Far East Movement’s (FM) Kevin Nishimura, also known as Kev Nish, said it best last Sunday, September 6, at the JCPenney presents International Secret Agents Concert in Cerritos, Calif.: “This [concert] is about following your dreams and following your dreams to represent a community, our community.”

Already in its third year, the International Secret Agents (ISA) concert has become a gateway to building and making dreams come true for many hopeful Asian American artists. The show was a successful collaboration created by two visionary artist groups — Wong Fu Productions and Far East Movement — that truly illustrated the potential of many rising Asian American musicians, singers, filmmakers, comedians and dancers. This year’s ISA hosted not one, but two concerts — in New York and L.A.

Far East Movement gets the crowd going.

This was my first time attending one of the ISA concerts and let me tell you, the night was full of such great energy! It was truly a night dedicated to putting Asian American faces and personalities on stage.

Luckily, although I was running a bit late (as usual … horrible!), I got a chance to catch up with both the creators of ISA.

“ISA will bring the fans what they want, and allow these artists to extend their reach beyond their regular fan bases. This year is going to be historic,” said FM member James “Prohgress” Roh.

Wesley Chan, Ted Fu and Philip Wang of filmmaking group Wong Fu Productions also shared the same sentiment. Started in 2003 by Chan, Fu and Wang at UC San Diego, Wong Fu Productions has become an Internet sensation with 30 million viewers on their YouTube channel.

“The internet is how we were able to reach our fans on a global scale,” said Wang. “With ISA concerts, our fans get to meet us and the artists that we work with on a more personal local level. And to have ISA in both L.A. and New York is going to be amazing. The last three sold-out shows were all in California and fans were asking us to bring ISA to the East Coast. That’s why we decided to bring it to New York City — because the fans demanded it.”

This year’s glamorous event was nothing but a success, with famous YouTube stars Ryan Higa and Kevin Wu hosting the event along with dance starlet Lydia Paek of Quest Dance Crew … all sporting fall fashions from JCPenney!

Kevin Wu, more popularly known as KevJumba on YouTube, said the cast had just gotten back from New York. He explained that although they were tired, they were ready to start ISA LA with lots of energy and high-spirits. Wu had said that ISA LA had given the artists a chance to reunite again and see their friends one more time. “It’s like a reunion and it’s been nothing but great,” said Wu.

To his viewers’ delight, Wu has even more exciting news as he and his father have been announced as the new contestants on CBS’s The Amazing Race. He said he is nervous but excited for the show.

The line-up included the darling AJ Raphael (singer/songwriter with 200,000 YouTube subscribers), bohemian princess Alyssa Bernal (Interscope recording artist with 300,000 YouTube subscribers), and America’s Best Dance Crew Season 5 champs Poreotics. Surprise guests included my fellow anteater and YouTube queen Jennifer Chung who was spotted in the audience, the ever-funny man Danny Cho, dreamy YouTube singer David Choi, Andrew Garcia, America’s Best Dance Crew Season 3 champions Quest Crew, and even Nick Cannon! (Since when did he become Asian?)

But perhaps the two most anticipated performers of the night was none other than FM and South Korea’s former 2PM music band member Jay Park (Park Jay Beom).

This was Park’s first live performance since leaving the Korean stage. He will be debuting his new album on September 24. His performance was different from his pop 2PM days as his single, “Demon,” is a powerful song full of poised beat and rhythm. FM’s “Girls on the Dance Floor” just debuted as the #12 most purchased on iTunes Chart. As they hip-hopped their way to the stage wearing their signature sunglasses of funk, “Fly Like a G6” bumped up in the speakers, and all the young girls had rushed to the stage in an instant.

Perhaps, one of the luckiest girls of the night was Ted Fu’s girlfriend … or should we say fiancé. At the ISA New York concert, Fu had announced his engagement to girlfriend Katie of two and a half years and Wong Fu definitely played up Ted’s proposal throughout the L.A. concert, even showing off a hilarious last-minute new short vying to be Ted’s best man.

Some of the ISA fans.

Overall, I was amazed by the power and passion of these artists and moreover, their message. It was inspiring to see such a show dedicated to the appreciation and cultivation of our Asian heritage and cultural roots. FM’s Kev Nish said that it was “important to stay in touch with your community and it was important to have fun while doing it.” They were proud to have worked with Wong Fu Productions and are extremely humbled by the growth of ISA over the last three years. Hopefully with the growth of ISA, Americans can continue to support the evolution of Asian Americans in media and film. As Nish said, “No longer are Asian American artists going to be labeled as Asian American artists, but as simply artists who produce good quality music.”

And the event proved just that, straight from the hearts of artists pursuing their dreams.

Photos thanks to Jenny Lee.

Editor’s note: Assistant Editor Janice Jann also attended the ISA concert and wrote her own thoughts on the concert here.

Are you ready for Audrey’s Night Out happening THIS WEEK?

We’ve added so many more celebrity guests, models and designers. Super cute ready-to-wear designer Disaya (an Audrey favorite — you’re going to love her stuff!) and lingerie line Fleur’T. Hobnob with celebrity guests Ashley Jones (The Bold and the Beautiful, True Blood), Amy Rider (Secret Life of an American Teenager), Nikki Soohoo (The Lovely Bones), Joseph Vincent (Youtube star), James Kyson Lee (Heroes), Bobby Lee (MadTV), Justin Chon (Twilight), Michelle Phan (Youtube star) and many, many more! (Seriously, so many more) Free flowing Ketel One Vodka and Stella Artois beer all night long. Tunes spun by Amy Phamous, Dofunk (93.5 Kday DJ) and A-List let you get your groove on.

And we just need one very important guest to make this event complete: YOU!

Buy tickets here:

When the blackboard started looking more grey than clear white chalk on black when I was in junior high, I knew it was time for glasses. But I refused. Glasses equaled uncool. And in junior high, nothing was worse than uncool.

That sentiment remained with me through college, when I would climb Bruin Walk daily, my eyes to the ground in case I passed someone I knew but didn’t say hi because, well, I couldn’t see them.

Fast forward to today. Today, glasses are my best friend. Though ironically, I don’t wear them today because I need to. (I wear contacts.) Check out model Hyoni Kang in hers for Harper’s Bazaar Korea.

Hyoni Kang in Harper's Bazaar Korea, January 2010 issue.

Bib necklaces? Sigh. Chandelier earrings? So 2003. Statement bag? You and everyone’s mother.

There’s just something I like about being able to hide behind a pair of chunky, nerdy tortoiseshell glasses. It’s another way to accessorize and it adds just enough geek appeal to any outfit. (I won’t even talk about the beauty-slash-self-esteem benefits. Suffice it to say, glasses are to skin issues what a fedora used to be to a bad hair day — they forgive a multitude of epidermal sins.)

Zilzie Wear "Johnny" glasses. Two pairs up for grabs!

Another thing about glasses? You could be wearing the sexiest outfit, but you don a pair of glasses and instantly you’ve got geek cred.

Zilzie Wear "Valedictorian" glasses -- we've got two pairs of these to give away!

Wanna try out your own pair of faux glasses? We’ve got four pairs to give away from Zilzie Wear — they’ve got the cutest glasses around and so wallet-friendly too — so tell me why you wanna try out your own pair of faux glasses. An anti-aging secret? For some hipster cred? Or just wanna look smarter? Talk to me!

You’ve got till September 15, 11:59 pm. You must have a U.S. address to win. Good luck!

Founded by Yvonne Hung, an urban planner/artist with an eye for design and making extraordinary products with ordinary materials, The Harbinger Company strives to rework everyday objects into something interesting. Each design is hand-drawn, computer drafted, laser cut, and hand assembled by the designer, and then boxed in locally printed packaging.

This necklace is inspired by triangles, the most basic geometric form. It is a Lasercut Bamboo Necklace with 14k gold-filled hardware. I like it because it reminds me of that geometric triangle shaped game we used to play when we were kids. You know that nerdy game? Yea, that one. The necklace is delicate in how its made but makes an overall bold statement so you can have the best of both worlds!

Oils have long gotten a bad rap. Oil on the T-zone, oil in the Gulf, partially hydrogenated oil on any ingredient list — all these no-no oils have made us a society terrified of oil.

And yes, while an oil slick on the face or in natural habitats are to be avoided at all costs, there are good oils, just like there are good fats. (Recent studies show certain types of good fat actually help you burn more fat — who knew?!) And a diet high in olive oil and other good oils also helps one keep the weight off.

So oil can’t be all bad. Even on the face.

Hair stylist Ada Garcia used MoroccanOil to smooth out cover model Annie Maki's strands on our summer cover.

We’ve been hearing a lot about MoroccanOil and every hair stylists’ and beauty editors’ obsession with the antioxidant-rich, argan oil-based product. In our Summer 2010 issue, hair stylist Ada Garcia recommended MorocconOil to get the smooth strands featured on our cover model Annie Maki.

Padma Lakshmi.

Padma Lakshmi, the Indian American model, award-winning cookbook author and Emmy-nominated host of the popular Bravo TV series Top Chef, is such a big fan of oils she put out a press release recently in connection with Dial NutriSkin‘s new line of fruit oil-based body washes, spilling her oil-based beauty secrets. (Apparently, she keeps blemishes at bay with a face steam of boiling water and a few drops of pure tea tree oil, then slathers her face with pure honey to suck out impurities from pores.)

After years of avoiding oil-based products on my T-zone like the plague, I’ve become a recent convert, thanks to Marie Louise’s Cleansing Clear Gel. Never have I enjoyed removing my makeup so much — even the stubborn, expensive waterproof mascara that, until now, wouldn’t completely come off unless I pulled it off with my fingertips.

I also recently discovered the joy of oil with Boske Oil-dissolving Cleansing Oil. I know — how ironic. Sometimes it takes oil to get rid of oil, and this little gem not only removes makeup and sunscreen, but it dissolves blackheads with its lipid-soluble solution.

Juara Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel.

My ultimate little oil luxury, though, is Juara’s Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel. Made with candlenut oil, a traditional Indonesian beauty oil known for its hydrating and skin-healing power and velvety feel, the gel is sulfate- and paraben-free and uses active botanicals for gentle cleansing. And like all their products, the scent of the shower gel is amazing — their signature candlenut scent infused with lush greens, delicate freesia, jasmine, bergamot, rose and a hint of coconut. Mmmm.

Metta Murdaya, one of the four Asian American women behind the beauty and skincare line Juara.

When I go clubbing, I like to be stylish yet comfortable. You ain’t gonna see my suffer while I’m out having fun! My clothes have to flow with the wind yet be a little edgy so that it fits the night. (Let’s just say, I ain’t going to look like I’m going to a picnic when I go out to a bar or lounge). Enter this lapeled black zippered jumper by Isabel Lu. It’s silky and breezy, with an elastic waist that will give you room to move and dance, shake and shimmy. It’s black so it matches everything and you can totally accessorize it to the maximus, especially your big ol’ grin because you’re just so dang comfy for the night.

For a while, it seemed everything was gonna go cyber — newspapers, magazines, even your favorite stores. No more browsing cute little streets for knick-knacks and precious finds. All browsing was being done in front of monitor, alone and in bad fluorescent lighting.

But recession be damned. A whole slew of cute little boutiques are popping up all over, many by names familiar to Audrey. It gives this editor hope that we won’t all meld into a faceless world of tweeters and status updaters. Check out the newest additions to the brick and mortar crowd.

Leanna Lin’s Wonderland

Billed as a “playful jewelry studio/shop/art gallery,” hand-beaded jewelry designer Leanna Lin‘s new boutique in Los Angeles is just that — a Wonderland.

With cheerful pops of color and a candy shoppe feel of beads and baubles galore, Leanna Lin’s Wonderland is a place where you can peruse, drool or just get plain crafty.

For a little jewelry making inspiration, the boutique also features art exhibits, like “The Lucky Show” presented by Spicy Brown, featuring the works of Kazuko Shinoka and Sachiho Hino. Check it out this weekend, Saturday, September 11, from 6 to 10 pm. The event is in conjunction with NELAart walk, and Spicy Brown will be handing out “Lucky” goody bags! (Not that you need another incentive, but food trucks will be converging on the spot as well — Don Chow Tacos (where “Chino meets Latino”) and Lake Street Creamery.

If you can’t make it this weekend, go the next for their official grand opening. Goody bags, drinks, treats and White Rabbit Filipino fusion truck will be there from 12 to 3 pm on Saturday, September 18.

Leanna Lin’s Wonderland, 5024 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

TeeTee Bar and Fighting Eel

If you’re going to be designing clothes in “the land of perpetual sunshine” (Hawaii), it’s likely your pieces are going to be infused with a lot of that laid back aloha spirit. In fact, Asian American designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung specifically created their line Fighting Eel to express their love of not just fashion but vacation.

Rona Barrett and Lan Chung of Fighting Eel.

“On vacation” is exactly how one feels in one of Fighting Eel’s jersey dresses — a feeling of carefree ease and seductive languor profuse in any sun-soaked holiday. Specializing in a substantial, extra drapey jersey, Fighting Eel’s dresses are simple and easy to wear, yet constructed just enough for some serious sex appeal.

Now Barrett and Chung have opened a store in “paradise” called TeeTee Bar, which prominently features Fighting Eel designs as well. With an array of kids, women and men’s tees (really, if you live in Hawaii, do you want to wear anything more than tees and slinky jersey dresses?), the boutique brings a little bit of chic to an island locale where uncomplicated and unfussy style rules.

TeeTee Bar, 1131 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI

Carol Young

Now, Carol Young’s Los Feliz boutique is not new, but it’s still going strong after four years.

Young has stayed true to her aesthetic of wearability, durability, and environmental and global consciousness. She may not be roaming the world anymore (her travels to India and Japan inspired her line of “undesigned” clothing for the urban nomad), but with two toddlers now in tow, she is likely in even more need of her functional yet beautiful pieces.

Ever the champion of cutting edge accessory lines that wonderfully complement her aesthetic, like Cydwoq shoes and (Audrey favorite) Prismera Designs jewelry, Young is also partaking in Fashion’s Night Out on September 10 with a special trunk show of Nikki Montoya Jewelry.

Carol Young, 1953 1/2 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA

As a writer, I pretty much lug my laptop everywhere. I lug it to the coffee shops and to the libraries. I lug it to my car and to my work. It’s like I’m back in college holding overweight books again.  But I would be oh so cool if I had this “over-sized” leather messenger bag by Beth Springer. It’s strong enough for a laptop yet lightweight and is a great travel companion whether you are going across town or half way across the world. Plus, it’s also made out of vegetable dyed leather so you know it’s strong.  I think my favorite thing about this bag is its color though. I’m a sucker for colors commonly found on vegetables and this spinach green is just bold enough to be striking without being too over the top.  I can’t eat it but carrying it would be the next best thing!

We profiled the Seoul-born, self-made professional drift racer Joon Maeng in our Fall 2010 issue, in which we found intriguing his relative lack of concern for crashing into walls. Now we bring you an online exclusive Q&A with the quirky driver.

Professional Formula D racer Joon Maeng in his car.

Audrey Magazine: Besides your crash, what was your worst experience in a car?

Joon Maeng: Last year in Vegas [at a drift meet] I had a tuna sub for lunch and I started vomiting.

AM: In the car?

JM: No, in the back near the restroom. When it was time to drive I put a doggie bag in the pocket of my racing suit. But when I started driving I felt better. Driving for me is comfort. Even though you’re in a suit and it’s hot, and you’re drenched in sweat, all that goes away when you’re in the car. It’s like “ahhhhh, I love every drop of sweat that my body is producing right now.”

AM: Ew. So categorize this feeling of happiness for me. Is it like how you feel after a really good meal?

JM: Ten times better. I’d rather be [driving] than doing anything else.

AM: When did this love of driving start?

JM: I always had a dream to be a pro driver. Not specifically drifting, but just to be a pro driver, since I was a little boy growing up in Korea. My family wasn’t well off. All I had was toy cars and my bike, that’s all. When it snowed I used to drift around my bicycle. Then I would not be able to sleep because I would be so excited to ride my bike around in the snow the next day.

JM: I came to the States when I was 9. I’m 28 now. I actually started driving when I was 11 or 12, secretly [laughs].

AM: How did you manage that? Did you ever get caught?

JM: I snuck out [my parents'] car late at night. I didn’t get caught until way later. I got into big trouble for that.

AM: What did your parents do to you?

JM: Not much, they trust me and they know I’m responsible. They just gave me a lecture and said, “Hey, we know you’re a good driver and whatnot, but just wait until you get your license.”

AM: Did your mother have such a lenient response when you told her you wanted to be a professional drifter?

JM: She was like, “Are you crazy?” Korean parents are very against that stuff. Anything to do with racing and working on cars, they don’t want to see that because they see it as suffering. Whenever she saw me working on the car in the garage, working until 5 in the morning, she would be like, “Why are you working on this piece of junk car?” I got frustrated because she’d say things like that. I was already down as it is, even with the three jobs I had I was in debt. I didn’t know how long I’d go.

Eventually she understood, she saw my frustration and how much I wanted it. She really changed and became more supportive. Instead of complaining she would come out say “Oh, here’s some fruit. Eat at least.”

Humble drifter, Joon Maeng. Photo by Derek Lieu.

For more on Maeng and all the other goodness in our Fall 2010 issue, order it here.