Features

A MOMENT WITH THE 'CHOSEN ONE' ROBIN SHOU

5/10/2017

Robin Shou

When you hear the name Robin Shou, there are a few things that might come to mind. An iconic Hong Kong movie star, Liu Kang, ‘The Chosen One’ from Mortal Kombat, a movie that was made over 20 years ago for $18 million dollars and grossed over $120 million, and is still the most successful video game turned movie franchise to have ever been made; That Shou has made over 40 Hong Kong movies before breaking into Hollywood. You may even know that Shou was responsible for training Milla Jovovich for her role in Resident Evil. However as he transitions from actor to writer / director I learn a few surprising things about him.

With the release of his new movie, Earthbound, which Shou both wrote and directed and opens this week with limited engagement at the Laemmle Playhouse 7, we sit down to chat about Shou’s biggest achievements to date, his experience working in both Hong Kong and Hollywood, and his unexpected and perhaps, some might even say, controversial views on the current white washing casting situation in Hollywood.

You’ve had such an amazing career history. What would you say was the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your career in Hong Kong that has carried through to your career in Hollywood?

It’s more of a reminder than a lesson. My experience in Hong Kong taught me to persevere and have a good work ethic. It taught me it was more important to show people what you can do instead of telling people what you can do. Paul Wong, used to be one of Jackie Chan’s top stuntman. I mean he was the best in the early 80’s movies. He doubled for Jackie Chan or tested out stunts for Jackie before he did them. He later became a stunt and fight coordinator. I was lucky enough to work for him in my first Hong Kong film. His favorite model was the Nike tag-line, “Just do it!” He would tell his stuntmen to, “Stop talking, just do it!” He had the mentality of giving your best. And that’s how I feel today:

Stop talking, just do it!

Robin Shou with Jackie Chan

Did you always know that you would eventually want to move back to the U.S and make movies here?

I always knew I would be back in the States, but not making movies. I grew tired of the film industry in Hong Kong because I wasn’t making movies that I wanted to. Also due to the fact it was near 97’, Hong Kong's hand over to China, I really didn’t want to do films again. I was going to get into some import export business, then a casting director friend whom I met back when I did ‘Forbidden Love’ for CBS, told me that they were casting a video game movie and I was perfect for it. I went to audition not excited about it really. What kind of film title used ‘Mortal Kombat?’ Sounded really stupid. After seven auditions, I got the part.

Robin Shou as Liu Kang from Mortal Kombat.

What kind of film title used ‘Mortal Kombat?’ Sounded really stupid. After seven auditions, I got the part.

Starring in Mortal Kombat was a huge career breakthrough for you, how was your experience starring in the movie and did you feel your life change significantly when the movie came out?

I had no idea how big the game was and I can honestly say we made a fantastic movie; the best video game adaptation ever and it’s still holding up today. My experience in the film was great. Paul (Anderson, director of Mortal Kombat) and Linden (Ashby) are still my friends today because we had a wonderful working relationship. I didn’t know then but now thinking back, it was a big production. Like what I took away from Paul Wong back in Hong Kong, I was just doing my part and not thinking about it. Work didn’t pour in but Hollywood knew there was a new Chinese guy in town.

Robin Shou with good friends Paul W.S Anderson (director or Mortal Kombat) and Linden Ashby at the 22nd year anniversary of the Mortal Kombat screening in Hollywood.

Robin Shou with Andy Lau

Work didn’t pour in but Hollywood knew there was a new Chinese guy in town.

I think one thing people may not know about you is how moral you are when it comes to the roles you choose, not taking roles that depict Asians in a bad light or a stereotypical way. Working in such a tough industry with limited roles for Asians, has that always been an easy decision for you or have you often battled with your choice of what roles to take?

No, it wasn’t difficult at all. People often told me that we’re actors and we're supposed to act and not have any political agenda. I agreed. I told them that I just don’t like to play a bad guy. I wanted to play the hero. Whether or not that was a conscious decision, I didn’t want to play anything that shed a negative light on my persona or me. I’m very proud of who I am and what I’ve done. I’m Lui Kang, 'the chosen one!' Again, we as actors always have a choice to take the part or not.

Given that you were an unknown actor when you starred in Mortal Kombat, a movie that was made over 20 years ago and was a huge box office success, how do you feel now about the current 'white wash' casting situation in Hollywood, with movies such as Ghost in The Shell and Dr. Strange?

I always tell people that, Hollywood is a business. Seriously, do you really think Hollywood give a shit about that, "Hmm, we really should cast an Asian because the Asian community will get really, really pissed off.” Even if the movie wasn’t a success and lost lots and lots of money, they would say it was a bad script, not because it was cast wrong.

Also, who or what Asian actors can carry a movie like that and have an international market? Scarlet Johansson fits.

When I was in Hong Kong, we had no name Chinese actors working in Hong Kong. However you started to recognize some of the actors in films. Even with white actors, they got type cast, playing the same evil white guy or other ethnicity.

I feel the responsibility lies within the Asian community. We should cast the right people to represent us, BUT, and this is a big but, we don’t do that either because of marketing. Back to Paul (Wong), “Stop talking or justifying. Just do it!”

Earthbound, written and directed by Robin Shou

You have now transitioned to working behind the camera and have your new short movie coming out, Earthbound. Have you always known you would want to move to writing /directing eventually?

I knew back in Hong Kong that I wanted to direct one day. I was writing short stories and film ideas back then. I wanted to tell stories rather than act in them. So it was natural to transition and having kids made the decision easier.

Earthbound follows the story of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. What was it about this tragedy in particular that was a draw for you to write about?

After my son was born, I realized how vulnerable he was and I’ve tried with all my power to protect him but somehow, someway, he found a way to hurt himself. Now, amplify that a thousand fold, what if a tsunami swept through and your family was in peril? Like anyone, you’d rather die than see them suffer. But what if you can’t or came too late? That’s a pain I don’t want to know. So I wrote a film…

Scene from Earthbound by Robin Shou

How was your experience working on the movie?

My experience was the best ever. The best thing about our industry is to overlook all barriers and focus on the story. I was in Indonesia working with the local people, doing what I loved. How amazing is that?

What does it mean to you to be an Asian American storyteller and what kind of stories do you want to tell in the future?

One of my favorite films is, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”. Peggy Ann Garner played Francine, she’s a very precocious little girl, wanted to become a writer, with great imagination. For a class assignment, She wrote about her trip with her Dad to Paris; all the places she visited. Her teacher praised her with her writing, but told her that she should write about things that she knew because Francine was poor and her father was unemployed and an alcoholic.

With that in mind, I think whatever story I decide to tell will definitely have an Asian theme. I have to write about what I know. I can’t make up things that I don’t know. I’m not a very good liar.

Of all your career achievements, what are you most proud of?

Earthbound of course. It was hard but you must experience the bitter before the sweet. Still, that’s not my biggest achievement. Not to be corny but my biggest achievement are my kids.

Robin Shou during the filming of Earthbound

Having worked on over 40 movies, can you share one of you favorite memories of your career so far?

I can write a book about that but one that sticks out was on Earthbound, we were filming the tsunami aftermath, and we had to wet the ground, I asked the AD if we had water in the water truck to wet the ground. The AD then asked the prop guy, the prop guy said, “YES!” Well, we ran out of water after a few minutes, I turned to the AD and said, "I thought you said there was water in the truck?" He replied, “There was but not enough to wet the entire area. You didn’t ask how much." That busted me up laughing.

Do you see yourself making movies just in the U.S or do you also have an interest in making movies in China?

I don’t know. I don’t think about what I’d do in the future except raising my kids the best I can. I just do what I needed to do, but my family always takes priority.

What impact has becoming a father had on you as a writer / director?

I’d never imagined myself to be a husband let alone a father. It changed me completely. My whole perspective about life and what was important to me has changed. I’m a genre guy. I loved action movies, but now I question the violence and what purpose those films have. I understood or thought I did, what the meaning of, ‘life is too short’ meant. Before was, I don’t give a shit about others and do what I want now because life is too short to wait around. But now, life is too short means I have to cherish my moments with my wife and kids before I miss out on life.

As a writer, I want to write about that; the importance of time with your loved ones or lack of time with your loved ones. If I were to make an action movie it would have to have a purpose. Saving the world isn’t as important as saving your family. Well, you gotta save your family before you save the world. If you can’t save your family, how is it you’re going to save the world?

Scene from Earthbound by Robin Shou.

If your son or daughter wanted to work in the industry would you encourage them?

I wouldn’t want them to or encourage them. It’s a tough business. You have to love the work, not the fame. A lot people get confused between the two. They only see the good side and miss the work that artists put into their career.

Finally what advice do you have for aspiring actors or filmmakers, particularly Asian American actors?

Work, work and work…it doesn’t matter how big or small the job is, just do it. Even though sometimes, or most of the time, it’s work with little pay or no pay. Just do it because you’re going to walk away with a lot. Remember we have to come from somewhere before we can get somewhere.

Earthbound is out now at The Laemmle Playhouse 7

Earthbound trailer
Visit Earthbound online

0 Comments

A MOMENT WITH MAGNIFICENT SEVEN STAR, CARRIE LAZAR. #RISINGSTAR

9/27/2016

5 Comments

Actress currently starring in Magnificent 7, Carrie Lazar.

I have been following Carrie Lazar's career from movies such as Thor and The Big Short but recently she has really caught the attention of the media. Not only because of her incredible style that has seen her effortlessly wearing everything from vintage Prada right through to daring and edgy pieces by up-and-coming designers such as Rychie Zheng on the red carpet, but more over because she is one of only two females starring in Magnificent Seven, America's current number one box office movie. In a time where the way in which women are portrayed in film is a subject of much debate, Lazar is a shinning example of an actress showing incredible strength both on and off screen.

I was so happy to chat to Lazar to discuss Magnificent Seven, and what the definition of being a strong woman means to her.

Carrie Lazar looking stunning at the Magnificent Seven premiere, wearing a vintage dress.

EV: Congratulations on Magnificent Seven! What an amazing cast with Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke! Can you tell me more about you character, Leni Frankel?

CL : Thank you! Yes, Leni is a care-taker tolerating pain, love, and loss all at the same time. It's fascinating the emotions she has to juggle. Some people's lives stop when they lose someone. They need time to experience the pain, the love, and the loss. But Leni can't stop, she needs to be strong no matter what walls are caving in around her. Her strength is shattered when her husband dies, but she knows she needs to continue forward. Through the kindness of strangers and the empowerment of her community she finds her inner strength again.

EV: I love that message and think it's so important. There's been a lot of discussion of how women are portrayed in both the media and in film recently. You are a great example of showing women in an amazing light in real life as well as with your character, Leni in Magnificent Seven. As a woman where do you find your strength?

CL: Personally I am a strong woman. I find my strength through my community, my friends and my family. I feel stronger to speak my mind, speak my truth, when I am surrounded by them. We can also learn a lot from Leni. If we can learn to find strength in our communities we realize some challenges don't have to be as hard as we think they are.

Thank you so much for your time, Carrie.

Magnificent Seven is in theaters now.

Magnificent Seven trailer
More information on Carrie Lazar
Follow Carrie Lazar on Instagram

5 Comments

INTERVIEW WITH E! NEWS ASIA HOST : YVETTE KING

7/10/2016

6 Comments

Yvette King, the gorgeous E! News Asia Host

You may well of heard of Yvette King. The beautiful TV host, living in Singapore, half Korean, half Australian, 100% gorgeous. King grew up in Australian, with her Australian father and Korean mother. It wasn’t a conventional start in life, her first language was Korean and as a result found it hard as a child communicating in English. However this clearly ignited something in King as she later became a lover of telling stories and opened up a curiosity within her of both people and life that led her to knowing exactly what she wanted to do.

It was King’s beautiful mix and Asian heritage that made her take the step to move to Singapore which ended up being the best decision she says she has ever made. King had a vision, pursued it and is currently living out her very own vision board after landing her dream job working for E! News Asia, and achieved a career that’s seen her interview everyone from Chris Hemsworth, David Beckham to Charlize Theron.

I was in Taiwan on a work trip when King and I first connected over Instagram. After I saw some of her interviews online and read about her backstory, I instantly wanted to interview her. King kindly agreed, making a joke about us mixes having to stick together! In between another set of whirlwind travels that King regularly makes for work, one of which included a trip to LA and sitting down with IT girl, Alexa Chung for chats and coffee (Brunch with Buro) she was still able to find time to answer all the questions I had about her career, her feelings towards social media and of course as a fellow Asian mix myself, what being of mixed heritage means to her and just how she found her true identity.

Yvette King, (Chanel)

Yvette, thanks for taking the time to interview! I wanted to start from the top. You have been working hard to get to this point in your career. What made you realize that journalism was the right path for you?

I've been blessed and cursed by the fact that I've always known what I want to do. I knew from a very early age telling stories and interviewing was the job for me - I was fascinated by news anchors on TV and wanted to be one someday.

You’re Korean / Australian, how big a part was the Korean culture for you growing up?

It was huge. Even though I was living in Sydney, I ate Korean food everyday and would watch Korean dramas with my mum. My mum has made a huge impact on the way I think about life, so I guess it was inevitable I would be influenced by Korean culture.

I read that you couldn’t converse with your Australian dad and your playgroup friends when you were young as Korean was your first language. How was that for you and did it effect your feeling towards being half Korean?

Yes my first language was Korean as my parents went back to work quite quickly, so my Korean grandparents took care of me during those working hours everyday. I then went to America to spend time with my mum's family for 6 weeks or so and came back speaking fluent Korean and no English! I remember distinct feelings of being frustrated and the kids in the playgroup left me out and teased me - I obviously didn't like this, so I refused to speak to mum in Korean. I regret that so much now! If only I could go back in time and talk to that stubborn little girl!

Did you spend any time in Korea growing up?

We went there for holidays but not often. We mainly went to the US as my Korean family all immigrated there - in fact, we have no family left in Korea. I love going there though - it feels strangely familiar and comforting to be in Seoul. I still know enough Korean to order a meal, which is fun!

I’m also mixed, and often find people never know where I’m from! Have you had the same experience? Do people perceive you as Korean or Australian?

Oh I've had everything from Thai, to Russian, to even Arabic?! But I've come to realise that I don't truly fit in anywhere - Aussies take me as Asian and Asians see me as Ang Mo (basically meaning white with red hair in Singlish!). Oh well, who wants to fit in anyways? That would be boring!

Yvette King working at the E! LA studio

How has being mixed played into your career do you feel, if at all?

Let's face it, TV is a visual medium. I never felt like Australia was my market. Whereas in Asia, I noticed that most people on TV looked Eurasian so I thought perhaps I should give it a go. Best decision of my career.

What made you move to Singapore in particular? Did you already have a job lined up or did you get it once you had moved there?

Being half Asian, I've always felt like I needed to live in that part of the world at some stage in my life - for cultural reasons. I also thought Singapore would be a great place for work opportunities as it was the location of many international TV networks and of course the home of E! News in Asia. I was speaking to an agent while I was in Sydney and they thought I could get work so it all started from there.

You’ve had such a variation of work experience, amongst them, working for Fox Asia, interviewing people in the fashion industry, and now E! What is the most interesting or enjoyable topic for you to discuss or interview someone about?

I do enjoy the variety of my work and the challenges of dealing with people from all walks of life, but I guess what comes most naturally is probably chatting about entertainment as I'm passionate about pop culture and always have been. I majored in Film Studies in my Media degree at University and I spend way more time than I should reading the Daily Mail Online (please don't judge!) I'm a serious journo I swear! Haha!

Yvette King during her time at Fox Asia

Yvette King interviewing Charlize Theron at the Huntsmen Premiere.

There’s a lot of talk in Hollywood about how much harder it is for women to be in the entertainment industry than men, would you agree with that?

I don't know if it's harder but I see there are challenges specific to women. I think there is an emphasis on women to be forever youthful, whereas it seems like it's completely acceptable for a guy to age and still be considered viable for the part. In terms of the journalism field, that's why I feel so lucky to be working for a channel like E!, who's female reporters like Giuliana and Catt have been with the network for over 10 years. No small feat regardless of sex! If only I could be so lucky!

How did you feel doing your first ever interview?

Funnily enough I can't really remember what it was. One of my early ones was a model on a shoot in Sydney doing a look book for a local label. I remember being really nervous and feeling like I needed to overcome my shyness. I learnt a lot from playing that back even though it was torturous to watch!

Yvette King with Eva Longoria

As well as your busy career, you have a blog. Do you enjoy writing?

I do enjoy writing! Right now my focus has switched from blogging to my column for Buro247.sg - I'm their entertainment insider. I contribute articles doing what I do best, sitting down and having a coffee with people! It's called Brunch with Buro and my latest was with IT girl Alexa Chung.

Yvette King with Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung and Yvette King.
Photo credit: buro247.sg

Social media has become so huge in today's society. How do you feel about the explosion of it?

I have a love / hate relationship with it. There was something so sincere about going on a holiday and enjoying yourself without curating the perfect snap for sharing - it was more about a private memory, or the days when taking a camera out meant that you could only develop the pictures later so you focused on being in the moment. Now there is a certain pressure of keeping up appearances like never before. But then again being active on socials has allowed me to feel so in touch with everyone back home.

How do you balance family, your work, keeping up with your blog and social media?

I just always commit to making time for things that are important. It's something I had to be disciplined about initially as I can get very caught up in my job and it's something I'm still working on, but balance is really important to me. I am a Libra after all!

Do you feel a pressure to constantly update your blog, and social media outlets?

I had a brief moment when I was highly strung about it all, but I realised it's just an extension of what I'm already doing. So now, no I don't feel pressure at all.

Social media is all part of Yvette King's life. Taking a snap here with with German Formula One driver, Nico Rosberg.

What is the hardest part of your job?

The occasional unglamourous hours. 3am walk up call? Ew! NO makeup or studio lighting can help you at this point. Nothing!

What is the best part of your job?

The opportunity to meet inspiring people and be given time with them. This is something I will never take for granted.

Do you spend a lot of time researching people you are going to interview?

Journalism 101! Yes totally! Preparation is key!

Yvette King interviewing Matt Damon in Seoul ahead of the Jason Bourne movie release

Yvette King in Seoul interviewing Alicia Vikander

Yvette King, with Victoria Beckham.

Do you still get nervous before an interview?

Yes I do! But I embrace this feeling as it means I'm hyper switched on and focused.

Do you find it hard asking celebrities personal questions?

Well I'm there to ask the questions people want to know about - I'm there to inquire but I also understand it's balancing that out with the shop talk as well.

What do you think is key in creating a great interview?

Making your subject feel relaxed and having rapport with them. You've often only got 5 minutes to get content, so if you can do that quickly, even better!

Photo credits: Yvette King Instagram (unless otherwise credited)

Follow Yvette on her travels on Instagram

Keep up with Yvette King on her website

6 Comments

INTERVIEW WITH GLUSH/ DESIGNER: GRACE CHAN

3/17/2016

0 Comments

I first was introduced to Grace Chen's lifestyle blog LUSH and Glush/ handbag line two years ago. I loved the funky style of her line, making her ‘Grassy’ bags not only a trademark but also a classic in her collection. Grace decided to make the now trademark ‘Grassy’ collection after lying on the grass on a European trip and decided she’d like to always take a piece of that memory with her.

I finally got the chance to meet with Grace in person whilst taking a trip to Hong Kong as we meet at the Simple Life Café in The Landmark. Initially it was to simply chat about her handbag line, and lifestyle blog, but I ended up getting a deep insight into her view of the fashion industry in Hong Kong as well as the sad demolition of Hong Kong's famed Yen Chow Street Hawker Bazaar after 40 years of business.

Hi Grace, Can you tell me more about how you got started in the fashion industry? Have you always been a lover of fashion?

I studied fashion and I’m into fashion in that sense but I don’t follow trends. That’s why I decided to create something different with Glush/

I decided to do handbags, because my family manufactures them. I didn’t ask them to support me, as they do big quantities so I found a friend who became my partner, so we could grow together. I have an advantage of producing small quantities as well. Touch wood, so far it’s been a good few years and I’m trying to expand the collection.

The 'Grassy' collection will continue as I’m still growing it (the collection), but creating more silhouettes. I’m also creating more ready to wear, focusing on different kinds of materials instead of just plain leather and canvas.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration mainly from nature, my trips, like the one I took to the States, I was inspired by Yellow Stone, so that’s how I merged the color and the natural ragged stone on the collection. It looks illusionary but it’s from nature. It’s quite surreal.

I’m half Hong Kong Chinese and spent some of my childhood here. I love the fashion in Hong Kong and feel it's pretty ahead when it comes to many things, including fashion. How would you describe the style of women in Hong Kong?

In the general sense it’s a very trend following city. There are just a small set of people who are willing to try new things, people who don’t follow Korean trends. I had a pop up store for one year. It's so interesting to see the products they came in and touched. Like tourists always go for the grass and think it’s so cool and want to take it to their friends. But locals always want the functional practical pieces, aesthetic comes second. It’s a very big difference.

What kind of customer is a Glush/ customer?

My major customer group is very daring and fun. I was in the pop up store that whole year so I got to see all the customers. All the tourists always want to talk to the designer, but the locals don’t want to talk. Tourists will even bring wine over and stay for two hours! Locals don’t connect as well. Or they don’t have these questions. It was fun talking to the tourist. Each tourist was from different countries so saw it differently, they translating it differently. Even though everywhere has grass. They also get excited about the next collection and brainstorm while they talk to me!

I read one of your favorite stores is Heaven Please which one of your friends owns. Are most of your friends in fashion?

With my educational background a lot of them are still in fashion some have emerged into other business whilst others went hard core, like interning with McQueen, fashion sketch book, everyone has their own direction. I’m really happy to see that my schoolmates have evolved into something different.

My friend of Heaven Please actually went to my school but not in the same year. I just got chatting to her when I was shopping. She owed the store so I asked if she would like to sell my bags. She said sure, just stock them there and see how it goes.

There were some others I met after studying, like a friend who now owns Créature de Keis. He already had a store and wanted to open one together, so we did. I wouldn’t have done it by myself. The rent is quite crazy and for my target, the usage of my shop was just to understand my target audience so it was just a one-year investment. It was really fun. Once all my friends knew that I had a shop there they would pop by for coffee or a drink. Sometimes we would drink late at night. It was a good year to reunite with some friend I hadn't seen for a long time.

Heaven Please : Hong Kong.

What are some of your other favorite stores in HK?

I shop a lot online, but when I buy in store it would be from my friend Créature de Keis. I admire him, he started off with nothing, he didn’t study fashion, he was a hairdresser and liked art and realized he loved fashion and started from scratch. Taking a very traditional shanghainese tailoring class and started off with very traditional study. His style is very structured, paneling, constructed and reconstructed.

There is a Fabric Market in Hong Kong that we would all go to, like a market under a tin roof and a lot of the sellers would sell really nice fabric but in small quantities. Créature de Keis has been making affordable couture using their fabric. They supported him with good discounts so he is now supporting them as they are closing down (after the release of this interview, sadly the fabric market was demolished). He is trying to get more people to support them and get to know about it. Quite a lot of local magazines have been covering their closing down story. It’s definitely worth people knowing about their story. A lot of generations have been there selling fabrics.

He doesn’t do mass quantities; he’s been doing it for 10 years. He has some cool clients, different age ranges from 15-70. It’s amazing. I’ve been in his shop and seen it. It’s nice to know people in the industry.

Hong Kong designer: Créature de Keis

How would you describe your own personal style?

Silhouette wise I’m more classic, it’s more practical. Smart casual. You never know what's going to happen in the day so its better to be dressed more sensibly. I often wear flats.

You have your own handbag line, with really unique designs. Have you always loved handbags in particular?

I never really have to buy a lot of handbags as I always had samples because of my family. My dad would always say this handbag is worth this much, with marketing, the material. I go out and calculate that when I buy for myself. What is the material like, etc. Also I make my own and it’s more fun to know the process now that I am in the business, but for shoes, I am a big fan of anything classic with a twist, so shoes are a different story! I also don’t know how they are made, I know its complicated, its almost like an architect class for shoes. I’ll support it by buying it. I have a weak point for really high heels but not platforms, a very feminine silhouette. And lace up flats.

Your parents have been in the business for over thirty years. Did you grown up in a very fashion forward household?

It felt more like a business. For my family background it was the clients providing their design. Each one had their own identity. They weren’t really focused on following the trends. I learn that each brand had their own core DNA so they couldn’t change that just for one month. If they change too much they lose their customer. It’s a quality they have to meet. Maybe that’s why I don’t focus on trends. I mean that’s a more long lasting style. People then expect that from you. I’d get invited to places because they like my eye so it’s important to stick to that. You can incorporate new styles but not change too much.

Why did you choose the name Glush/?

I really like the word lush, it doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s an impression, if you think something is lush, a coffee could be lush. I used the ‘G’ for Grace, it’s my kind of lush.

Do you have any plans to expand Glush/?

Slowly expanding the brand, trying to solidify everything- I don’t want to just jump here and there. Next collection will be a new grass collection. There will be new colors for the grass and will also be expanding the brand with other bags.

Where is Glush/ available?

Online, in HK, there is a shop Searching C, it’s a Taiwan bookstore in TST, a few select stores in Beijing, and soon in Shanghai, it's gonna be shipped very soon.

Do you have any plans to store Glush/ in more international stores?

I slowly want to expand out to Europe. I want to take baby steps to approach the market out there. Traditional trade fares aren’t doing that great, for small brands like mine, it’s really hard to participate in every trade fare, they don’t place orders that day. It takes time. We will focus more on Asia at the moment, then Europe and the States.

You seem to be more focused on long-term fashion as opposed to fast fashion, do you think that is a true statement?

Yes, although some see the collection as fast fashion but I’m looking more at growth in that, it’s a niche market but I’m looking at focusing on growing that market.

Do you think we will eventually change the way we buy to look at more timeless and well-made pieces as opposed to so much fast fashion?

Yea, definitely you can already see it happening with Everlane cashmere cardigans, for the price it’s justified. I think people are now looking for the quality but not forgoing the fun part of it. I also think people want to know more about the products they are buying.

I’d like to take my brand into a sustainable brand but it takes time. Each and every step counts. I wouldn’t say I am at the moment, but that’s the goal, long term and we are working on it from the sourcing side and the manufacturing and even the packaging, it has to be 100% sustainable. For this small scale, everything takes a lot of time and money to be on that level. I believe it can be done it just takes a bit of time to source responsible venders. There’s a lot of companies that say they are but they aren’t, so I’m trying to dig into that and study that and see the real sustainable sources. People are willing to pay more if they know it’s a real sustainable brand.

I would like to link it to a charity but I want to know where that money is going. I would rather partner up with a smaller charity where I know where the money is going, but to do that I need to learn more and it takes time.

Popular brand: Everlane.

When starting up Glush/ did you always know that you would make all your products in Hong Kong / China or did you also look at other places?

Right now the printing is made in Hong Kong, the manufacture and assembling happens in China.

The other line I’m thinking about is sourcing sustainable leather and vegetable dyed leather and other sustainable materials

How was the process of starting up Glush/ for you? Finding the right manufacturer for instance?

I started off with my families’ sample room in HK. So it was easier for me to check the stuff there. But as they were really busy I went to find another manufacturer who would deal with my small quantity. I found one that was HK owned and the owner was a similar age to me, so it was perfect. It took a year to move to that factory. It was a nice learning curve to be totally independent. Starting was easy, keeping it going is harder. For press it’s always the newer stuff that gets the most attention and after 6 months it’s like what’s next? I had a feeling I milked out everything I could do with the Grassy collection so thought should I move forward to something else, a lot of people felt it was a hit at that time. That’s when I decided to open the pop up shop to understand what the customer wanted. That’s also when I started up the second line, more of a traditional line, but still a funky design.

The second line, is marble printing all stone print. The printing is done in HK with a friend, he is a really skilled screen printer and he is doing digital printing right now. I am lucky to have friends like that.

Glush/ Holdall

How was the reaction been to the brand? Do you have some regular customers that you have got to know?

Yea It’s funny to see, I have a live chat on the website and people shoot you random questions. It’s interesting to see what people are looking for. A lot of people are looking for gift items. I offer free personal writing on card. It adds value to the brand. I have a lot of customers from Taiwan and I don’t know if it’s the culture that they are grateful but they send me really nice message and some of them have become friends, and they send me gifts!

What has been the biggest hurdle for you with starting up Glush/?

I think it’s multi-tasking, I’m lucky to be in HK as it’s convenient. You can run around a lot in two hours but at the same time that’s not a good point as you can wear yourself out easily. You don’t have to plan ahead. So it’s multi tasking. I don’t ask for help easily so... I need to learn to slow down. That’s a personal thing with me.

What has been your biggest achievement with Glush/?

I’ve met a lot of friends; It’s a platform to share. The shop was also an accomplishment. Every other day random friends would come by, so it was that experience. Also turning customers into friends. When it was raining friends would come by and bring cheese and wine and stay there while it rained. I’m not a 9-5 person. It might be because I used to be in PR and events so I’m not the sort of person that can be stuck in an office. I like to be out and meet people and share ideas.

Glush/ Backpack

You are also the founder of Lush Magazine, can you tell me more about it, and when you launched?

I started 5 years ago. Just for for fun. More emotional sharing that then turned into a website. It started from the word ‘Lush’. It used to be a pure appreciation of whatever I would see. Then it turned more fashion focused but then I realized I wasn’t really into fashion-fashion. So then it evolved more. For instance when I travelled to Bangkok I went with a different focus, to see the local brands and craftsmanship. I like to talk to them and learn how they made the product and why. From an artist point of view, why they made that sculpture for instance. I also have some good friends who let me contribute to their magazines as a writer. It’s a new area as I don’t have a background in art but I understand how things work. I focus more on the craft, whether it is artwork or fashion.

You are also a contributing writer for Piperline Art Magazine, how did this come about?

It’s my friend, who is the co-founder of the magazine. She is an art snob! We had a trip together to France, that’s how we chatted and brain stormed. She was looking for a new perspective on art. She has a very critical view on art, but wanted more of a general view on art. There aren’t many places you can visit art in HK. It’s a cultural thing. A lot of people don’t think of galleries as an activity. Maybe it's because the rent is so high. The ones that are on the ground floor on Hollywood Road, their work is really heavy. It’s almost like a pressure to go in and look. We are so used to loud noises and cold air.

PIPERLINE Magazine

How has the reaction to bloggers been in HK?

In china there are some, Singapore. Malaysia and Thailand, but in terms of HK the city is really small, so HK is a bit behind in that sense. And the language is really difficult too. People tend to be more comfortable reading Chinese and they also like a lot of pictures, not reading so much. There are quite a lot of new bloggers coming up though. For traditional press it’s very similar style of writing. What’s happening in Milan and Paris? People also do like that it’s instant.

Who is your strongest influence when it comes to fashion?

My mum was always into classic styles. She was a working mum. She has now retired after working for the longest time, so it’s interesting to see how her style has changed. She wears a lot less blazers, which I wear a lot of and now she wears soft fabrics. I usually wear woven fabrics but now I’m thinking of maybe wearing soft fabrics so I guess my mum is an influence.

You are running both Glush/ and Lush Magazine simultaneously. How do you manage to balance both and schedule your time?

I mainly focus on Glush/ and 30% on Lush. I’ve felt more of a pressure to update Lush but I’ve now learnt to priorities more. I just share now what’s cool. Not having a definite timeline. I just share genuine stuff. There has been a struggle but now I priorities.

What are your favorite things about living in Hong Kong?

Convenience, I love and hate it. There is a large variety of things you can see. You just have to dig into it. Rent is high but it’s a good way for people to work from home, or have a store online. You discover stuff and learn stuff everyday. Also the people, some people come here for vacation and end up staying here. You get to meet interesting people.

When you travel, what are some of your travel essentials?

My bag samples, at least three pieces, you never know! Makeup, the basics. A good lipstick and balm in one, name cards.

Any tips for staying stylish and comfortable when traveling?

It depends if it is a vacation or the city. For city, wear lace up flats, you never know!.. And if you go shopping you don’t feel like you are wearing trainers. If it’s a road trip I’d say a sun hat and leggings, yoga pants, good for everyday.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

Balmain, the craft of it, its not everyday pieces but I appreciate the thinking process of it. It’s not far from the inspiration. A lot of designers take 10 steps away from their inspiration and it becomes very minimalist but the inspiration is very linked.

You see their standpoint and their brand identity season after season. Some brands, they want to change to give freshness. They have a stamp but can see the difference each season. You can see the styling is harmonies. Everything goes together very well.

Are you influenced by styles and trends you see on your travels?

Every city has its aesthetic, like Shoreditch in London, and HK, that’s how I relate to places, each small neighborhood to each different place. I don’t know if it’s a business point of view, but that’s where I position myself when I travel.

What is a typical outfit for you during the day and what do you wear for a night out in HK?

If it's for just drinks with friends, or dinner, a less formal night out, I would just change my handbag, add a necklace. If it’s a more formal, I would change into a pencil skirt.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Where would you like to see Glush/ and Lush Magazine?

I would like to see myself collaborating with more inspiring creative people and travel more!

Click for more information on: Glush/ handbags
Lush Lifestyle blog

0 Comments

TALES FROM A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR - TINA CHENG

3/14/2016

0 Comments

I first met Tina Cheng about 4 years ago through mutual friends when I was living in Taiwan working on a movie project. I was introduced to her at a fairly significant birthday of hers, despite the fact she doesn’t look much over the age of 25.

She was such a fun and light personality it wasn’t until later I found out just what an accomplished and incredible businesswoman she is. We’ve met plenty of times since then but this was the first time I took the opportunity to interview her on her impressive career.

Today we are meeting for lunch and an interview at Marmalade in The Grove to discuss her incredible career story, including starting a club at the age of 22, turning a $65 million dollar profit on a company she took on as CEO in Taiwan, her latest position as COO the amazing jewelry company Coordinates and to starting her new endeavor, a postnatal care hotel for women.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat, Tina! Let’s start at the top, you primarily grew up in America, is that right?

Yes, I came here when I was 12, so I consider myself bi-cultural. I went back to Taiwan every two years.

What did you major in at university?

Structural engineering! My dad is a developer and hoped I would join the family business. A good brain exercise but not useful now! Math was one of my favorite subjects. I went on to USC Marshall School of Business. I really enjoyed it. It felt like it was what I should of studied in the beginning. I like the smaller size of the school, good classmates many of which I stay in touch with. Before moving back to Taiwan, I was always a serial entrepreneur.

What made you go back to Taiwan?

I wanted my daughter to learn Chinese and be near her dad. I also got hired when I was in Taiwan to start up an internet company. I was the first person there and hired everyone. I loved it. It was a great experience. The person that hired me, it started by us talking about a deal together, but it didn’t happen but he wanted me to set up the company for him and that’s how it happened!

You obviously have very strong business acumen. What was your passion growing up, and did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur / in business?

I think so, I was really influenced by my father who was an entrepreneur. It was very instinctive. I’d go into a restaurant and look at the décor and analyze why one restaurant had so many customers and another one didn’t. I owned a nightclub in Pasadena called Muse, as I was out one night and thought about how much money we spent there and thought this must be a great business! I always look at it from a consumer’s perspective. I was only 22 at the time.

It was the easiest money making opportunity of my life. I was lucky the first entrepreneurial experience was so successful. The company brought me in as a managing partner. After I joined, I tripled their profit. I owned that club for eight years. It was my most successful venture. After that making money took more work! The club is still going on though. There is Muse in Shanghai, the biggest club in Shanghai, right on the bund.

I left because I had my daughter. It was fun for that phase of my life but decided to sell it after I had my daughter, as I wasn’t in that life stage anymore.

What was your experience living in Taiwan as an adult, having spent so many years in the U.S?

I thought I would adapt very easily, but living there and running a business there, I realized I was a lot more Americanized growing up. There was a lot of cultural difference that I didn’t realize I’d feel.

Being a CEO of any company is tough. What was it like working at JigoCity? Do you think being a woman in that position made the job harder?

I felt more sexism in the US than Taiwan; in Taiwan it was more age discrimination. I felt like people didn’t respect me as much as I was young. But if you look at the startups in US they are all young, but in Taiwan all the successful people were in their 80's.

I felt respected by the people I had hired. I hired a team of millennials as well as seasoned managers. The older people especially were trained to respect people in higher positions. I also think it is about attitude; you have to set that attitude and establish authority. You really have to establish that very early on. I learnt a lot, I wasn’t in the Internet world before and also working in Asia, so it was a very valuable experience.

I always knew I wanted to come back to the US though and it was a sabbatical experience. That was also how they explained the job position to me, grow fast and then sell it, so the end was always in mind. We ended up selling to a publicly listed company for $65 million (USD). After the acquisition I stayed on for two years as the CEO. That was very different because after that we were a subsidiary of a public company as opposed to a startup. As a private company I spent my time in operations, as a public company it was financing and reporting. I preferred it when it was private as I’m really more of a grass roots kind of person.

You are a single mom, but always seem to balance your work life and being a hands on and wonderful mom. How do you manage to work this balance out so well?

For me the key is prioritizing what you value, also quality time not quantity when you don’t have the luxury of time. You have to focus on the quality time and creating experiences.

I do think as a single mom, I demand those positions to be able to spend time with my daughter when I need to. That comes with being an entrepreneur and in a leadership position.

In Taiwan most of my friends have their nannies take their kids to their classes. But for me, I always go to my daughters art class, I was a reading parent, I’d go to class early before work to be with her. I also miss days of work to go on her field trips. I got to where I am so I can have other people work for me while I spend time with my daughter. I encourage women to do that, so they can have that choice.

Some people have said, "Why don’t you have your assistant go and do that for your child?" I said "No I ask my assistant to work so I can be with my daughter!"

I do think women feel a lot of guilt, and society puts a lot of guilt on women. But I pride myself on spending good quality time with her. But I don’t think it should be that way, (to feel that guilt) We have to fight that pressure. So I don’t feel guilty. I’m totally immune to that as I know how far it is from the truth.

I do think women feel a lot of guilt, and society puts a lot of guilt on women. But I pride myself on spending good quality time with her. But I don’t think it should be that way, (to feel that guilt) We have to fight that pressure. So I don’t feel guilty. I’m totally immune to that as I know how far it is from the truth.

How do you feel the American working structure differs from the Taiwan way of doing things and do you have a preference for either?

In Taiwan it’s more about face time. Time spent at work as opposed to progress. How early you go and how late you leave. The US is more about the progress and result you have. In Taiwan you are never supposed to leave before your boss. So If I left after 7pm, they would get antsy and come in and ask to leave but would be apologetic.

I do prefer the US way though. Although in Taiwan people would come in on Saturday if I needed them to. In the US they were like screw you! (laughing)

They are harder working but it’s not really more efficient. I did have to force my marketing manager in Taiwan to take a vacation as they work so much that it isn’t efficient.

You moved back to the US a year or so ago, how was the transition moving back?

Price tags, (laughing). Obviously the health insurance is night and day difference in terms of quality and care. I can walk into a doctor’s office at 8pm and see a doctor for $5. If I try and get an appointment in the US sometimes its 6-8 weeks later.

Truly the biggest difference is the risk appetite. In the US people don’t mind taking that risk, sometimes starting up a company and knowing for the first year you will burn money, but the reward could be really high. In Taiwan they would never do that. That business culture doesn’t exist. It’s more short-term thinking and they only look for immediate results. For JigoCity people would ask in the beginning how much we were making and I told them we were budgeted to lose money for two years. People thought we were crazy and wondered why we would ever do that. But we sold the company for $65 million USD. There isn’t that mergers and acquisitions culture in Taiwan so we were almost required to turn a profit.

People would rather own a small business and turn over small profit than take the risk. They are so risk averse. In Taiwan I realized it was even in the education for the kids. It’s built into the culture.

What are the main things you miss about living in Taiwan?

The food and quality of service is really unparalleled. Food and service in Taiwan is really quite advanced. People in Taiwan are also very friendly.

Do you ever see yourself moving back to Taiwan or is the U.S your home now?

I don’t think so, especially at my daughters age I want her to grow up here and learn to be an entrepreneur. I found this incubator school in West Chester. They are expected to start a business in 8th grade and graduate realizing it. Their website is set up like a business website.

You began working for Coordinates Collection as their COO when you moved back to LA, how did this position come about?

Randomly. I came back, I didn’t work in the startup world before I left, so I didn’t have any connections so I did a random search for COO positions on Linkedin and this happened to pop up. I thought the company was very interesting. I heard about them from a friend who had done their IT. I messaged them and later interviewed for them and ended up getting it. It was my first interview. I loved the concept and thought it had potential. They started the company 6 months before I joined and I have been with them for one and a half year. They turned over $3.3 Million USD last year.

The company seems really unique, creating coordinates of special places for its customers. It’s a great idea! Can you tell me more about the company?

The company started of a subscription company, with new jewelry each month. The Coordinate’s was one of them and it sold out every month so they saw the potential.

Coordinates silver bracelet range.

How was it transitioning into the fashion industry? Did you enjoy it?

I never thought I’d be in fashion. It was really cool to learn about the industry and as a woman who loves fashion I didn’t think it would be that hard. I understand it. Also I have started up companies that I didn’t have experience in so I thought it would be good. I learnt about the world of fashion bloggers and it was fascinating. We worked with Chiara (Ferrgani). We did a collaboration with her. From that we gained a lot of followers. I now want to turn my daughter in to a blogger (laughing)

Chiara Ferrgani wearing Coordinates Collection

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt since taking on this position?

Branding. Branding was not something I had expertise in, now I really understand branding and the personality of that. Driving engagement, creating loyalty. I redid the entire brand. I felt like it didn’t really have a personality. The first project I did was revamp it and make it aspirational, hired a creative director with another agency. It also had to be organic and at the same time authentic.

It also all has to be cohesive across all mediums, like Instagram and the site had to be consistent. The brand voice was very important.

My style changed, it elevated my personal style. It also had a lot to do the world of fashion bloggers and seeing what was trending. I try different proportions that are new to me and of course now accessories. Now I’m like more is more!

Had you ever had an interest in working in the fashion and jewelry industry before
this position came about?

No, I grew up so in the engineering world. I always thought it looked too fun to be a job! There is tons of money in it. But no, I was not one of those girls who grew up wanting to be in fashion.

Coordinates Collection

I know that you are making another move this month, this time taking on an entrepreneur endeavor, opening up a postnatal maternity retreat dedicated to postnatal wellness, such a fantastic idea! Can you tell me more about this? Is it something you have wanted to do for a while?

I’m ready to embark on a new adventure. I launched the largest postnatal retreat in Taiwan previously. I launched it for my dad. It was my idea, but my dad is a developer and he had built a hotel 30 years ago. It has been vacant for 12 years so he wanted to renovate it into a boutique hotel. I had stayed in a postnatal place myself. Again coming from a consumer perspective, I thought it was a genius idea so I told my dad and we converted the hotel in to a postnatal center in Taiwan with 60 rooms.

So it's not new to me but I am passionate about bringing this to the western culture. There is such a lack of postnatal care in the US, almost every culture you are supposed to take special rest but somehow in the modern culture that has been lost. We are now expected to bounce back to shape, go back to work and I think this is a lot of the reason for postpartum depression. People here spend so much money on prenatal care but once the baby is here and your body is depleted, this is when you need the most care. After C-sections why are people dieting and squeezing into jeans? It’s a major surgery. They are doing dishes and looking after the baby. It’s too much.

Will this mean a big location move for you, or will you be opening it up locally?

Locally, I’m looking at the west side, Malibu way. I want it to be a good retreat. It will be like a hotel that they check into after they check out of hospital. Women are encouraged to stay 3-4 weeks to properly recover, bond with the baby, nurses to help. Also I want to extend the concept to women with children under one, so anyone can check in for the weekend. That way, women can get some good sleep, go to the beach and have nurses. Not everyone can have nanny’s and live in care so they can rest and go back refreshed. There really isn’t another option if you don’t have a nanny. There are no overnight babysitters. You can obviously see your children whenever you want, but you can just have time to rest.

How far a long are you with the set up of the company?

I’ve just started. I have put in my resignation, as it’s a full-time job just to start it up. I’ve done this before so I know what I need to do. I need to find a hotel, the right location. I also need to raise a lot of investment. It’s going to be about 5-7 Million USD. I will be there everyday, it will be a very hands on process. I feel like it will take 6-8 months to get off the ground, that’s what I’m planning on.

And finally, where would you like to see your new company and yourself five years from now?

I would like to have multiple locations for the postnatal care hotel, a couple of centers in LA, one in east side one on the west side, Orange County and also bring the concept to San Fran and NY. LA is my hometown, stability for my daughter growing up, so LA is where I consider spending an extended period of time, I’d also love to move to Malibu.

During our interview which took place one Saturday afternoon over lunch, Tina brought her young daughter along with the her daughters friend. The two children were incredibly well behaved during our hour long chat and I saw Tina first hand in action, perfectly balancing being a hands on mom and juggling her business. At one point during the interview, Tina went from talking about a $65 million dollar turn over, and then quickly, having had one eye on her daughter, lovingly told her to finish her veggies, to which her daughter obligingly does. An inspirational woman indeed.

Click for more information on Coordinates Collection

0 Comments

INTERVIEW WITH HONG KONG DIRECTOR BARBARA WONG - 黃真真

3/10/2016

0 Comments

Hong Kong Director: Barbara Wong, (黃真真 - Chun-Chun Wong)

I first meet Hong Kong director Barbara Wong (黃真真) at the Kodak House in Hong Kong. As I walk in I get shown to the back of the long office where Barbara is mid photoshoot. She turns to greet me warmly, “Stacy?” She says, “So great to meet you” as she shakes my hand. She just needs a minute to finish off the last of her promotional shoot for the day. I go back to wait in the conference office and 5 minutes later Barbara enters. She is wearing some skyscraper platform heals, a modern Chipow dress, finished off with awesome makeup, big eyelashes and that famous short blonde hair. A force of energy, friendly but most definitely in charge, I can see why she has done so well. Her team is just as gracious, offering their chirpy hellos despite the long day they’ve all had. I am the last stop on her day of promotions, having started at 10am and not stopping all day.

We sit down at the end of the boardroom table as I chat to Barbara about her incredible life so far including her experience in New York, losing one million dollars before even making her first movie, and never giving up on what you love…

You’ve had such an incredible life already but I’d love to start from early on in your life. I know you went to Performing Arts school in Hong Kong right after secondary school; Did you start out thinking you would like to be an actor?

Yes. Originally, when I was in primary and secondary school I was very much into acting so I applied for the Academy of Performing Arts (APA) and studied acting, but after three years I felt it was very limiting. APA had arranged different interviews with TV stations, HK Repertory Theatre and commercial radio. There was a TV show that was offering children’s hosting show, which didn’t appeal, then there was theatre but because of my height I was always playing teenagers. They all liked me, so I had a choice and I chose the radio station.

After working at the radio station, you went to The US to study at NYU. When did you decide that you wanted to be a director? Was there a moment, director, or movie that inspired you?

I went to NYU and when I started the course I did a directing course, and everyday felt so happy in Washington Square Park. I’d never felt so happy before. After I studied film I felt like my life was very full and I found a passion for myself. It was at that time at NYU I knew I wanted to be a director. Before that I was still exploring.

I heard in an interview you told a great story about you trying to get a script to Robert De Niro. As you didn’t have an agent you couldn’t get anyone to read it, so you went and sat outside near Tribeca to wait for him. I know this must have been a really hard and frustrating time, how did you keep going when you felt like you weren’t getting anywhere?

I'm always trying to find a way to solve a problem and I read that was how Quentin Tarantino had done it when he started! I failed but I am optimistic, sometimes too optimistic.

I did think ‘Am I really talented or am I just dreaming?’ I also had to sustain on the minimum at that time.

Do you miss New York?

Very much, in the past when I didn't have so many chances to make films I would usually go back once a year. I think it’s the greatest city in the world.

How do you think your time in New York has affected your style as a director?

In NY there is no right or wrong, it’s about creativity. Every time I am stuck with a script, I try and remember my time in NY and think out of the box. I do think it has shaped me. The word ‘dream’…I think everyone has met a lot of people to fulfill the dream (in NY). Not every city has that. The whole city is filled with dreams and energy.

What are the subjects that most intrigue you as a director?

Humanity, human nature is what I love to explore. Whether comedy or tragedy or romance or like this time (The Secret- 消失爱人) as a thriller. I think that is why someone is watching a film. To see the humanity.

Barbara Wong's latest movie, The Secret- 消失爱人

Is being a director what you thought it would be like while you were studying?

No, I think when I was studying it was just learning about how to make a film technically, but no matter how many classes you have about investment, you have to be in the real world to understand the experience. A big part of being a director, is not just talent but if you have leadership, if people can trust you. Being a director is different to being a writer. As a writer, you can close your door, get drunk! As a director it's quite schizophrenic, you have to be rational but creative, protect the budget and think outside of the box. Acting is like a license to be crazy. Directing, you can’t be too businesslike as you lose the art but you have to have balance. Luckily I’m a Libra! But it is quite challenging.

As well as directing you are also a writer, do you enjoy the writing process?

I enjoy it, but writing is not an easy process and sometimes very lonely, sometimes you feel very insecure, thinking I can’t figure this out. But I found if I don’t write my own script, it's not very smooth. 80% of the problems are solved if I write it myself. If there is any accident like it rains, and I don’t need rain in the scene, I can easily change it, because I wrote it.

The product is more original. On the other hand I do feel like I should use other peoples scripts. I have tried, I keep trying. Step by step, or maybe I haven’t met the right script.

For your movie ‘Girls’ you had your friends improvise scenes, and then based the script on that, what was that process like for you and how did you come up with that way of approaching the dialogue?

I think because I was an acting student, I found improvisation so important. They aren’t acting they are reacting. It’s spontaneous, so I love it so much. And for the actors if it’s the first time working with me, they find it so tough. This scene is me and you fighting, we don’t need a script. So sometimes I put the script away. So often the actors feel insecure, they feel it’s too loose, but later on when they have a taste they like it and then they see the footage (and realize why it works).

Every film I improvise, not every scene but every movie. I don’t like them to rehearse together before the movie. I have my first AD go over lines with the actors, but not together. It is important they go over the lines, so I satisfy them for them to work on their lines. I know they need to because they may need to change a word here or there, but it’s for technical reasons.

Also after three takes it's useless. It’s just acting. I shoot it, but it’s useless. I don’t do masters, over the shoulder; I just capture what I need. For lighting, I have a stand-in for actors. The actors then come in, go from one point of the set to another so they know where they have to go, but I don’t have them go over lines, I just let them know what space they have. The actors love it.

Barbara Wong's movie: Girls

I love that, so much freedom for the actors! Going back to your days in New York. You wanted to be a director there but trusted a friend and ended up owing $1 million on bad stocks and you hadn’t even made a movie yet. That must have been an awful time. Did this make you want to go back to Hong Kong or taint your memory of NY in anyway?

I had two options, to file for bankruptcy and move to HK or stay and work and I chose to stay. I worked as a bartender and other jobs and saved money.

My boyfriend at the time had a camera and worked for freelance news, and one of my friends suggested I just make a film by myself, I asked my classmates to help with the production and I acted in it. After I made the film, my boyfriend and I at the time were breaking up so I decided to come back to HK. It was really tough in New York as well, and so I felt it was time to come back to HK but there was no regret.

You really were incredibly brave and took a chance and decided to use the last $60,000 credit on your credit card to fund your next project, was it a big decision to do that?

I had no choice at that time. If I did not use that part of the money, the other path was bankruptcy so it was just two paths to choose. After I make a decision I will do my best to make the decision work. I also already had debt, if I had $8 of debt or if it is $6, it doesn’t matter. It’s still debt.

In a good way you can say I have the energy to sustain, you can also say I’m really stubborn! I won’t accept it. A lot of people when they lose, its not because they are less talented, it’s because they gave up. If they did it for another three years they could have been Ang Lee.

Today I took a taxi and the driver knew John Woo, he was a nobody he said, a PA who got lucky. It’s interesting right? I think persistence is sometimes the most important thing.

It really doesn’t make you feel good when you aren’t successful; it really makes you feel like shit! I had many years of that. So being stubborn is good. But I have to say having those ups and downs gave me a lot of courage. If I didn’t have that past, I wouldn’t be so relaxed. My movie comes out the 25th but I’m relaxed about it. Of course I hope it does well, but if it doesn’t I’ll make another one.

Do you think you would ever move back to NY?

Who knows? It’s possible. I joke with the press that I might go to Bollywood. Don’t you think that’s (Bollywood's) interesting? So ask me if I'd go to NY, very possible! I wouldn’t drop everything, but life takes us to places we wouldn’t expect. I didn’t know I would make movies in China; I have my office there now, my apartment there.

Your first documentary was Women’s Private Parts. What was it that made you want to do this documentary?

When I was in NYU my classmates would ask me, "What is it like in China, do women have to walk behind men?" I would say, "What are you talking about?!" So I felt like actually foreigners don’t understand the Chinese. After being in NY 6 years, I was surprised to see how different women were in Hong Kong whilst I was away. They talked about sexuality and didn’t need a man. I was thinking the documentary was going to be for foreigners, but it didn’t turn out that way. During interviews of Women’s Private Parts, I had no chance to turn the cameras off; when women had the chance to talk about love and sex they wouldn’t stop! I made it in 1999 so they didn’t have a lot of chance to express themselves, now it’s different.

The Documentary was incredibly successful, as your first project that must have felt amazing!

It went to some film festivals, the documentary got into a lot of countries so I got to go to a lot of places, like Hawaii. When an international audience saw it, they felt the same way. I was asking them "Would you go to a gigolo?" They said yes! "Would you sleep with them?", They said, "Well, if they were clean!" It wasn’t too far fetched to what real people would do, it was very honest.

The success happened quite quickly and you got the NY Independents, Best International Film. Did you think it would do so well?

Without my calculation it brought a lot of things to me. It was considered a very wild documentary so it brought a lot of attention to me. People kept saying I was really smart that I did something to make me stand out. Although it did really well, it was originally meant to go in a different direction.

There’s a lot of talk in LA in the Hollywood film industry about how much harder it is for women in the industry to get as far as men, but you have previously said you don’t think that to be the case, at least in HK. Do you think HK is different perhaps than America?

I don’t feel that it’s harder. I feel its 50/50 industry. I think actually that women have more roles in their lives. It is very different for men. I am still single, and not married. Luckily I am not interested at the moment. I wouldn’t have been able to have made so many films. As women we have so many missions.

I have two Jokes, one is my husband is so busy he hasn’t been back for dinner for a whole week, which is accepted, if it was a women they would wonder what she was doing!

Another is, if a women cries on set, she’s so weak, she can’t handle it, she should go home. If it’s a man it’s different. He’s sensitive etc..

I don’t think it’s discrimination, men and women are different. With directors we work till 2am, brain storm in the middle of the night. Sometimes I have to go away for four months, how can I do that when I have a child who is seven years old? Who is going to take care of the kid? I personally feel that this is more of the problem. I think this is more of the problem than the glass ceiling.

Having trained as an actor, do you think this has made you a better director to help understand your actors?

Very much. I can communicate with them so well and they feel so comfortable with me, and I give them the respect they deserve. I know the pressure they feel. Two hours of makeup, learning lines, and waiting in the makeup room, waiting, and waiting and outside is over 100 people working. After two hours someone comes in and says “OK we’re ready”. They then have to concentrate, they come out 100 people surrounding them “OK, action”. I have been an actress, I know. They have to execute, they have to deliver. Someone has spent so much time getting the lighting ready, and what if they can't deliver? So I give them a lot of time, a lot of understanding. If I’m a director and I yell at you, how can you do it better?

It’s been such an exciting time for Chinese cinema lately with more co-productions happening. Do you have any upcoming plans for a co-production or any other projects you can talk about that you are currently working on?

I would like to do a co-production; I think it would be a very good direction. Hollywood movies have reached such a professional and deep level technically. But the west also wants some inspiration. So I think working with the east, we can work together and it’s a win-win situation. That’s why I moved to China, and established my movie production company Real Films.

It’s not mature but that’s why its exciting. The studios in the States they are very careful what movies they choose, so there is no creativity.

This is my 13th film, so I understand box office, it's not something you can control. But I can control making a film I don’t regret. It will live longer than me. I feel so lucky I can make movies; I have a mission to make good movies.

Veering away from movies for a moment, you have fantastic fashion. Is fashion something you have always been interested in?

Doing the press for my latest movie, some of the press just asked me, "Why have you not changed your style since you started directing? Shouldn’t you wear a suit now?" I said "No it’s more important to be myself!" No matter what I do, I’m a woman and want to be the woman I want to be.

Do you think about costuming when you are making a movie? Are you a very visual person?

Yes, very visual. I’m always very involved in art direction and work closely with the stylist. I do a lot of research and look for references to share with them. The film can look very different depending on what style you choose, 10 different styles could be used with the same script.

How would you describe your own personal style?

More rock in the past, from NY black leather, the chains. Today I had to do a magazine shoot so I’m wearing a chipow. I like to play.

Any favorite designers?

I like, D&G. I like Philip Lim, a lot. I like fun stuff. I don’t follow certain brands.

Who inspires you, personally and professionally?

Ang Lee. He is amazing, in the way that he is Chinese but can make Brokeback Mountain and totally capture it. He is a true artist.

What would be your ideal project to work on, if budget wasn’t an issue?

I am currently working on a sci-fi project, that is humanity based. I hope that it will be done soon, that’s a bigger budget. I don’t think too far ahead, try to take each step by step.

Barbara Wong’s new film The Secret - 消失爱人 is out now.

0 Comments

THIRDLOVE : THE INTERVIEW

2/15/2016

1 Comment

Launched in 2013 by co-founder Heidi Zak, ThirdLove, an underwear brand with a difference was born. With so many underwear companies out there, it's almost impossible to create one that stands out from the rest. However ThirdLove have managed to achieve it, making themselves quite literally a cut above the rest.

Not only have they created an accurate sizing App for phones, using patented technology that allows their customers to get accurately measured in the comfort and privacy of their own home, helping countless women who dislike the process of having to be measured and choose their bras in public, but their bras also come in half sizes! Now I've said it, it seems obvious that all bras should, however it's another area ThirdLove are doing things other companies simply aren't.

Speaking of deciding to create half sizes, Heidi says, “As we were designing our first bras, we quickly realized that the standard sizes don’t fit a huge part of the population, and they’re actually in between cup sizes. So we created half‐cup sizes to provide a better fit for women—in fact, we’ve found that 35% of our bras sold in the A‐E range are half‐cups. (For example, our A1⁄2 is between an A cup and B cup.) Our exclusive half‐cup sizes are unique to ThirdLove and are only available on our app and website and in Bloomingdale’s stores.”

I have a ThirdLove underwear set myself, as I wanted to put the brand to test before this interview and I have to say, genuinely it was the most comfortable bra I've ever worn. I even wore it taking a flight from Los angeles to Hong Kong yesterday, a 15 hour over night flight, and it didn't bother me once. Something I'm not sure I've been able to say about a bra before!

With a new partnership with Bloomingdales featuring exclusive designs in their stores and plans for further expansion this year, Eurasian Vogue asks Heidi all about what inspired her to start ThirdLove and just how she came up with that genius App.

Thanks for taking the time to chat to EV about ThirdLove. You have such an impressive resume. Have you always had an interest in the fashion industry?

Absolutely, and my background reflects that — it’s a blend of retail and technology. I spent 4 years at Aeropostale in New York City, launching and operating their international business. Then I came out to the San Francisco and took a role at Google focused on marketing to large retail companies. Both roles allowed me understand opportunities in traditional retail models that could be created by using technology to design better products and create a better shopping experience.

You’ve had such a wide experience in different areas of the industry. What was it that led you to start ThirdLove?

Two years ago, it was time to go bra shopping and refresh my lingerie drawer, and as usual I was dreading it. I disliked the whole process – finding time to drive to a store, getting measured by a stranger, trying on lots of overpriced bras. Finally I thought, there’s got to be a way to use technology to make lingerie shopping easier and more fun. ThirdLove started with lingerie because shopping for bras is not only frustrating, it’s a private process. It’s not a social shopping experience like shopping for a dress, so it’s actually the perfect category to bring online.

Where did the name ThirdLove come from?

When a woman truly loves an item of clothing, it’s because it hits all three points — style, fit and feel (comfort). We strive to do that with each and every bra, which is why we named the company “ThirdLove.”

How long did it take from idea to realizing ThirdLove?

We spent over a year developing the mobile technology ‐ and at some points we didn’t know if we would succeed. The long development process was definitely worth the wait — launching with the sizing technology meant we already had a clear differentiator over competitors in the market.

The App is genius. What else makes ThirdLove different from other underwear brands available?

ThirdLove has differentiated itself from our competitors by focusing on fit — 35% of our bras sold in the A‐E range are in our exclusive half‐cup sizes. The lingerie industry currently sizes bras based off of a single fit model, which invariably leads to a faulty sizing experience and an ill‐fitting bra. Instead of using standard industry measurements and grading them up and down to create each bra size, we use real women's measurements to create products that fit women better, thanks to the mobile app, which help women find their perfect bra fit in under 15 minutes from the comfort of their own home.

What kind of woman is a ThirdLove customer?

Women today want a bra that’s not only beautiful, but also fits perfectly and feels great throughout the day. ThirdLove is bringing form and function together in a way that hasn’t been done before, and modern women of all ages are embracing this new brand that truly understands what’s important to them.

I love the designs of the bra and underwear and I believe you’ve managed to create designs that are recognizable as a ThirdLove design, which isn’t easy to do! Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?

We take inspiration from classically tailored lingerie and incorporate the latest technologies to increase the comfort and durability of every item we create. For example, one of our summer palettes included violet hydrangea, pretty pinks, and translucent smoky grays. The fabrics range from ultra sleek microfiber to open sheer meshes to an absolutely decadent lace.

Do current fashion trends or color forecasting influence you when designing a new collection?

Absolutely — Ra’el Cohen, our VP of Design & Product Development, is always up to date with the latest trends and chooses every detail and color very carefully! We have entire meetings dedicated to deciding which colors we’ll move forward with for new collections.

You founded the company in 2013, what has been the biggest hurdle so far with starting ThirdLove?

The technology was a major challenge when we first started out — we didn’t know if it would work, since no one had ever used computer vision in the way we wanted to from a mobile device. It’s the first of its kind, which is why we have 7 patents and 4 more pending around it.

I also think staying focused is a challenge for any startup, and we’re no different. There’s an endless amount of things you could be doing to grow the business, and it’s hard to choose which to spend your time on. But I think the ThirdLove team does a pretty great job of this, and it’s why we’ve grown as fast as we have (400% last year), and built such a trusted brand so quickly.

Huge congratulations on having ThirdLove in Bloomingdales! It’s great for your customers to be able to go in and see the quality of ThirdLove for themselves. Can you tell us of any further plans you have with Bloomingdales, or any other exclusive collections that we can keep an eye out for?

Absolutely — the partnership was so successful that we have planned to add new styles in 2016 and expand into additional Bloomingdale’s stores around the country.

You clearly have great taste as shown through ThirdLove range. How would you describe your own personal style and what’s your favorite item of clothing in your wardrobe at the moment?

My personal style has changed a bit at the moment, as I’m currently 8 months pregnant! However, the one thing I can wear no matter what is my Stella & Dot jewelry. I’m a big fan of the company and their founder, Jessica Herrin, who is also a mom and a great role model proving you can build a big business while raising a family.

What has been your biggest accomplishment with ThirdLove so far?

The Bloomingdale’s partnership is certainly exciting, but I would have to say it’s every time we hear from a woman who has finally found a comfortable, beautiful, perfectly‐fitting bra, thanks to us. It’s amazing the difference it can make in someone’s daily life!

Do you have any plans to expand ThirdLove into nightwear, loungewear or even active wear?

We do have a few things on the roadmap, but right now we’re laser‐focused on lingerie and giving every woman a great fitting bra with ThirdLove.

Where would you like to see ThirdLove in 5 years from now and are there any imminent plans for the company that you’d like to share?

With our latest funding round, we will grow our team at our San Francisco headquarters, expand our product line, and further expand our retail presence.

Lastly, how would you describe ThirdLove in one sentence?

ThirdLove is an innovative bra and underwear brand that believes fit should come first.

For more information on ThirdLove visit: www.thirdlove.com

ThirdLove + Bloomingdale's

THIRDLOVE- THE GALLERY

1 Comment

THE POWER OF ART: AN INTERVIEW WITH AMANDA LIN #A WINDOW BETWEEN WORLDS.

12/6/2014

1 Comment

Amanda Lin (left) with AWBW founder, Cathy Salser

Today I am here to speak with Amanda Lin, an inspiring woman, who is on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for A Window Between Worlds (AWBW). AWBW is a fantastic non-profit organization that is dedicated to using art as a healing tool to empower and transform individuals and communities impacted by violence and trauma. The organization is one that has grown significantly over the years and with statics released by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) of one in four women experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime, and over 3 million children witnessing domestic violence in their homes, the organization is an incredibly important one.

Lin began her involvement with AWBW when she was an undergrad at UCLA, Lin says she became passionate about giving additional service to her community outside of campus. “I met Cathy Salser, the founder of AWBW and found myself volunteering at a House of Blues Gospel Brunch benefiting AWBW. After being at this event and then visiting the Venice studios and seeing the survivors’ artwork, I knew right away that the implementation of art workshops has benefited survivors in many ways especially the change in the children’s ability to cope and work through their issues of domestic violence (DV).  Since 1991, AWBW has provided art as a healing and empowering tool for women and children living in domestic violence shelters to rebuild their lives and end the cycle of violence.  Art offers a “window to a new world” in which violence; shame and silence are replaced by safety, healing and hope.  AWBW has demonstrated to me that it occupies a unique role of using art as a healing tool to individuals and communities seeking to move from trauma to empowerment.”

I ask Lin who inspired her to begin her volunteer work when she was just at college, she tells me, “ I was the youngest of five children with wonderful parents who instilled in us the importance of being good human beings and respecting all people.  Their philosophy made me want to help others who are not always able to help themselves.”

As well as her parents, Cathy Salser, Founder of AWBW is also a major source of inspiration to Lin. She explains, “Salser is a Karen Cooper Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. She has also been the volunteer Executive Director for the last 23 years.  What began as one summer’s cross-country journey in 1991 to share the healing power of the arts has developed into a non-profit organization dedicated to using art to help end abuse.  She had packed up her car full of art supplies and set out, going from shelter to shelter, hoping to share art in a way might make a difference. Cathy began by sharing art at different shelters in exchange for room and board.  She trained other volunteers in how to empower women who didn’t know anything about art and together they developed workshops for collages, watercolors, clay, and all kinds of mediums.  What she saw that first summer, and what’s made AWBW grow, is the confirmation that even a single art session can change someone’s life forever. Twenty-three years later, AWBW has now grown to serve over 131,000 women and children throughout the country in partnership with 300 shelters, outreach centers, and transitional homes.”

“Beginning with the first cross-country road trip, the principle of collaboration has been a tradition and an integral part of the model of AWBW among staff and shelter partners, the art facilitators, survivors, contributors, and others.” Lin explains. “AWBW is a very unique organization because just 16 staff results in over 80,000 art sessions – all thanks to collaboration.  With each partner site, AWBW builds capacity through initial and ongoing training, one-on-one consultation, art supplies, and an online curriculum of 500+ workshops.  AWBW empowers facilitators at each agency, so that art is integrated seamlessly into their curriculum of care to build safety, open communication, and support participants to take concrete steps toward a healthy and resilient future.  Our national network of facilitators share their knowledge and inform the development of new workshops online, resulting in a high-quality, continually expanding and evolving curriculum by those working on the front-lines.”

The organization is not to be confused with art therapy, Lin explains but rather, “offer(s) a process of self-expression, self-exploration, and self-interpretation.  There is no therapist or other authority responsible for interpretation or diagnosis.  Each participant is in charge of his or her own creative exploration.  This is emphasized in the structure of the group, from opening to closing.  The result is a special environment of safety during which participants support and create a unique “window of time” to practice respecting themselves and their own creativity.” It enables the participants to begin taking charge of their own future, as Lin tells me, one participant said, “I feel each art group I go to is a step of progress of never getting back into a violent relationship.”

As a result of the success of AWBW, the organization is set to expand beyond women, children and domestic violence and AWBW have been asked to increase their sector to include “men, our returning combat veterans and their families, sexual assault survivors, the homeless, and others.” Lin says.

Speaking of AWBW’s future Lin says, “AWBW envisions a world where art is a catalyst in healing and releasing trauma, builds resilience and ignite social change to end not only domestic violence, but also child abuse, sexual assault and intimate partner violence.   I hope that in this lifetime, the creative process of art will become the prevailing journey toward healing and transformation.” Lin has seen the huge level of success throughout her involvement with the organization. “Just with our art programs, the demand for more art to create safety, healing, and change is growing.  AWBW has centered our work in the field of domestic violence, providing art interventions for women and their children.  The agencies with which we partner recognize how effective the workshops are in healing trauma and building resilience, and strong results have created an even higher demand for the workshops in shelters and beyond.  35% of AWBW’s partners are already using the art programs outside of DV services.  Today AWBW is being asked to share the healing art curriculum with new partners.  We are actually at a very critical point in the organization’s history, where we are ready to explore new collaborations using art.”

“AWBW’s programs have become so successful that they now network of 988 leaders across the country, in doing so these leaders-- who integrate weekly art sessions enables the acceptance and adoption of AWBW curriculum on such an increased and wide scale.”

Perhaps the success is best described in the moving stories of its participants. I ask Lin to explain the most inspiring stories she has encountered, “At a AWBW board retreat years ago, our Program Director Olivia Piacenza shared a moving story about one of the first children participants in the AWBW programs. Three-year-old RJ said, “Did you know that my dad hit me and it hurt? I don’t like my dad and I don’t want him to hurt me anymore. I learned in Windows that it was okay for me to tell you that.” RJ spoke these words to one of the then-newest Children’s Leaders at Angel Step Too. The leader described that right after this conversation, which happened at naptime, RJ rolled over and slept well for the first time since he had arrived at the shelter. RJ’s mother expressed that AWBW gave her a son a voice; he knows what he wants and can express his feelings without fear. The story about RJ was very moving to me and serves to this day as a poignant reminder how powerful the art programs can be in children’s lives.”

Another story Lin experienced firsthand, “We had a woman by the name of Silvia Rico come forward eighteen years after first finding AWBW. She shared the critical window of change art had opened in her heart and how she is now fulfilling her dream of giving back, using art to transform the lives of other DV survivors. Silvia had experienced years of physical and verbal abuse by her husband, the father of her children. In 1994, she entered a domestic violence shelter, Chicana Service Action Center, where she was exposed to the AWBW program. It was the first time she used art to express the feelings she had inside. Initially, she was confused about what the art meant. That night, she found refuge in the art. The AWBW program helped her get her most profound feelings out. She remembered when creating art, her pictures were all wet. She cried a lot when she made them. Her abuser swore that he had changed, so she went back to him. She returned with hope, only to go back to more suffering. But thanks to her art, she was no longer the same. His comments affected her less, and she was sure that she didn’t trigger or provoke his blows. When she took her children and left the abusive relationship, she knew it was the art that had allowed her to let go of her past. It made her decide how she wants to live her life and create a better future for herself and her children. Now as a Women’s Leader at California Mental Health Connection, she is proud to teach what she have personally proven to heal and cure, to help other victims of DV through art. Silvia is one of thousands of AWBW participants who are using art as the center of change in their lives, families, and community.”

With success stories like this it’s no wonder that the organization has grown from just two members when it was founded in 1991 to now having a staff of sixteen. They serve 296 sites and 988 women and children’s leaders providing 80,760 sessions each year.

Lin says, “We have programs in 28 states, including over 50 in Los Angeles. Many opportunities are coming forward because of the strong results the programs produce. The demand for AWBW programs is growing. Domestic violence isn’t an isolated issue and after performing a survey of our key leaders we found strong interest in serving new sectors that have crossover with DV survivors. Specific groups we are exploring partnerships with are in these new sectors: trauma-informed care, veterans and their families, sexual assault survivors, perpetrators, LGBTQ community, gangs, the homeless, teens, and men.”

“In order to explore these opportunities, AWBW is looking at a two-year capacity building period beginning July 1st, 2014 and ending June 30, 2016. We are discussing possible collaborations with Joyful Heart Foundation (evaluating impact of alternative modalities), Habitat for Humanity (adaptation of our program to serve veterans and their families), and Association of Batterers’ Intervention Program (intervening with the perpetrators of DV).”

Speaking of other future goals for AWBW Lin says, “I hope that AWBW’s core programs are going to be a central strategy for addressing trauma. I envision AWBW being able host an annual conference with curated exhibitions to initiate dialogue, explore best practices, and foster new collaboration to leverage art as a cultural force for social change.”

I witnessed the overwhelming response to the organization at a gala event held at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills a few months ago, which Lin was event co-chair for. The Peninsula kindly lent the space to the organization for the evening and local artists donated their work and several celebrities attended the event to offer their support.

The outcome of the gala surpassed their expectations as Lin explains, “This year’s special evening at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills included wine and liquor tastings, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. We had asked 62 established Los Angeles and Orange County-based artists to contribute a piece of art to be displayed anonymously and purchased at a fixed price at our Artworks for Healing event. It usually takes many months, actually the better half of a year if not all year-round to pull it all together. We have an amazing event committee and staff to have created our most successful benefit yet. We raised over $97,000 in support of AWBW’s expansion to serve new populations, and received a surprise donation of $50,000, which altogether helped us exceed our fundraising goal of $135,000 by $12,000. More than the dollars raised, it served as goodwill and has allowed us to deepen our relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation supporters who were our special guests at the gala. We are so grateful for everyone’s support which means the world to us.”

For more information on AWBW please visit:

Website: https://www.awbw.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awbworg

Photo credit: A Window Between Worlds.

PICTURES FROM THE GALA EVENT FOR AWBW

Actress, Mena Suvari

Silent auction

Live auction with Actor, Regan Burns who was the guest auctioneer for the night.

 Game of Thrones actor, Gethin Anthony

1 Comment

THE ART OF SWEETS: INTERVIEW WITH SARIECAKES OWNER SARAH CHOE

12/1/2014

1 Comment

I’m sitting in a restaurant in downtown LA to interview Sarah Choe, owner and founder of SarieCakes, a bespoke cake making company. She tells me she’s been incredibly busy with events and orders these past few weeks, the latest was working LA Style Week and this doesn’t surprise me at all. When you think of cakes your mind doesn’t necessarily run to art or fashion but SarieCakes are certainly not your typical cake business. I met Choe in Beijing several years ago, before the idea of baking had ever occurred to her. Since then, in three years she has built her business up to become a wonderfully successful, (and in my opinion, one of the best) bespoke cake businesses around, specializing in fantastic artistic pieces that quite frankly look just too beautiful to eat.

Choe has always been artistic, she went to FIDM to study fashion, but dropped out after feeling the course wasn’t for her. She spent some time working for her father, then travelled to Asia for a few months before coming back to LA and decided she wanted to take some kind of course with her sister, “It was either going to be knitting or cake making” she tells me, “we went for cake making”. As soon as Choe began the course, she realized she had a natural ability for it, coupled with her knowledge of structuring and design from FIDM she realized she had stumbled upon something that might be a career opportunity for her. “My sister wasn’t quite the same,” she says with a smile. “We put a photo up on that website, where you post a picture of your version and then someone else’s that failed it. It was a rose cake design or something. We put mine up (Nailed it) and my sisters next to it (Failed it) she laughs, it was so funny. I wish I had kept that picture.” Needless to say, her sister didn’t continue with baking, instead now works as an interior designer, so creativity obviously runs in the family, just perhaps not baking!

After posting that picture, aside from having a laugh together with her sister, people began commenting on what a talent Choe had, which pushed her to move forward. Choe explains, “I met with Elin Katz from Rosebud, in Beverly Hills and I don’t know how, but I got the job to intern there.” Those in the industry all know Katz to be one of the most respected women in the baking world, with a huge amount of experience, she specializes in edible works of art that she lights to perfection and places her creations in front of stage like backdrops. Choe explains, “Before I got the job, Elin asked me to make a purse handbag, I had no idea she was going to ask me to do that, so it was scary.” As a complete newcomer to the industry Choe had no idea how well respected Katz was, “Later on when I realized how well respected she was in the industry, I felt so fortunate.” Choe says.

Sadly after Choe had spent just a few month of working there, Katz closed down Rosebud after 27 years of being in business, however this only pushed Choe to begin her own company. “I knew 6 months in that I wanted to start my own business” she says, “because Rosebud closed, it pushed me to do it earlier than I wanted, I thought maybe two years down the line, but I spoke to my mum and she really pushed me to do it. “

Sarah Choe, With Rosebuds owner, Elin Katz

Katz was also behind her starting her own company, telling Choe to “not let this talent go to waste.” Choe says passionately, “I never thought I would have my own business. But now it’s all I focus on.” Choe knows that she has found a niche, amongst her portfolio, (whilst working at Rosebud) is an eight-foot tall wedding dress. It took four girls a week to complete it.” The wedding dress wasn’t even the wedding cake, Choe tells me, “It was for the engagement party. The bride-to-be had already picked her dress and the cake was a replica of it. For this kind of project it takes more than just baking talent, “That wasn’t just cake, we had to carve the mannequin out of styrofoam, we had to measure it, get the dimensions right.”

Moving forward, Choe has her eyes set firmly on expanding her company, “I was even thinking that I could set up in Asia. But it could be hit or miss. In America we have cakes for everything. It’s a much larger market, we have a lot of parties and cupcakes are popular. In America they will also have birthdays for a 6.5 month olds and it’s a $4,000 cake.”

In just a few short years of being in the industry, Choe has a lot of stories to tell, She’s made a Louis Vuitton purse for one customer which cost more than an actual Louis Vuitton bag. Another that included making a Birkin bag for Sharon Stone. “It’s always a PA that comes to order the cake, so at the time you don’t know.”

I ask Choe what’s the longest time she has spend on making a cake and she says, “Everything has to be done in 4-5 days. Most people think they’re freshly baked but they’re not. It’s one day to bake and cool down. Then one day to put together, and set and carve it. It then takes another day or two to decorate. But you can’t take longer than 5 days because it just doesn’t taste good.” Any baking disasters, I ask Choe, “Oh, many! In my earlier baking days I made a cake and on delivery date it crumbled. At that time I didn’t know about putting dowels in the middle to keep it up. The delivery was that night so I had to make the whole bottom part again. I’ve also heard horror delivery stories, dropping the cake on the way to deliver it. But unless it’s a total disaster you can always fix it.”

I ask Choe if she is sick of eating cakes now that she makes them everyday, “ I gained ten pounds when I started this business, you have to try when you make cakes, especially in the beginning, but now I know, so I can just taste the frosting. But now, if I see cake or sweets I don’t want to eat it! When it’s my birthday, my friends ask me, where do we get the cake, do we order it from you?” she laughs. “ I just tell them, no cake!” My family are also sick of cakes because I give them left overs! I think they also gained weight!”

I ask Choe what her favorite part of her job is and she tells me, “It’s creative and I just have fun with it. It doesn’t feel like a job. The more creative the cake is, the more I learn. There is not one time you think, ‘ I’ve got this’ I do research and I find tips of something I never knew. I always write these things down. Everything is also about timing.” Choe is certainly continuing to learn, she plans on taking a carving workshop, so she can build more physical structures on which to lay her baked creations around. She also plans on taking more business classes to help further SarieCakes. I tell her I think it’s so fortunate that she stumbled upon this cake baking course with her sister, which has really carved our her future, “Yea, if we had chosen the knitting course, I don’t know what I’d be doing.” She laughs.

At this point, I thank Choe for her time, and as I do, our chocolate mousse from the set menu arrives, and true to her word, Choe dips her spoon in it, takes a small taste and sets it aside.

Below is a selection of just a few of Sarah Choe's incredible designs

For more information on Sarah Choe and SarieCakes, click: Here

1 Comment

FALL TREND 2014: CAPES EURASIAN VOGUE'S WRITE UP FOR AUDREY MAGAZINE

11/18/2014

0 Comments

During Fall and Winter, fashion is all about layers, luxe coats and cozy vibes. It’s the seasons that naturally allow for a richer, more luxurious way of dressing. Each year, we see a new coat trend walk down the runway. Last year, it was all about over sized coats and bomber jackets, but this season’s hottest trend is something completely different: the cape. This fashion trend has had its moment before, but this fall the cape is back with a vengeance. It was seen on the runway with Valentino Ralph Lauren, Saint Lauren and The Row amongst others. The cape has always been incredibly chic and this season it’s made even more glamorous as designers such as Daks and Ellie Saab have taken the cape to longer lengths, adding even more glamour. Others such as Ralph Lauren have added more volume at the back whilst keeping the front tailored. On the high street, we’ve seen a new twist with the blazer cape and a slimmer silhouette. Paired with jeans, layered over a sweater, or draped over an evening dress, it instantly gives an updated look to any outfit. It’s not just the designer collections that are embracing the cape. Models and fashion bloggers alike take the look straight off the runway and have made it their own from the high-street version, to the customizable cape-like Burbery Propsum poncho.