The Chinese Riviera

So I didn't know that China had a tropical island until circa 3 days ago, but I got invited to show at the Hainan Rendezvous and couldn't refuse the opportunity. I guess it was something of a "Billionaire's Fair", where they sold private jets (Airbus, Boeing, Cessna, AirJet, etc. were all there), yachts, and other particular indulgences (art, cigars, champagne, etc.) However, I was more interested in the local culture (meaning fashion culture) more than the billionaire's fashion culture, although both proved to be interesting.

However, I am remiss to let you all know that my iPhone was stolen or lost in Sanya, which was where ALL my photos were of the weekend... The clothes were STUNNING on this island and at this event, some positively so and others not so much. It was interesting to see how the ideas and archetypes associated with islands/island culture/billionaires was interpreted by the locals and visitors alike, and I will certainly have to go back there when I get a new phone to give you a glimpse at some pretty phenomenal stuff and wild styles.

Anyway, I'm off to Tibet around April 16th to go and scout out "The Hope School" for child art talents that can help me create new fabrics to provide customized, artistic products to China's consumers (the proceeds go back into supporting the school and art education, and may also help support The Ailing Foundation). The collaboration will be announced in a more formal forum soon, but I can give you a quick preview of materials that will be launched as a part of the same collaboration.

Only one artist has already been confirmed for this project, but it is photographer-extraordinaire Maleonn. Check out his website for an idea of what is to come of this collaboration, but here is a special sneak peek at two fabrics by Maleonn:



The printed fabrics (starting in silk and cotton in limited quantities) will be used by Chinese designers like Jiang Ling, Nio, Angela Chen, and Angela Gao to create customized and exclusive products, and many of these designers will be showing at Shanghai Fashion Week (April 8-13)... I'll definitely review SFW as the shows pass, and I have higher expectations for this season, as there is better infrastructure being set up to truly help Chinese designers enter onto the world stage.

Endorsed(?) Boutiques

Although no longer in existence, I'm still endorsing:


Pop Up Shop was opened by YOUNIK for the 5th Year Anniversary of Bund18, and this store offered something more of a gallery installation of products rather than simply a retail store. Four designers in particular caught my eye, (well, five designers, but the four-sided Birkin from SSWTR was just blogged about) so keep your eyes open for these ones!:

1 - Uma Wang with a collection of wedding dresses called "White Label", that certainly will rival the wedding collections of any other Wang designers.

2 - Coko Wan with a collection of bags, which also transform into clothes! Sorry there aren't any detail or demonstrative shots, but trust me, they are pretty witty!!

3 - Jiang Yi Ru (designer for the brands "COMING" and May J.) with a standout and very characteristic collection (the one in Pop Up Shop was her first collection for retail). I don't know how she manages a menswear AND womenswear label, but they are both very strong, especially considering her age.

4 - Angela Gao, a recent graduate from Parsons and designer extra-ordinaire, with a made-to-order AND ready-to-wear collection. Although currently available in some stores in Shanghai and New York, she also has online retail!

Again, apologies about the poor photo quality, but there will certainly be more coming from these designers soon, so keep checking back for more!

Oh, and for those of you in Shanghai, stop by the Bund18 atrium after March 31st to glimpse a hanging exhibition of Uma's White Label!!

Bund18's 5th Year Anniversary Fashion Show

Wow, I just realized how far behind I am in life... this post should have happened a long time ago, as this fashion show was held November 18th in order to commemorate Bund18's 5th Year Anniversary. However, I still think this fashion show was interesting because it showcased 6 of the best Chinese designers I can think of (there are obviously a few other legit designers that didn't show at this fashion show, but not many...)

The first two pictures come from a very new Chinese American designer, Angela Gao (www.angelagao.com). Her collection is pretty timeless, and it is now selling in YOUNIK on a made-to-order basis. All of the other designers also sell at Bund18's boutique YOUNIK and are based strictly in China, as well as some other notable designers like Mary Ching and Qiong Er. Enjoy the pictures!

Angela Gao:


Zhang Hao (aka Stephane Cheung):

Pari Chen:

Coko Wan:

Jane Zhu:

and of course, Vunderkind Uma Wang: