If you’re in NYC and a fan of a cool, vintage fashion vibe, you’re in luck. Clothing line Yumi Kim is hosting a Holiday Soiree on December 9 at the Yumi Kim flagship store in the Lower East Side! Not only will there be loads of treats, cocktails and bubbles, but for one night only, shoppers get an additional 30% off everything in the shop. Designer Kim Phan will be there to offer her styling tips, so it’s a great opportunity to meet the talent behind the name.

If you didn’t attend Audrey’s Night Out, then you missed out on Yumi Kim’s fall 2010 runway show. True to her style, Yumi Kim showed off the coolest vintage-inspired prints. Paired with a cool headband, some thigh socks and loads of attitude, and you’ve got your go-to weekend look.

A look from Yumi Kim at Audrey's Night Out 2010.

A former music industry maven, Phan designs pieces inspired by vintage prints and funky urban silhouettes. Her flagship store in New York City’s Lower East Side is a giant version of Phan’s closet, with the entire Yumi Kim line alongside vintage bags and accessories.

See more at Yumi Kim’s website.

For the Yumi Kim Holiday Soiree:

YUMI KIM SHOP
December 9th, 2010
6-9PM
105 Stanton Street
NY, NY 10002
(corner of Ludlow & Stanton Street)

In a previous post, we showed you sneak peeks of model Liu Wen’s next major ad campaign for Estée Lauder. But she’s not the only Asian model who is gracing the pages of top fashion magazines and appearing in major ads lately. It’s exciting to see Asian faces representing huge international brands such as H&M and BCBGeneration, and in magazines like Elle and Vogue. Here is a roundup of some of the latest print work with Asian models, photos courtesy of Asian Models Blog. Let’s celebrate their successes!

Du Juan, Tao Okamoto, Hyun Yi Lee, Hyoni Kang, Liu Wen, Bonnie Chen, So Young Kang and Lily Zhi in editorial for Vogue US, December 2010

Vogue, December 2010.

Photographer: Steven Meisel
Stylist: Grace Coddington

A two-page spread of the top East Asian models today, in a re-imagined punk version of Cecil Beaton’s classic 1948 portrait. 

Nanda Hampe for in an ad campaign Banana Republic, Holiday 2010

Photographer: Peggy Sirota
Make-up: Susan Houser

Nanda Hampe is a German-Thai model who is signed to Next models. Some of the other brands she has worked for brands include Alexander McQueen, French Connection, Kenneth Cole, and L’Oreal.

Hyoni Kang on the cover of Nordstrom catalog, November 2010

Hyoni Kang is a Korean fashion model, currently with Ford Models. She is the first East Asian to win the Ford models Supermodel of the World contest in 2008.

Li Ming & Jing Ma in Harper’s Bazaar US story, November 2010

Story: Suno or Later
Photographer: Sean Cunningham

Li Ming was formerly known as Carolyn Geh and was only recently renamed. She is signed with Women Direct. Jing Ma is currently with Muse.

Lakshmi Menon in editorial for Elle US, December 2010

Photographer: Horst Diekgerdes
Stylist: Brian Mollog
Hair: Teddy Charles
Make-up: Romy Soleimani
Manicurist: Cheryl Bailey

This Indian beauty is with Supreme Management. She has appeared in ad campaigns for Hermes, Max Mara, Givenchy and H&M.

Sun Fei Fei & Du Juan in ad campaign for H&M, Holiday 2010

Sun Fei Fei is both an actress and a model. Her agency is Women Management and she was all over the spring 2011 runways. Du Juan is one of the major Asian models in the industry. She’s walked for prominent designers such as Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli and Chanel. She is currently with IMG Models.

Charlotte Carey in ad campaign for BCBGeneration, Fall/Winter 2010

Photographer: David Roemer
Stylist: Sally Lyndley
Make-up: Robin Black
Hair: John Ruggiero

Charlotte Carey is Indonesian and English and she is signed to IMG Models.

Asian models may not be as prominent in editorials (yet) but it’s good to see them flaunt those silky black tresses across some of the beautiful holiday ads this season. ‘Tis something to be jolly about, indeed!

In our Winter 2010-11 issue, we introduced you to Ruby Veridiano, writer, speaker, arts educator, media personality and founder of the Glamourbaby Diaries, a writing empowerment program for Asian American college women. Here, more of our conversation with Ruby.

Photo by Chaz Cruz.

Audrey Magazine: OK, give us the basics.

Ruby Veridiano: Filipina-Chinese American, 27, born in Manila, raised in Sacramento, and currently residing in New York City. I went to University of California Davis, majored in Sociology of World Development with minors in Asian American Studies and Communications.

AM: You’ve been conducting writing workshops called the Glamourbaby Diaries, thanks to a grant by Asian Women Giving Circle. What are these workshops about, who’s attending, and why are you holding them?

RV: The workshops are for young women ages 14-20. I designed it for Asian American women as a space for dialogue about issues that they face. However, it is open to all women of various backgrounds. Right now, I have a group of girls from different backgrounds attending, which is great because it allows us all to learn from each other, and build solidarity between different communities. I held these workshops because I wanted to create an empowering place where women can view positive Asian American female role models that stand for something.

I’m also in the midst of planning the Glamourbaby Diaries speaking tour in the Spring of 2011, taking this program and compacting it into a one day event. I am excited to share this program and dialogue with future female leaders all across the U.S. next year!

AM: What does “glamourbaby” mean to you? Why that name?

RV: Ah, the term “glamourbaby.” Well, let me tell you how it came about. My friend once taped me speaking, and I kept messing up with all of these bloopers. I think I kept spitting and sounded like I had a lisp! And then I said, “Ah man, well…it’s not all glamour, baby.”

And much like most of life, it isn’t all glamour. Especially when you’re striving towards a dream, the path towards anything worth fighting for is filled with obstacles. Moreover, as an activist, there’s nothing glamorous about the injustice you witness and the disparity that you become aware of. But it’s about fighting through the struggle, embracing adversity to let it serve as a lesson of humility and perseverance, and continuing to represent something beautiful for your community. The people I consider glamourbabies are those who represent truth, love, and hope. They are influential, purposeful, visionary. They set trends and but more importantly, they set goals. They are aware of their power to inspire and act.

Read more after the jump.

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I am obsessed with my Jellypop “Jayne” boots.

Now, I’m a super high heel girl, but let me tell you, super high heels takes it toll. The Jellypop “Jayne” boot doesn’t exactly qualify as a super high heel because, well, the heel is less than five inches. But combine that with a one-inch platform, and suddenly I possess the stature that super high heels give me without the accompanying pain. So, I’ll say it again. I’m obsessed with my Jellypop “Jayne” boots.

It’s the boot of the season apparently. Jennet Chow, founder of Jellypop shoes, says all the editors have been clamoring for the shoe. (I’ve seen it myself in several fashion magazines this season.) And Audrey has it in our Winter issue, out now.

A super comfortable, on-trend, uber cute shoe? (Did I mention how affordable it is???) It’s a part of the magic that happens at Evolution Design Lab, the head design house that conjures up the goodies from Jellypop (and sister brand Vigoss). Watch this video and I dare you not to fall in love with the brand!

We featured two-time Emmy Award winning celebrity stylist and costume designer Soyon An in Audrey’s Winter 2010-11 issue. Here’s more of our conversation with her.

Emmy Award-winning stylist Soyon An.

Audrey Magazine: How is styling or fashion consulting for American Idol different than your other gigs you do?

Soyon An: Styling for American Idol is different because these are talents that come from all over the United States, and they come from a place where they have no idea what it is to be an American idol. And you know, they come from style points where some of them are not able to shop, but only at Goodwill or at Ross — just some lower markets. Or they’ve never been to L.A. ever, so they’re like “Oh my god, what are these stores and boutiques here? What is this L.A./Hollywood look?” So it’s different because you’re educating them as artists who you’re creating an image for. And how important that image is for an artist. So it’s very, very different.

AM: Can you talk about molding these contestants and whether not they’re open to change or stuck in the ways and how you can accommodate for that?

SA: To each is own, I guess. Some of them are very open to change and some of them are not. And some come very wide-eyed and willing to learn every aspect of what it is to be a singer/artist. The way I like to take the process of helping them understand their style and image is to, first of all, understand their body because a lot of them come up and say that they’re overweight or that they’re not perfect or they can’t wear that because of XYZ. From there I teach them how to dress themselves based on their body types, and then from there what their body types will allow like in terms of silhouettes like fabrics, colors. Do you do the high waist belts, the capri-length pants? Do you wear the longer shawl? Should you cover your arms?

AM: Do you style the judges as well?

SA: I don’t style the judges, but there were a few times when I would go and help with whatever that they might need or second opinion.

AM: At what point do you actually start working with the contestants?

SA: I start working with the contestants when they are at top 24, and at that point I only consult them. So it’s whatever that they bring in their suitcase. Or I suggest that they might go shopping somewhere. And so if you’re reading this magazine and be really nice to me, I’ll suggest that they go to your store. I’m just kidding! But so I don’t want to steer them away from who they originally are, and then I start to really get hands on with them at top 10 or top 12.

AM: So do you physically go shopping with them at top 10?

SA: Yeah, at top 12. So at top 24, it’s me going to their hotel rooms and going through their suitcases and being like, “OK, so what did you have in mind,” and then they’ll show me and I’ll be like, “ooh” or “yay” or “can you go across the street to the Beverly Center and pick up a pair of shoes that would look cute with this,” or “maybe if you get this color” or “maybe a belt with this color or accessories like this.” So that’s what happens in the beginning, and then at top 12 they come in the studio and then we style them there.

AM: Is there a particular contestant that you’ve worked with that you’re really proud of where they are now from where you first saw them?

SA: Um, yes. It would have to be Lil Rounds. Scott MacIntyre — he wasn’t even able to fully see and he’s doing his thing. Allison Iraheta, Jordin Sparks. I think all of us have an inner fashion diva that wants to come out and during idol a lot of these artists are able to explore the image that they’ve always wanted to have if they ever became an American Idol.

AM: Can you talk a little about your relationship with Carrie Underwood and how that kind of started and developed? Because I know you just did her tour and probably met on Idol.

SA: Actually Carrie and I never worked together on Idol. I came on [Jordin Sparks' year] as a tour stylist for their tour and I started working on the American Idol show season 8. And So Carrie and I, we never worked together until this year. I designed and styled her summer tour for the play on, and just recently she hired me again to design three more new outfits. So I styled her and her band.

AM: And how did you meet Carrie Underwood?

SA: I was introduced to Carrie Underwood by the creative director, Raj Kapoor. He’s an amazing guy to work with and he felt like I was able to execute the vision that he had for her, and so everything that Carrie’s wearing on the tour is custom designed and custom built just for her. There’s no other outfit out there unless it’s on that stage.

AM: Can you talk a it about the scheduling because I know on that show you’re in like a tight schedule, like when you get songs in that week the themed week influenced the way they dress that week?

SA: Well, the scheduling from last year is they would pick their songs on Thursday after the elimination night on Wednesday. After they pick their songs, depending on their Itunes schedule or CAA meetings or rehearsal schedule — style, sadly enough, kind of gets the backburner — we get them whenever we can. The contestant coordinator has always been on point trying to make sure everyone gets their even, fair share of time, but we only get two hours for the week to go shopping for them for the performance night on Tuesday and the results night on Wednesday. So whatever doesn’t get done, we just have to somehow be able to work around their schedule, but I guess that’s the way it is in real life. If you’re styling a talent, you have to work around their busy schedule. So after that, we get them in, I shop with them for two hours, or we try to find look, and based on the theme, like for example, Beatles week or rock n’ roll week or whatever. I try not to steer too much away from the brand that I’m trying to create through their image, but we will put in a little bit of influence of that week’s theme. So it’ll still kind of be fun. It’s just kind of training them into thinking like, “OK, if I’m walking to red carpet, then I need to dress appropriately for the red carpet. If I’m doing the CMAs or VMAs, then I could dress appropriately for that kind of event.” You know, I think everything is a bit theme-based, so trying not to steer away from their original image.

AM: Do you have sample closet you can pull from or do you just buy the outfit for that week?

SA: I have my kit that they go through and see what they like and don’t like, and then I also get wardrobe or accessories sent over from various companies that they’re allowed to sort through, and we also shop. So what I like to do for my Idols is have things available for them, like at [the boutique] Live on Sunset. I would have them try on different things that they like and we’d have talks about what they like, they’d tell me their music, they might even sing it for me or play it for me on their iPod because I work really well when I hear the music. I would never put an outfit on an Idol that I feel is going to eat them alive. So it’s a little bit of everything, it’s the attitude, their personality, we take all those things into account.

AM: Do you work with hair and makeup as well?

SA: So what I do is take pictures of the fittings and from there we kind of go through the process of elimination to figure out what the outfit’s going to be. Then I send it via email to hair, makeup and lighting. Lighting is so important! So once they know the color scheme that we’re going to go, then they light it appropriately. It goes crazy. So it’s definitely a team effort.

Soyon An and one of her two Emmys for costume design.

AM: You also style and do costume design for So You Think You Can Dance, for which you won Emmys two years in a row. What’s the difference between styling someone and costume design?

SA: The difference between styling someone and costume designing is styling is an aspect where you bring in other designers’ ideas into your own clients’ closet, and so you create an image through designs that are preexisting and you kind of make it work so that that styling becomes your client’s own style. Whereas as a costume designer you design on paper, first, then you build from scratch.

I feel blessed when I get to do styling and costume design. Like Carrie Underwood is a perfect example. I’ll build and design my own creation, my own outfit. Then I’ll get some awesome jewelry designers like Gwyneth Jewelry and awesome shoes — even shoes on a budget like Steve Madden — and then I’ll add all of my own crystals underneath the shoe and just totally bling it up and add studs on it and custom make anything for that individual client.

The difference in styling, too, is that you would collaborate with that designer. For example, the VMAS last year where Louboutin made those stud shoes for Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson — the stylist collaborated with the designer. With me, you’re kind of collaborating with the designer and a stylist, but it’s all in one, dealing with one person.

AM: Your parents must be so proud. Were they always supportive and did they influence you at all?

SA: My parents definitely wanted me to go down that aisle of being a doctor or lawyer and trying to fulfill a career goal. I’ve always really been into drawing and art. I used to be an athlete, and I think that may be why I know dancers in terms of their needs [in designing for SYTYCD]. I went to school for fashion design. I initially went into Otis for design and to build my foundation, but after a couple years, because I wanted a faster route, so I went to FIDM. After I did some corporate work in design, I went into TV/film because it felt like more like my scene.

I think for me, personally, with my designs, there is a particular element that makes it my creation, you can tell my hand has touched that design. I don’t know if that has anything to do with being Asian American or the influences that I had with growing up. But I think you can tell when a performer has my costume on versus someone else’s creation. And if anything, the way my parents raised me, they’ve helped me be a multitasker. The reason I can be a multitasker is because they put me through so much as a kid.

AM: Of the things you’ve worked on so far, what would you say your favorite thing is?

SA: That’s a tough question because I feel lucky to work on so many various projects, so it’s hard, it’s a hard question. But I’d have to say — I don’t know what my favorite is. Carrie Underwood was awesome!

AM: You’re styling Carrie Underwood, you’re doing Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and you’re hosting the O’Neil Generation X event tomorrow. So how do you balance all that stuff? What do you do to kind of relax when you have down time?

SA: I balance all the stuff that I do with a really great team. I think they keep me in a good balance with my assistance. I think it’s also just being able to have that drive and kind of keep a tight schedule and making sure you wake up in time.

– Anthony Tran, with reporting by Han Cho.

So far, I’ve written two posts about my first time experiences at certain events, but one thing’s for sure with the Black Friday event: it may also just be my last due to the uncontrollable shopping mania brought out in bargain hunters.

I returned home from the Los Cerritos Mall’s first-ever special sales event called Midnight Madness at approximately 12:05 a.m. Yes. I came, I saw, I immediately left.

The Los Cerritos Mall hosted Midnight Madness where 80 stores and eateries opened at 12 a.m.

Upon entering, I saw a serpentine line looping around the stores, like a Disneyland ride meets Cabbage Patch Kids frenzy. Many super savers waited near the display windows in anticipation of the doors opening at stores like Forever 21 and Metropark — a sight I usually associate with loiterers near Westwood or The Santa Monica Promenade.

Forever 21's flagship store in Cerritos was the most popular of the night.

The day after the turkey holiday is a garish display of the consumptionist ways of Americans, and now it is slowly spreading to countries like the United Kingdom and Australia. If American’s aren’t stuffing our stomachs, then we are stuffing our stockings (while emptying our wallets).

In fact, such a zoo crazy day can lead to bad judgment and arguments. Just last night, the Los Cerritos Mall was put on lockdown after gunshots were fired around 2:30 a.m.

So no more shopping malls — or rather, shopping mauls, for me any time soon. I’m thankful for being safe from all the ruckus and for saving cash because I usually shop at my favorite thrift shop anyways, where pieces go for $1.91 and up. One man’s trash is Katrina’s pride and joy! Here are my thrift store finds from Black Friday (from the mesh crop top to the ombre wool hair sweater to the lace bodysuit):

I found all five of these pieces for less than $12 total!

Ever spot one of those super-stylish trends, but don’t know how it could possibly ever go with anything in your closet? Our resident student-by-day, stylista-by-night shows us how to take these trends and make them work with our everyday wardrobe. Her first tackle: lace-up booties.

My new-found love: my vintage lace-up booties. They’re not only easy to match with, but they also give an edge to my casual outfits. Plus, they’re comfortable and not hard to walk in at all; I can be in them for hours. Mine are Jeffrey Campbell’s Loggins that I bought in Nordstrom. Here are some of my favorite looks to go with my booties:

My booties paired with, from left, khakis, distressed denim shorts, and cuffed jeans.

Neutrals

Neutrals is another trend that’s been around for a while. When people want to wear pants for a casual look, they usually go for jeans. But I say try khaki; it gives you a more laid-back, relaxed feel. I paired my khaki pants with a white tank-top and a cropped vest.

Pants from Mango, tank-top from boutique in Hong Kong, vest from London Jean through Victoria’s Secret.

Distressed Denim Shorts

Since my booties are kind of vintage, I like to stick to the theme and match them with my distressed denim shorts. My legs aren’t long so my shorts tend to be really short.  The booties already cut off a section of your legs that can be seen, so stay away from longer shorts or capris because they will give the illusion of short legs and you don’t want that! For my top, I wore a loose vest and a thin cardigan.

Shorts from boutique in Hong Kong, tank-top from Mango, cardigan from Bershka, belt from Esprit.

Cuffed Jeans

The typical way to wear denim with boots is to tuck them in, but cuffing them slightly can make your look more casual. The boots will stand out more especially if the color of your denim is similar to the color of your boots. To spice up my look, I went for a knit off-shoulder top.

Jeans from Bershka, knit-top from ArdenB.

Knee-High/Over-the-Knee Socks

Another trendy way to wear your booties is with knee-high or over-the-knee socks.  They go well with mid-thigh skirts. For the winter, try woolen skirts. The ones pictured here are all from ASOS.

We’ve also compiled some of our favorite lace-up heeled booties that you can find online!

It’s that time of the year to do some shopping again because the holidays are approaching! We encourage you to do yours at the Shopping Bazaar, co-sponsored by Audrey. Not only will you get the chance to shop Italian designer Kao Pao Shu‘s fantasy-filled and super edgy clothing, but a percentage of the proceeds go to the Good Shepherd Shelter, which helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Your purchases will help a foundation that is really effective: 96 percent of families who complete the program offered by Good Shepherd Shelter now live an independent and violence-free life.

Come shop Kao Pao Shu's fall collection with us!

This event starts with a Holiday Shopping Bazaar which includes Hand Crafting Justice, a fair trade partnership with the Good Shepherd Shelter. They will present products made from women who are fighting for economic justice and independence in developing countries. At 6 pm, there will be a live model presentation, where guests can see the full transformation of a model from make-up and hair styling to a live photo shoot. Prizes donated from businesses throughout California will also be awarded.

Good Shepherd Shelter and Studio DNA team up to provide makeovers for women who are victims of domestic violence. Women who suffer from domestic violence are conditioned to feel helpless and worthless of any rights. What they need is the strength to move on from their pain and this requires increased confidence. With a new look, women feel better about themselves and become prepared to take on the challenge of starting a new life because fashion and beauty can inspire one’s inner beauty. As a part of an international organization that has been helping mothers and children in abusive environments for the last 350 years, Good Shepherd Shelter provides the support and resources these women need to rebuild their self-esteem.

Come join us as we kick off the holiday season with some fashion and fund raising. RSVP to rsvp@kaopaoshu.com.

For more details and Kao Pao Shu looks, keep reading.

More looks from Kao Pao Shu.

DETAILS

When: Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 4 pm

Venue: Kao Pao Shu Showroom

1906 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Hosts: Kao Pao Shu & Studio DNA Salon

Anyone who knows anything about online shopping knows that Tobi.com is the place to go for the hottest names in cool girl wear. Not only do they have the most coveted lines, from T by Alexander Wang to Rick Owens DRKSHDW to the oh-so covetable Opening Ceremony, the site itself is fun to browse, with user friendly categories, editorial-worthy look books, and even sections for beauty, men and eco-friendly items.

They even showcase the coolest collaborations, like Asian American fashion blogger Rumi Neely’s collaboration with jewelry designer Dannijo.

And now the girls behind the e-tailer, Indonesian American Corina Nurimba and Chinese American Catherine Chow, are giving Audrey readers a special deal on their stuff — just in time for the holidays!

Just use promo code AUDREY30 at checkout and you get 30% off your purchase! That’s 30% off Elizabeth and James, Kai-aakman, even MM6 Maison Martin Margiela. They’ve got affordable brands like BB Dakota; plenty of Asian American designers like Michelle Mason, Joy Gryson and Kasil; and the super high end stuff like Tom Ford eyewear and Comme des Garcons. For Tobi, it’s all about the editing — everything they’ve got up is just uber cool.

You have until December 31, 2010, 11:59 pm, PDT to use the code, and the discount applies to regular priced items only and does not include the following brands: A.P.C., Anthony Logistics for Men, Comme des Garcons, Comme des Garcons Play, Converse, Dannijo x Fashiontoast Collection, G-Star, Hudson Jeans, Hunter, J Brand, Nixon, TOMS Shoes and UGG. So get shopping!

And as a little taste of what Tobi has to offer, Corina and Catherine are giving away a pair of Siwy denim of your choice offered at Tobi.com to one lucky Audrey reader! If you don’t know by now, the denim line founded by Vietnamese-Polish American Michelle Siwy is a cult favorite (I mean, Kate Moss is photographed all over the place wearing her pair — ’nuff said). Check out their “Naughty” style from their upcoming holiday collection (right). Hot!

Siwy has chinos, too -- louche, slouchy, drool-worthy!

So don’t miss out on a chance to get your own! Now, pay attention ’cause here’s what you have to do:

1. Become a fan of Tobi’s Facebook page;

2. Comment on three AudreyMagazine.com posts (substance, people, I want to read some substance!);

3. Comment to this post telling us which three posts you commented on; and

4. Finally, tell us why you deserve a free pair of Siwy denim!

You have until Wednesday, November 24, 11:59 pm to comment, and you must have a U.S. mailing address to win. Good luck!

We told you fashion model Liu Wen landed an Estée Lauder contract back in April. Now we have a sneak peek of the behind the scenes photos from Liu Wen’s first major campaign with Estée Lauder, Wild Violet, available at Estée Lauder counters starting January 1, 2011.

What do you think of her look?

More photos after the jump.

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