While I’ll raise an eyebrow to the casting of a South Asian model for a character who is Middle Eastern, I definitely love the exposure of more South Asian models in major ad campaigns, especially for Indian/Spanish model Alyssah Ali (who interestingly enough, was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and raised in Canada). I’ll also highly suggest the collection for Sephora for any die-hard Disney fanatics.
To shop the collection, please go here.
Some know her as Kim from Miss Saigon. Others know her for playing the roles of Éponine and Fantine in the Broadway musical Les Misérables. Even more people know her as the singing voice of Disney’s famous princesses, Jasmine and Mulan. Whichever role it may be, there is simply no denying the talent of Filipino singer and actress, Lea Salonga.
This past Tuesday, the UCLA Disney Club hosted “An Evening with Lea Salonga” at the Broad Art Center. As expected, it was a full house. Solanga discussed the process of her success from growing up in the Philippines, studying pre-med biology in college, to her break through in the musical theater world. Salonga described her experience of booking the roles for Jasmine and Mulan and explained,
“For the first time, my looks didn’t matter in the audition,”
Solonga ended the night by gracing her mesmerized audience with a live performance of ”A Whole New World” and “Reflection”.
Audrey talks style with fashion It-girl actress Kelsey Chow.
ISSUE: Spring 2011
DEPT: Audrey Style
STORY: Anna M. Park
It’s not just academics that Kelsey Chow is immersed in as a sophomore at Columbia University. “Living in New York has given me a much greater appreciation of shoes and bags and how they can enhance or complete the look,” says the 19-year-old, who is of Chinese, English and Native American descent.
Dear Vanessa Hudgens,
It’s me, Janice. You don’t know me but I am quite familiar with you and your public persona. I’ve been one of your early fans, following you from your ascent as Miss High School Musical, singing and dancing your way to the top of Disney royalty as Gabriella Montez. I remember when you first came onscreen–pretty girl, sweet voice, what’s not to love?
Even though the celebration was 20 days after her real birthday (January 9), it was better late than never! Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP star Ashley Argota celebrated her 18th birthday at The W Hotel in Hollywood with her family, close friends and (like a true VIP) plenty of press.
Ashley Argota arrives at the red carpet wearing a splash of color on her dress and pink pumps. She says that she usually wears a lot of black, so she specifically chose colorful attire for her 18th birthday celebration.
Before the Filipina America debuted on the carpet, Nickelodeon and Disney tween celebs like Debby Ryan (Suite Life on Deck), Robbie Amell (True Jackson, VP) and fellow Filipina American Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock 1 & 2) arrived on scene and ready for the lights, camera and action!
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle looks prim and proper in a drapey purple dress designed by Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino.
Some of the younger stars included the witty Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family), the charming Maddison Pettis (Cory in the House/Phineas and Ferb), and singers Abi Ann Hoffman and Neenah Taylor. Even though these actors are still rookies in the field, they definitely had no trouble handling the bright lights and mic. At some point, Rodriguez even busted out into a dance move to entertain the press.
Maddison Pettis isn’t only a budding natural when it comes to acting, but also in fashion sense with this flowery, fresh Forever 21 piece.
Audrey reporter Jessica Jann interviews Hoffman just before she leaves the red carpet to go to the party room.
Three of Argota’s chosen favorite children from Starlight Children’s Foundation, including Brittni Hamilton were some of the special guests of the night. Even though the True Jackson, VP actress has so many followers (and it’s not just her more than 50,000 Twitter followers we’re talking about here), she remembers to also give back to the community.
Kathy Young (left) and Hamilton (right) of Starlight Children's Foundation were special guests of the night.
If a picture tells a thousand words, then can see the red carpet treatment Argota got on her special day.
For Argota, this was her one big celebration for the year, so curious as to what dazzling gifts she got for her birthday? Stay tuned for upcoming video clips and interviews of Argota and more of your favorite tween stars.
Want more teen stars? Check out our Spring 2011 issue and our Feature Story on Asian American teens on TV, out in early March!
There’s been a lot of buzz about the upcoming Disney film by the ever-quirky Tim Burton, Alice In Wonderland. This one’s got Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and it’s in 3-D, so you know it ain’t gonna be no Disneyland ride.
There have been all sorts of promos for the film, from makeup palettes to accessory lines. The latest collaboration is with veteran fashion designer Sue Wong, who has launched Sue Wong for Walt Disney Signature, a high-end dress line inspired by the Lewis Carroll tale. It’ll be available as a special limited edition collection for spring 2010.
Sue Wong dress, inspired by the Red Queen.
