Elaine Truong (left) and Jenny Bui(right) | photo provided by Calvin Eusebio
Meet Jenny and Elaine: together they own Antoinette’s Boutique, an online and non-profit store of handmade, vintage jewelry. The Boutique that’s only about a year old is divided into three sections: “handmade,” “vintage,” and “global.” These jewelries are either handmade by Jenny and Elaine themselves, made and sold by other local boutiques or online stores, such as Etsy, or they come from third world countries, which are made by the women there. Despite the fact that the idea of the company was created a year ago, they have created: partnerships with non-profit organizations and other similar jewelry stores, an up-to-date website that channels their vision of French chic-ness, and have already been mention in established publications such as, Teen Vogue, Seventeen magazine, and Pasadena Star News. Oh, and did we mention that they’re only sixteen and eighteen-years-old?
Continue reading for the full interview and for more pictures!
The cast of a special Asian Pacific American production of 'The Vagina Monologues'---performed on May 17th in San Francisco---acknowledged a few individuals at curtain call, including family members, NAPAWF Bay Area, and others who made the production possible. (photo credits: Karen Datangel)
On the topic of sexuality, voices are silenced. Speaking out about sexual desires is considered improper for women and much more alarmingly, speaking out against violence towards women—as survivors of it or as supporters of survivors—is difficult, for the pain and suffering is all too much to relive the ordeals. However, through theater, these stories of women exploring their sexuality and surviving sexual assault, war, and domestic violence can be told boldly and with absolutely nothing held back. Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues goes deep into the varied experiences of the female organ, and performers and activists from the Asian Pacific American community went all out in their recent opportunity to honor the strength and courage of women everywhere, even in the face of adversity.
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) and V-Day San Francisco co-presented a landmark production of The Vagina Monologues on May 17th at San Francisco’s historic Castro Theater. Under the direction of Gabrielle Patacsil, the all-Asian Pacific American cast of women from different walks of life came together to perform in this very special presentation, the first by the only national, multi-issue Asian and Pacific Islander women’s organization in the country. Proceeds benefited the Bay Area chapter of NAPAWF and V-Day.
For many of the APA women performers, including Connie Chung, who works at the Asian Women’s Shelter in San Francisco, participating in the production was a valuable chance to address taboo issues amongst the community.
“In media and arts and entertainment, Asian-Americans have such a small presence because of the different barriers that don’t allow them to take front stage,” said Chung. “To have a discussion about sexuality and empowerment is so important, so to bring those two together is such a rare opportunity.”
Lisa Ling, Margaret Cho, and Jan Yanahiro have joined other females to speak out on media’s poor representation of women in a new documentary out aptly entitled Miss Representation.
With shocking stats of the low percentage of women in power, combined with tell-tale images captured from various music videos, television shows, and computer games from the media, the trailer for the doc has already caught on like fire over the internet.
“The media can be an instrument for change, it can awaken people and change minds. It depends on who’s piloting the plane.” — Katie Couric.
What are your thoughts on the stats and statements made from the Miss Representation trailer?
We all know Ms. Lisa Ling is one inspiring individual, breaking barriers and walls down left and right and paving the way for women and Asian Americans in television. When interviewing her, it was no surprise that we would get to the deep stuff. Just how deep? Take a look at the video below.
Catch Lisa Ling conversing with faith healers TONIGHT on her new show, Our America, on OWN 10/9c.
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
We received this sweet email from a winner of Tuesday’s BCA Giveaway.
Thank you so much, and thank you so much for publicly supporting Breast Cancer. My adoptive mother is currently fighting the good fight with her own rare form of gynecological carcinoma for a second time through chemo, as metastases were found in her lungs only a few weeks ago. We’ve been at Gilda’s Club on and off for additional support; we went from a five person family to a three person family when my siblings both had meltdowns of their own and fled the nest for their own sakes. Anyway, possibly too much information, but just wanted to explain that it’s been pretty downcast for almost two years now, though my mother is still going strong. She’s really the one with the sweepstaking legacy, being a stay-at-home mom, and these little surprises through contest wins really boost us along in life. So, thank you again for all of the generosity, and the spread of Asian American unity all over the world with Audrey Magazine’s wonderful articles.
Dear reader, thank YOU so much for sharing with us your personal story. We here at Audrey hope to raise as much awareness about this disease as we possibly can. Send our best wishes to your mom, we wish her well!
It’s our pleasure to give away this beautiful necklace from J-Lynn Jewelry (usually $65.00)
A 16-18″ adjustable Sterling Silver chain holds a strong message of Love and Support for finding a cure for breast cancer. Honor a loved one who has either conquered the disease or sadly has passed with a sterling silver initial charm, silver ribbon and pink topaz drop. Or, wear your own initial as a sign of courage and strength.
$10 from the sale of this necklace will be donated to the charity of your choice in honor of you, your friend or family member.
Please comment or tweet: “I <3 pink _[insert something pink you love]__” to be eligible to win this pretty necklace.
Giveaway ends Friday, Oct. 29 at 11:59pm. Thanks!
Check here to see what other cool stuff you can win.
