Sarah Nami Ahn is an LA based fashion designer and founder of her own womenswear brand called NAMI after her middle name, her Korean name. Ahn’s brand, NAMI, rapidly gained traction after just one season, her debut collection SS12 that was shown at NYFW, LAFW in September and October 2011, respectively. Ahn only launched her line June of 2011 and within a short year, her line is now sold online and in boutiques around the country. Her design aesthetics is highly influenced by her worldly travels as an Army Brat, her heritage, her unusual educational background, and finally by architecture.
On October 13th, NAMI presented its Spring/Summer 2013 collection in Los Angeles, and we were lucky enough to be at the show. Check out our collection review as well as our interview with the designer, Sarah Ahn, after the cut!
While you’re in Seoul, make sure to check out Hongdae, the neighborhood around (and short for) the art-oriented Hongik University. With no shortage of cafés, clubs and spontaneous street music, Hongdae has become a magnet for expats, exchange students and locals alike. Here, Vietnamese American exchange student Mai Nguyen fills us in on some of her must-go’s in Hongdae.
ISSUE: Summer 2012
DEPT: Destinasian
STORY: Mai Nguyen
1) Street performances abound in Hongdae. 2) Pop star Se7en’s restaurant Yeolbong. 3) Your latte, complete with cinnamon sprinkle art, at the Hello Kitty Cafe.
- Fill up: One of my favorite restaurants in Hongdae would have to be Yeolbong. Beware though — you have to be able to handle some spicy hotness before trying the food here. Owned by Korean pop singer Se7en, it’s a small and cozy place, specializing in steamed chicken (jjim-dak). Served over glass noodles, the chicken is stewed for hours with potatoes, carrots and onions, so the flavor is really soaked into the dish. It’ll leave you satisfied with a slight tingly burning feeling on your lips. Yeolbong.com.
- Sweet spot: What better way to balance something spicy than with something sweet? There’s no place more appropriate than the Hello Kitty Café. From top to bottom, it’s all pink, all cute and, of course, all Hello Kitty. Don’t be surprised to see girls cooing at how adorable everything is, down to every drink and confection offered. Hellokittycafe.co.kr.
- Club hopping: The best way to club hop in Hongdae is to get the 15,000 won (about $12) pass that gives you access to the three YG Entertainment hip-hop clubs, NB1, NB2 and Harlem. YG artists and other celebrities frequent these clubs, so if you’re lucky, you might find yourself partying it up with a star. What’s great about the clubbing culture here is that there are particular moves for every song that everybody seems to know. These moves are usually simple enough to pick up just by watching, so before you know it, you’ll be dancing in unison with the rest of the clubgoers.
When Leah Murakami watched the acrobatics of the Blue Angels at the Point Mugu Airshow, the then-10-year-old knew she had to fly. By 15, she managed to save up enough to take her first flying lesson and got her pilot’s license on her 17th birthday.
The first Asian female fighter pilot in the U.S., Murakami is today a commercial airline pilot and avid traveler. She knows a thing or two about life on the road, so we asked her for some tips on being a happy traveler.
ISSUE: Summer 2012
DEPT: Destinasian
ISSUE: Summer 2012
DEPT: On That Note
Age: 20. Heritage: Chinese, English, Native American. Occupation: Actress. Always makes me laugh: A girl named Mimi Gianopulos. The last thing I ate: Jasmine milk tea with extra boba. Most overused phrase: Coolio Julio. Go-to comfort food: PB&Js. Current obsession: Game of Thrones. Treasured possession: My grandmother’s engagement ring. On “repeat” on my iPod: “Fool to Cry” by the Rolling Stones. Greatest fear: Mediocrity. Pet peeve: Disingenuity. Habit to break: I can be a worrywart at times. Motto: Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Go-to karaoke song: “Run This Town” by Jay-Z featuring Rihanna and Kanye West. Being Asian rules because: Frankly, it adds flavor to my life, and I’m not just talking about my Ni Ni’s cooking! Next up: The Amazing Spider-Man, Wine of Summer and Run.
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Wardrobe styling by Sophia Banks Coloma, assisted by Ali Mandelkorn; makeup by Kelsey Deenihan @ Exclusive Artists; hair by Stephen Lewis @ Exclusive Artists.
Ellery dress, Citrine by the Stones bracelets, Jewelmint earrings, Charles Albert ring.
I’ll admit, I’m a bit of an addict…to shoes. Perhaps like many other women, my closet is filled with a myriad of different footwear – flats, sandals, sneakers, wedges and the list goes on and on. To be honest, it seems to be an addiction that won’t be ending any time soon.
Recently, the women of MIXXI – Nikki Tran, Ann Shimasaki and Evelyn Nguyen – have come up with a smart solution for this: shoe clips. Fashion-forward, fun and eclectic, MIXXI was even featured in this year’s Emmy gift bags. Check out our interview with the women of MIXXI as well as our own product review!
Courtesy of MyMixxi.com
What if you were wrongfully accused for a crime you did not commit, and you have exhausted every possible means to clear your name, but to no avail? This is the story that filmmakers Marty Syjunco and Michael Collins tell in their award-winning documentary, Give Up Tomorrow, based on the story of Paco Larrañaga.
A riveting tale (no matter whose “side” you find yourself on), Give Up Tomorrow is a gloriously produced film, bringing the relatively unknown story of Paco and the Chiong sisters to light. Receiving praise from numerous film festivals, including the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, Give Up Tomorrow is a must-see.
Get an insight into the makings behind the film in our interview with one of the film’s makers, Marty Syjuco.
Recently appearing on NBC’s hit show, The Voice, Filipina American Cheesa showed the nation that she has the musical chops to compete with the best. Her distinct, powerful and soulful voice caught America’s attention and was praised by distinguished artists like Cee-lo (her coach on the show) and Christina Aguilera. However, her journey was not one that didn’t have it’s fair share of challenges and tests. After moving from Hawaii to California to pursue singing, Cheesa found herself working at her career for over a decade, until her big break on The Voice. Since then, her career is only looking up.
With her new single, I’m Not Perfect, she shows that she is much more than just a pretty voice. She’s a woman who has something to say and brings to the forefront a reality faced by many young women – the challenge of true self-acceptance and self-love.
Find out more about Cheesa in our interview after the cut!
Courtesy of Buzz Munch
AJ Rafael fans, take note – the popular Filipino-American singer/songwriter is embarking on a concert tour starting this September, taking his unique sound around the country!
The Play. Live. Breathe. Music Concert tour will hit 9 cities across the US and is sure to be a night of incredible talent.
Think the airport is a necessary evil for travelers? Then you’ve never been to Incheon, Seoul’s international hub. More high-end galleria than airport (Chanel? Check. Louis Vuitton? Check), Incheon actually makes me want to check in early. Here, the top five things to do at Incheon.
ISSUE: Summer 2012
DEPT: Destinasian
STORY: Anna M. Park
