Fashion Designer award in 2008 and launched her line in 2009.  In just a few years, her sophisticated collection has been picked up by the cutting edge Oak NYC store. I love the layered and asymmetric looks of Shin and met up with Shin recently to talk about her background and exciting fall collection. 

What's your background?
I worked for an architectural firm for 3 years in Seoul, Korea.  Then I moved to New York and went to FIT for one year.  When I first graduated I interned at Zach Posen, and Three as Four and then I started my own line.

Why did you decide to go into fashion?
The reason why I wanted to work in Fashion after I quit being an architect is because I like to play with shapes.  When you work on a architecture project, it takes 4 or 5 years to see the results of your project.  I wanted something that communicates with the people better.  I wanted to work on something that after 2 or 3 months, you see people wearing it around and get feedback from them. That's why I enjoy fashion better in a way.

What is your influence for fall and has architectural background helped?
I don't follow trends.   All the silhouettes have architectural influence together.  I'm always playing with the shape.  


Any influences in general?
When I first started, my biggest influence was Yohji Yamamoto.  But now I try not to look at other designers.

What is your favorite piece from your line?
The Asymmetrical jacket, (style JOO2WK) in Italian wool because I think it reflects me the best.  I like to make clothes that people can change around and make a new shape out of it.  This one piece shows everything.  People can play with the silhouette.  The layers.  It gives them the option of creating a look.  It's not about one piece wearing it one way one time.  You can wear it many ways.

Shin's favorite piece: The Asymmetrical jacket, (style JOO2WK)

Where do you want to be in the next few years?
I'd like to expand to a mens line.  I don't know if it's my architectural background but a lot of guys are interested in my designs.  Next season, I will be working with a photographer and using his photography and my paintings into my print.  We're working on an art collaboration.  I don't want to remain as a fashion designer.  It's important to me to be successful in fashion and be a better business person.  At the same time I don't want to be just a fashion brand.  I want to constantly be involved with art.  First season I did a lot of print and hand painting.  But 2nd and 3rd season, I focused more on shape.  Next season, I'm going to do  more of my specialty, painting.

Has your Asian background influenced you?
Yes, it has influenced me, especially a lot of the prints, and the way I draw.  I actually use Chinese ink. 

Why did you come to New York to start your line?
In Korea, it's a hard to start your own line and your own company.  That's the main reason.  There isn't really a market for independent designers.  It's either a big company or someone that sells $10 t shirts. 

What's the most difficult and best part of having your own line?
Most difficult - The business side, getting sales and meeting people.  The best part - The creative part!

Who are your clothes for?
When I design my clothes, I think about myself and what I would wear.  But anyone who wants to wear my clothes, they can use my clothes as a medium to express themself.

What's the Price Range?  $300-$500

Ravello, Italy - Fairy Land

A few months ago, I went to Italy for a friend's wedding in Ravello, a city in the Amalfi Coast. I decided that since I was already in Italy, I should also visit the major cities of Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice.  Although each city was amazing in its own way, Ravello held a special charm.  Perhaps because I'm a city dweller, I was swept away by the breathtaking views of the mountains and water.  I loved the cobblestone roads, lemon trees, and luscious flowers that draped and adorned the town.  They also had spectacular gardens,  Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo which were so lovely and transported me to another realm.