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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

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

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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

Friday, October 14, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

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
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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)