So what’d you think of the Oscars? Did your favorite films win? Your supporting actress picks? (Hailee’s still got the next 50 years to win!) What’d you think of the hosts? Who wore the best dress? (Uh, Givenchy Haute Couture, anyone?)
The Oscars may be over, but the hype is not. Just to extend that post-Oscars afterglow a wee bit longer, here are some photos of your fave AA celebs from some of the pre-Oscar and post-Oscar events.
Vanessa Hudgens attended the 19th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 27, 2011. She looked ravishing in Marchesa and a Katerina Maxine bracelet. What do you think of the silver eyeshadow? A do? A do not? (I’m personally digging the shorter ‘do.)
Vanessa Hudgens in Marchesa and Katerina Maxine bracelet.
I’ll admit it. There was a time — a long, long time ago, mind you — when I would’ve killed to wear Vera Wang down the aisle. I mean, a Vera Wang gown on your wedding day was the ultimate in “You’ve Made It” prestige. Anyone who was anyone got married in Vera Wang.
Alas, it was not to be. Not only was I a half-dozen thousand dollars short, I was a half dozen years too early. Because Vera Wang has finally launched her line of White by Vera Wang line of bridal gowns at David’s Bridal stores nationwide.
Vera Wang and Bob Huth, President and CEO of David's Bridal. (PRNewsFoto/David's Bridal)
Happy Friday! And this is an especially good Friday because 1) it’s a long weekend (thanks goodness for presidents!), and 2) it’s Audrey‘s TGIFree Friday Giveaway! And we’ve got to admit — this is a good one!
Now, we’ve been featuring a lot of musicians within our pages and on our site lately — everyone from YouTube sensation Joseph Vincent to super hip The Go! Team (read about them in our upcoming Spring 2011 issue) to the pioneering, trailblazing Far East Movement (how many number ones so far?). So I’ve been doing a lot of listening to music of late. The problem is I’m listening to it on my pathetic computer speaker (and yet they still sound so good!). Nonetheless, if the Asian American breakthrough in mainstream music keeps up, I’m gonna have to get myself a decent set of speakers.
Oh, how nice it’d be to have the Speakal iCrystal iPod speakers. I mean, sooo cute! A unique illuminated globe that makes me feel like I’m a character in Gattaca or in the U.S.S. Enterprise (and yes, I mean the ’70s version) and yet it’s super modern too. A space-age teardrop glowing in ambient blue light, a remote control, and a 3.5mm aux input jack that connects to your TV, gaming console or other music sources. (Hey, it was awarded “Best of Show” docking station in CES 2010 by iLounge, so it’s got to be pretty badass.)
It retails for $80 at Speakal.com, but we have it for one lucky Audrey reader!
This giveaway is so good, it’s open to Audrey subscribers only (and why wouldn’t you be? You’re here, aren’t you? We know you’re not a freeloader!). All you have to do is comment on three of our archived stories from Audrey Magazine (click on the “Magazine” category above and it’ll take you to our archives from past issues, or for a list of archived stories, click on the “Archives” category), and then tell us which ones you commented on here. Best comments wins! You have till Wednesday February 23, 2011, 11:59 pm to comment, and you must have a U.S. mailing address to win. Good luck!
Valentine’s day is just around the corner! So while you’re dreaming of the desires of your heart (that cute guy in Econ, your new boyfriend, or even your old man), take a moment to think of your biological heart. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, claiming the lives of nearly 500,000 Americans each year. And it’s not just a white woman’s disease. Among Asian Americans, especially those of South Asian descent, heart disease is the second leading cause of death. In fact, in the U.S., the rate of heart disease is four times higher for Indian Americans than for whites. (It also tends to affect South Asians at a younger age.)
Thankfully, Go Red for Women Campaign is there supporting the American Heart Association to make sure women know the facts about heart disease and how to lower your risk. And a number of companies have stepped up to the plate to help Go Red, including Isabelle Grace Jewelry and Edible Gifts Plus. Both companies are run by women who passionately believe in supporting and promoting women’s health.
Isabelle Grace Jewelry offers delicate, personalized jewelry perfect for making a statement with elegance. (A bunch of celebs have necklaces with their babies’ names engraved, including Katherine Heigl with her adopted Korean baby’s name, Naleigh). And in support of Go Red, for every Puffy Gold Heart With Ruby Stone purchased, Isabelle Grace is donating 20 percent of proceeds to the American Heart Association. The Puffy Gold Heart with Ruby necklace is a delicate, sweet piece, completely handmade out of .999 fine silver and 22-kt gold. It is finished with a hammered effect and topped off with a ruby stone. The charm measures approximately 1/2 inch.
Isabelle Grace puffy gold heart with ruby necklace.
Edible Gifts Plus offers sweet treats of a different kind — everything from cake pops to giant fortune cookies to practically anything dipped in chocolate. Who wouldn’t like a package of white chocolate covered Oreo cookies emblazoned with your favorite photo or logo? Well, they may not be helping our waistline, but they’ve pledged to donate 15 percent of the proceeds from their Gourmet Getaway Tote to the American Heart Association. I so need this — no more cheap shopping bags to tote my lunch in! The Gourmet Getaway Tote comes in cranberry red and is made out of neoprene with a sturdy zip closure to keep food hot or cold for up to four hours.
Gourmet Getaway Tote from EdibleGiftsPlus.com.
Now, one lucky reader will win both the Isabelle Grace necklace and the Gourmet Getaway Tote. All you have to do is tweet and Facebook this post, and then tell us what you do to keep your heart healthy.
You have until Wednesday, February 16 at 11:59 pm to enter. You must have a U.S. mailing address to win. Good luck!
You may have heard of famous street photographer/bloggers Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist), Asian American Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil, but here’s a name to keep an eye out for in 2011: Bonae L’amour. The Vietnamese American photographer, originally from New Orleans and now based in New York City, says he photographs “souls and spirits, not simply people.” He is an advocate for diversity in fashion and the media.
Here, some of Bonae’s shots of Asian models off duty.
One of the season’s more popular models, Ming Xi — she of the famous ears — made her debut at New York Fashion Week spring 2011, after a successful run in Europe. “She was enthusiastic,” says Bonae. He shot her here after Jason Wu’s spring 2011 show.
Ming Xi, after Jason Wu SS 2011, shows off a look that's gonna be hot for spring -- pale hues, long strap bags, and touches of black trim.
One of the few Asian Americans on the catwalk, Bonnie Chen walked for Vivenne Tam as well as Erin Fetherston, Marchesa and Thuy. The Chinese American (she splits her time between New York, Hong Kong and Beijing) graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in psychology. The former rhythmic gymnastic national champion kicked off her modeling career as a finalist in the Elite Model Look competition when she was 16.
Model Bonnie Chen, here before the Vivienne Tam spring 2011 show, captures the eclectic, high-low model chic look with a structured striped blazer, louche cut-offs and a preppy handbag.
“Liu Wen said she was very honored and thanked me when I congratulated her on Estee Lauder,” says Bonae. Both Liu and fellow Marilyn NY Agency model Constance Jablonski landed contracts with Estee Lauder last year. The good friends worked together previously on a ck Calvin Klein SS 2010 campaign. Here, they pose before Fashion’s Night Out: The Show.
Constance Jablonski and Liu Wen offer two ways to wear the must-have denim hue -- on top or slouchy on bottom. Cognac and tan accessories are a must.
Chinese model Ping Hue Cheung made her debut last year and walked Matthew Williamson, Ports 1961 and Halston, among others, for spring. She most recently appeared in a fashion editorial for Teen Vogue.
Ping Hue after the Monique Lhullier SS 2011 show.
Korean model Hyoni Kang is still going strong since winning the Ford Supermodel of the World contest in 2008. She most recently appeared in a Marie Claire editorial. Here, she shows us how to do military modern.
Hyoni Kang before the Adam SS 2011 show.
“It was the Korean newcomer’s first NY fashion week,” says Bonae of Korean model So Young Kang. “She was very excited!” Kang made her debut at the Chanel fall couture show in Paris last year.
So Young Kang, known for her steely gaze, after Jen Kao SS 2011.
First runner-up in the Ford Supermodel of the World contest in 2010, Filipina model Charlene Almarvez shows off her fun-loving personality during Spring 2011 Fashion Week, where she walked for Nanette Lepore and Diane von Furstenberg.
No catwalk glare for Filipina model Charlene Almarvez -- she's all fun on the street.
Selina Khan is from French Guyana and is of Indian, Vietnamese, Arabic and Creole descent. She’s walked and modeled for Ralph Lauren and Gap.
Selina Khan before the Betsey Johnson SS 2011 show.
Hot Asian model of the moment Liu Wen, looking quite pleased after Vera Wang’s SS 2011 show, her 20th anniversary show.
Liu Wen.
Japanese model Tao Okamoto and Ming Xi after the Academy of Art University SS 2011 show.
Tao Okamoto and Ming Xi.
And last but definitely not least, the stunning Shu Pei Qin in a getup that has everyone gawking.
Shu Pei Qin in a daring web-like getup after a Jason Wu show.
Whether you’re in love, lovelorn or looking, Valentine’s Day pretty much sucks all around. I mean, the pressure! Pressure on him to come up with the perfect date! Pressure on you when all your female co-workers are getting flower deliveries and your desk sits lonely and unadorned! Pressure when asked, “So what did X do for you for Valentine’s?”
Screw the pressure! Get some control. Forward this post to your man ASAP. Subtlety gets you nowhere.
* Forget French cuisine; go with the culture that invented the Kama Sutra!
Restaurant, cafe and art exhibition space ROYAL/T is serving up a specially themed “Royal Indian” Valentine’s Day dinner for one night only. The 10,000 square foot space will be transformed into a rich, multi-sensory experience, with elegant jewel-toned fabrics, low lighting, and an indulgent, sensual meal crafted by Indian-born chef and cookbook author Kaumudi Marathé of Un-Curry.
When: February 14, 2011, from 6 to 10 pm
Where: Royal/T, Culver City, CA, 8910 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
How: Menu items range from $8-30 each (not including tax and gratuity)
Reservations, which are recommended, can be made by calling Royal/T at 310.559.6300 ext. 4, visiting www.royal-t.org/cafe, or by emailing events@royal-t.org.
* Make her breakfast (and dessert in one fell swoop) in bed.
Pancakes? Red velvet pancakes? Red velvet pancakes in bed???
Jodi, the woman behind the brunch hotspot The Griddle Cafe, is known as the Willy Wonka of breakfast for good reason. I mean, feast your eyes on this baby:
Yeah, so if you want your woman to have the ultimate one-upper when her girlfriends all ask her what she did for Valentine’s, run out and get this pancake mix. You can thank us later.
* Send a message
Jenna Ushowitz of Glee wears one — why not your valentine? Olia’s sterling silver Make Love tag necklace makes such a cute statement.
Well, Olia got so excited about the plug, she’s putting all Valentine’s Day designs on sale. Just use the coupon code OhValentine at checkout to get 15 percent off on any of the items from the My Valentine Collection. My personal favorite is the gold “Kiss Me” heart pendant. Like those old-school candy hearts, but with a modern edge.
(Oh, and if you fancy something else on her site not in the Valentine’s Collection, you still get 10% off with the code YouToo.)
Jenna wearing Olias "Make Love" necklace, as seen on OK! magazine.
* If you must do lingerie, do it with style.
If our publisher had his way, Audrey’s Night Out would have been one big Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Instead, we featured cute and sassy lingerie from Nancy Yoo’s line Fleur’t. If you have to give your loved one lingerie for Valentine’s (don’t you know that’s really a gift for yourself???), check out some of the sweet and just-sexy-enough designs from Fleur’t.
* And last … star in your own romance novel
Yeah, you’ve seen those customizable books for kids — just insert little Bobby or Jane’s name in every page and the right hair color. They even let you record your voice reading the story.
Now think of that, but for adults. YourNovel.com turns you and your honey into the stars of your own romantic tale. The company customizes the stories using 25 details about the couple supplied in an online questionnaire.
Now, for some, this may be just cheese. But, hey, so is a hot air balloon ride, but couples still do it. Besides, there are plenty of newly-in-love couples who live for cheese during that first three-month you-can’t-do-no-wrong stage. (You might as well take advantage of just how easy it is to impress her right now; save the really creative gift giving for later, when you really need it.)
At the very least, think how really, really funny it’d be to read it together. I mean, picture it: You, your honey, and blood thirsty vampires. (Yup, they offer a vampire romance novel.) If that doesn’t get the blood pumping, I don’t know what will.
Get your chips, dip and plenty of beer ready. It’s the Superbowl!
And just in time — we have this exclusive, must-see pre-game video of Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, talking about not just growing up Korean and African American, but why he’s proud to be appointed to the White House’s Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Go Steelers!
As we’re working furiously to put our Spring 2011 issue to bed, I’m obsessed with a couple things that will be in the issue: the music of The Go! Team, our cover girl Olivia Munn, and the color orange. Orange lips, orange accessories — you name it, I want it.
So I’m dying to get a hold of one of these for myself:
That’s Onna Ehrlich‘s “Jessica” crossbody bag in — that’s right — bright, tangerine orange. (Orange, studs, chain braided strap … I die.)
Art Center grad Onna Ehrlich is inspired by her Nigerian roots, and you’ll see touches of that in the detailing, from custom beadwork to elegant ruching. Combine that with a laid back California sophistication, and anyone can pull off her carefully crafted handbags handmade with vibrant, lush leathers, snakeskin, and croc embossing, all made in the U.S. It’s no wonder her clutches, satchels and totes have been seen on the arms of everyone from Halle Berry to Lindsay Lohan. Oh, and did we mention, Ehrlich gives back a portion of the proceeds to Breast Cancer Research Foundation and AIDS projects? Now that’s real elegance.
Onna Ehrlich "Rachael" bag in tan.
And now she’s offering 30 percent off on her Rachael bag to Audrey readers. A modern hobo with a classy twist comes in durable leather with a roomy interior and an additional long removable hand stitched strap. The main compartment folds over to reveal a zipper closure with an elegant zipper tassel. Interior is fully lined with a zipper pocket, cell phone holder an extra pocket, zipper closure and gold hardware. The bag comes in navy, brown or black, and retails for $650, but you can get it for $455. Just use promo code “Golden” when checking out at www.onnaehrlich.com.
Of course, if you’re an extra good Audrey reader and you want the “Jessica” crossbody in spring’s must-have hue for free, we’re hookin’ it up for you. Here’s what you have to do.
1. First, you must be an Audrey Magazine subscriber to win, so if you’re not, subscribe now!
2. Tell us why you deserve the “Jessica” bag;
3. AND tell us what you’re doing for Valentine’s Day (or what you hope to be doing).
We’ll pick the best comment to win! Remember, you must have a U.S. mailing address to win, and you have till Wednesday, February 9, 11:59 pm to enter. Good luck!
Gung Hay Fat Choy, Chuc Mung Nam Moi, and Sae Hae Bok Mani Ba Deu Se Yo!
No matter how you say it, this Lunar New Year’s is sure to be filled with plenty of red envelopes with shiny, new money, and all versions of chewy rice cake. But who knew Vegas was the place to be to kick off the Year of the Rabbit?
Bellagio’s Chinese New Year Sanctuary
WHEN: Now through March 5
WHERE: Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas
HOW: The display is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will be transformed from a winter wonderland into a serene sanctuary with a Chinese New Year display guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui and celebrating the spirit of the rabbit. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a 35-foot Chinese junk boat inspired by traditional 15th century fishing vessels, created by Daniels Wood Land, Inc., best known for building full-scale replicas of The Black Pearl for Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise. A 12-foot rabbit with a luxurious coat comprised of live plants will watch over eight playing babies within a forest of bamboo trees. Nearby, the God of Prosperity, bringing good fortune and great luck to the New Year, will hold court in the entrance garden. Oversized brilliant red, silk Chinese lanterns along with a moongate wall, a symbol of mysticism and serenity, decorate the scene, as seven replica Terracotta Warriors, covered in crushed walnuts and ground carrot seeds, stand guard.
Dragon Parade at The Forum Shops at Caesars
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 3 beginning at approximately 10 am
WHERE: The Forum Shops at Caesars, Las Vegas
Join The Meadows School as they kick off the traditional dragon parade throughout The Forum Shops at Caesars. Led by senior Shannon Chen, 120 Meadows students will perform a Chinese dragon parade featuring two large and colorful dragons (powered by students), red and gold costumes (Chinese colors of joy), drums and firecrackers (to keep evil spirits away).
The 2011 Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, February 19, 2011 (rain or shine), 4:30 pm (check in at 3:30)
WHERE: Hunt begins at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco, located at the foot of Market Street at the Embarcadero (behind the Hyatt Regency Hotel)
HOW: Ticket prices are from $30 to $40 for adults and $10 for kids under 18. For more information and ticket prices, please visit www.sftreasurehunts.com or call 415-564-9400
If you can’t make it to Vegas, try San Francisco instead. Once again, they’re putting on the largest and most popular urban sleuthing adventure in America. The Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt takes players throughout the city’s coolest neighborhoods, leading them to hidden gems commonly overlooked in the daily routine of life. From Chinatown to Telegraph Hill, look for clues and race to beat the clock against other teams. Come with your own team, or meet new friends. Oh, and best team outfit and best team name win prizes!
You’ve heard of Earth Day, Groundhog Day, but have you heard of Fred Korematsu Day? That’s right — next Sunday, January 30, is Fred T. Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. It’s the first day in U.S. history named after an Asian American and it was signed into law on September 23, 2010 by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Photo by Lia Chang, courtesy of the Korematsu Institute.
Korematsu (1919-2005) was a national civil rights hero who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Bill Clinton in 1998. Here’s his story according to the Korematsu Insitute:
In 1942, at the age of 23, he refused to go to the government’s incarceration camps for Japanese Americans. After he was arrested and convicted of defying the government’s order, he appealed his case all the way to the Supreme Court. In 1944, the Supreme Court ruled against him, arguing that the incarceration was justified due to military necessity.
In 1983, a group of young lawyers, most of whom were Japanese American, discovered key documents that government intelligence agencies had hidden from the Supreme Court in 1944. The documents consistently showed that Japanese Americans had committed no acts of treason to justify mass incarceration. With this new evidence, the legal team re-opened Korematsu’s 40-year-old case on the basis of government misconduct. On November 10, 1983, Korematsu’s conviction was overturned in a federal court in San Francisco. It was a pivotal moment in civil rights history.
And now the Korematsu Institute, a civil rights and education program of the Asian Law Caucus, is raising funds to to ship free Korematsu teaching kits to California teachers. Each Korematsu teaching kit includes 1) a comprehensive K-12 teaching guide, 2) multiple videos and lesson plans, and 3) a Fred Korematsu Day poster. The Korematsu Institute wants to distribute kits to as many of California’s 10,000 public schools as possible.
- A $40 donation sends one kit to teach Fred Korematsu’s story to one classroom.
- A $160 donation sends kits to history classrooms at an entire junior high or to 11th and 12th grade history classrooms at an entire high school. (As a thank you, you’ll receive a limited-edition Fred Korematsu Day 2011 T-shirt.)
- A $560 donation sends kits to an entire elementary school. (You’ll get a DVD of the Emmy Award-winning documentary, Of Civil Wrongs and Rights: the Fred Korematsu Story, autographed by director Eric Fournier and co-producer, Ken Korematsu, son of Fred Korematsu.)
- A $1,000 donation sends kits to 25 classrooms. (You’ll get an autographed DVD of Of Civil Wrongs and Rights: the Fred Korematsu Story and a limited-edition Fred Korematsu Day 2011 poster autographed by Karen Korematsu, daughter of Fred Korematsu.)
Watch the trailer for Of Civil Wrongs and Rights here.
Celebrate Asian American civil rights by helping to teach future generations about Fred Korematsu and a dark period in Asian American history.
