2011 gave us some great stuff. Here, Audrey Magazine’s Florence share her picks of the year’s Best Blogs.
I have pretty horrible fashion sense and not much creativity when it comes to putting an outfit together. This makes it easy for me to appreciate those with their own unique sense of style. Rumi Neely has just that. Neely is able to put together the grunge and glamour of high-end, commercial and vintage pieces with ease. Not only are her fashion choices inspiring to look at, but Neely, who is of Japanese, Dutch, and Scottish is gorgeous as well. Since its’ birth in 2008, FashionToast has become an influential digital montage of high-res photos of Neely modeling her effortlessly chic style, while letting readers in on her purchases, travels, and adventures. Continue Reading »
Korean American Jennifer Park is a friend to every girl looking for more than the usual fast fashion labels, but who still needs to be budget-friendly. Cue her line Funktional, which offers high-quality clothing at affordable prices. But beware — the line isn’t for wallflowers. Just look at some of Park’s favorite designers: Ann Demeulemeester, who favors deconstruction with intricate detailing, and Japanese designer Junya Watanabe, known for his innovative collections. Or her biggest celebrity client Rihanna, who was spotted wearing Funktional’s black “Cage” dress in 2009.
Rihanna, left, wearing Funktional's cage dress.
That year Park debuted Funktional with (you guessed it) functionality as the key, yet “far from basic,” she assures. Park’s inspirations come from the past, present and future, and her fashion-forward thinking shines through with each collection. Funktional’s selling point isn’t just the thrifty price line; it’s also wearable despite the futuristic elements.
With the year winding down, Audrey Magazine is looking back at some of the Asian American greats of 2010, in everything from fashion to entertainment. Here, we highlight a few of the Asian American bloggers who have attained serious industry recognition.
A generation ago, Asian influences in the fashion industry was limited to a handful, like fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto and supermodel Anna Bayle, to name a few. Now Asians aren’t just plentiful, they’re dominating the world of fashion — from fashion designers like Alexander Wang and Jason Wu, to models like Liu Wen and Chanel Iman. And it isn’t just industry insiders. The biggest fashion influencers these days are the bloggers. Here, we look at three of the biggies of 2010.
Bryanboy, third from left, watches the Dolce & Gabanna spring/summer 2010 show in Milan along with front rowers like Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. (Asian American photographer and blogger Tommy Ton, far right, also graces the front row.)
Manila, Philippines native Bryanboy (Bryan Grey-Yambao) seems to have it all: the clothes, traveling expenditures, model men, fashion icon friends, and of course, thousands of blog readers. Since his blog’s birth in 2007, he has become one of the virtual world’s real-life celebrities, earning him front row seats next to people in charge like Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. A recent article from New York Magazine reveals Bryanboy’s annual earnings here.
Fashion Toast (Rumi Neely) is a hapa Japanese American, San Diego local who has recently been swapping real time with Bryanboy. The two seem like an inseparable fashionista duo, part of the new web of cyber celebs. Neely recently modeled for the Forever 21 campaign and collaborated with DANNIJO in creating a six-piece jewelry line for Tobi.com. Her modelesque frame and exotic looks don’t look too bad either in her dynamic blog photos.
The Showmanship (Ingrid Holm) is a Filipina-Norwegian model who has mastered the art of photographing her daily looks in the comforts of her own room. She also has trendy buddies and a classy look.
Cheers to the best blogs of the year. It seems as if behind every great blog is a star.
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!
