Asia Week New York 2014 - March 14 - March 22 2014

Today marks the 1st day of Asia Week New York 2014, which runs through March 22nd.  The event is open and free to the public.  The exhibits reveals the rarest and finest Asian examples of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculpture, bronzes, prints, photographs and jades, representing artistry, ingenuity and imagination from every corner and time period of Asia. 

The exhibitors include a top-tier roster of 47 international Asian art specialists-the largest number to date- and five major auction houses as well as 19 world-renowned museums and Asian cultural institutions.  Visit www.asiaweeknewyork.com for more information.

I had a chance to join the press preview for Asia Week this past Wednesday. It was a full day affair, where we flew through 30 galleries in less 10 hours.  I had an unforgettable time viewing some spectacular pieces with fascinating stories.  The galleries did an excellent job of explaining their finest pieces.  It was certainly a feast for the eyes, mind, and soul.  Here are some highlights.  

 This year, Scholten Japanese Art Gallery's exhibit is titled "Erotic Art of Japan: Everybody's Doing It".

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Concept Korea Fashion Autumn 2014 Show

(UN)Fair Show

Does the thought of Art make you quiver in fear? THE(UN)FAIR exhibition promises an exciting art experience--at once fun, wondrous, thought-provoking, and maybe even surprising. THE(UN)FAIR returns for its second year at 500 West 52nd St. 4th Fl in midtown Manhattan from March 5–9, 2014. This art-filled extravaganza, was established to celebrate passion rather than fashion!

Tracy Snelling's fun grown-up version of the nostalgic grade school dioramas. You can't tell in the photo, but some of the windows in the building had videos of some very adult situations going on...I felt a bit voyeuristic.

Tracy Snelling - Bad Girl, mixed media

Tracy Snelling - Drift Liquors, mixed media

 THE(UN)FAIR rekindles the guerilla-style art show amidst the bustle of Armory Arts Week, exhibiting paintings and sculptures from both established and emerging artists,

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Zang Toi Autumn 2014

The master of drama, Zang Toi, does it again with an Autumn 2014 show, Shanghai 1930's, "Paris of the Orient", inspired by jazz-age Shanghai glamour.  The show started with a model wearing Loro Piana cashmere Geoplaid 1930's Gangster's trouser suit with a silver fox stole.  It felt like I was in the setting of a 1930's film noir.  Capes, trench coats, fedoras angled perfectly atop coifed waves, sensual thigh high stockings and boots, added to the mystique.  The hue of the evening was a brilliant jade green.  

Macaron Parlour: Second Location Upper West Side

Dessert lovers rejoice!  Macaron Parlour owned by talented married couple, Christine Ha and Simon Tung, has a new location in the Upper West Side located at  560 Columbus Avenue between 87th & 87th Streets.  I was fortunate to be invited to their press launch and sampled lots of delicious treats.  

Aside from the traditional macaron flavors (chocolate, lemon, hazelnut, etc.), Macaron Parlour has some unique flavors such as Cheetos, Rosemary and Olive Oil, and my personal favorite, the savory Thai Chili.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Leather Japan 2014

For Mercedes Benz Fashion Week,  Leather Japan showcased at contemporary art gallery, Thomas Erben Gallery, featuring a group of select contemporary leather craft works from the fields of fashion, craft work, and art.  The creations ranged from ancient Japanese traditional artifacts to everyday goods and artistic works.  For this special exhibition, nine designers and ten contemporary artists from Japan and abroad created original pieces with the theme “Japanese Leather”.

 It was amazing to see these quality Japanese leather goods, made by craftsmen using top caliber artisan techniques.  s.

I also bumped into Mr. Kosuke Tsumura, a well known Japanese designer of brand Final Home.  And I also met  the famous Susie Bubble who was very sweet and graciously accepted a photo request from me and friend

Vivienne Tam Fall 2014 Collection

This season, Vivienne Tam's Fall 2014 collection was inspired by a well-kept memory of the hidden treasures of DunHuang, the gateway to the West, at the heart of the Silk Road and pays homage to one the most revered cultural heritage sites and art shrines in the world.  It celebrates the beauty of the cave murals and underscores the imperative of historic preservation. 

The exquisite, ancient frescoes are captured in the collection through digital prints and the artwork developed for them transcend time to be relevant today.   


Earth tones of sepia, amethyst, carnelian, lapis lazuli, oxidized and jade green, sometimes interlaced with metallic gold and bronze,