Eminence Grise

Reiss covetable

2012-01-14T20:55:00.001-08:00

reiss harry clutch bag $240

reiss magnolia full slim coat $497

Maje Maje

2012-01-14T20:36:00.001-08:00

I bought my first Maje piece when I was in Montreal. I've worn that shirt to bits.

Here she is in SoHo now. Refreshing, simple design aesthetic. I guess that's what they call Parisian Chic. I could seriously spend my entire account here...seriously loving the Spring/Summer '12 line.

Spring/Summer '11

Fall/Winter '11

Spring/Summer '12

alexis mabille- a man of detail & elegance

2011-08-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

Ready to wear, fall/winter 2011-2012

then, the spring/summer couture line. feminine, simple, pure and elegant. damn those french!

video here:

www.alexismabille.com/EN_C_sum_v.html

kat maconie

2011-05-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

shoes. i like.

STUSSY bathing suit

2011-04-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

Ah, I love finding nice things out of "nowhere". I relaly love the pattern, the cut and the detailing on this bathing suit. It's not trendy, it's just cute!

New wallet

2011-02-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Lost my Oxblood Jill Stuart wallet. I can replace everything inside but not the beautiful wallet itself. Can someone just send it back to me??!?!?!

So, now, I am on the hunt for a new wallet. My budget is pretty tiny but I like these anyway. Some are very affordable.Patrick Cox- $69 on Asos.comMarc by Marc jacobs

Cole Haan - $89 on Zappos.com

Cole Haan $128 Zappos.com

Francesco Biasia $122 on Forzieri.com

Nannini on YOOX

Daisuke Ueda pt II

2011-02-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry, but here he is in a totally different shot. I mean really, the bone structure is stunning. I can't stare too long.

Unearthen Prism Ring

2011-01-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

Great combination of organic, medieval and geometric elements.

Sun Fei Fei

2011-01-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Look how amazing her nose is. This girl is epic because she makes that hair look good and who's looking at the suit?

Kurt Iswarienko

2011-01-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

I mean, I know no one reads my little blog. I don't even feel right posting about Kurt here. This is just for my own documentation. Things that inspire, I suppose. I never really liked celebrity photos, usually they try too hard. Kurt, however, a once aspiring cinematographer, turned professional celebrity photographer, is someone I have a thing or two (ok, millions) to learn from. I usually dislike Anne Hathaway's look and I love her here and in the set. Kurt has amazing images.They are dark, they are light, they are gritty, they are silly,they are nostalgic, they are new. I have never tried to emulate anyone before. There is a first for everything.

http://www.iswarienko.com/

capes

2010-12-03T19:10:00.001-08:00

capes are soooo in. here are some that i liked that i found during my research. the first is at the metropolitan museum of art from the 16th century. i love the asymmetrical front, the mandarin collar and the tapestry fabric.

the second was constructed out of flannel. the stiffness is a little different than the sweet flowy capes that one would expect from little red riding hood. i love the raw edges and the ruffled collar.

white textured coat

2010-12-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

not military and unlike a coat that i have seen recently.

the back is even more amazing with a lovely pinch. available at ASOS

Bambi Northwood Blyth

2010-11-06T21:19:00.001-07:00

Current obsession:

missoni snood

2010-11-06T21:13:00.001-07:00

Mary Katrantzou

2010-11-06T21:10:00.001-07:00

2010 Swiss textiles designer award

daisuke ueda

2010-10-02T08:35:00.001-07:00

hello.

Preen

2010-10-01T17:44:00.001-07:00

Amazing shot, Sart. I will probably try to draw this next time. Love the arch of her body, the flow of the dress and the honeycomb details.

Mr. Flowers

2010-10-01T17:42:00.001-07:00

So I like the Killers but really, Mr. Flowers looks fab here.

druzy bangle

2010-08-09T15:58:00.001-07:00

oops, i forgot who this is by but i like...

cosafina raw crystal rings

2010-08-09T15:32:00.001-07:00

it's great that an "upscale" is really "getting with it" and doing something so modern, understanding that the conventional concept of "classy" is changing. i'm sure many people can appreciate the organic shapes of the crystal as well as the organic ring base.

XX & Helios

2010-08-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

I had to get past the first few bass lines.. but then i fell...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp9xHu8AA6Q&videos=18mnV748mnE

really, this is too beautiful...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvSjw_P7yFA&playnext=1&videos=5ei_8Xya204

ERES

2010-07-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

I've always loved the simple yet sexy design of ERES lingerie and bathing pieces. What I really wanted to comment on though was the cute interactive popup for the collab with K. Lagerfeld. Sorry for the bad quality print screen. You can erase away the clothes to reveal what ERES is really good at....hehehehe

Ai Tominaga

2010-06-16T19:12:00.001-07:00

Straight from Asian Model Blog but I like this image. Totally sparks that fashion side of me. I have always loved Ai Tominaga, anyways...

I think I am going to go crazy.

2010-06-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

because i don't understand. and i live in fear.

Model: Charlotte Carey (Photogenic LA)Editorial: La Petite ClochardeMagazine: (Australia) Yen Magazine, Spring/Summer 2010Photographer: Andrew KaykendallStylist: Brett BaileyHair & Makeup: Iris Moreau

love the 'tude

2010-06-05T21:28:00.001-07:00

and the hair. this is my bad-ass summer inspiration outfit. simple. badass. me.

sporty style

2010-06-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

I also didn't take note of this designer but I like the sporty styling of these outfits. Something I could totally wear casually and chic-ly without being "overthought".

White leather bag

2010-06-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

I forgot the name of this designer but I be wanting this bag. Or make it myself. Yea, right. No time.

Haider Ackermann

2010-06-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

I be liking his severe style.

I want to wear this. Somewhere. Where? This reminds me of one of my favorite songs, Mea Culpa. Rolling green hills. Mist. Warriors. A long time ago. Not today. Not here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itkzaT9yk9Y

Repossi Joalliers

2010-04-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

They are famous for a reason.. I don't know why but I have been looking at their rings, esp. their wedding rings (last one). How avant garde are these??

Marie Belle vs. Maison du Chocolat

2010-04-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

Marie Belle (Ill go back to try this summer)

I had the pistachio, chocolate and caramel (these arent them)

By golly gee, what are these fantastic creations????!!!

Since I have not been allowed to go on vacations, I decided to spend my money on the little things that make me happy.....visiting vintage stores, buying things to design my own things and FOOODDD!!!!

So, I have already had the pleasure of tasting the MDC macaron and I must say, it was better than Kee's (IMHO). But today, I had the double pleasure of walking by OCHRE lighting and furniture AND Marie Belle Cacao Tearoom and Salon. Geez, someone will be blowing her money again..!!!

Ochre furniture and lighting design

2010-04-26T19:35:00.001-07:00

Holy frickity frack! Here I am back at admiring furniture and lighting design again! I don't think it is a phase..lighting and furniture design is an art. I pity the masses who cannot appreciate or are not exposed to beauty such as this.

http://www.ochre.net/en/

chainmail chandelier!!

charlene almarez- ford supermodel of the world winner 2010

2010-01-23T10:02:00.001-08:00

Dang, this girl is only 16. Haven't decided if I like her look yet but this one image IS gorgeous. Goodness gracious..look at those legs! Her facial expression is also very pleasant for a moving shot..

NIXON- Watch Accessories Design

2010-01-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

Hello. Nice to meet you.

I like the Nixon watches for women. Fun and funky (Quality? I don't know.)

The Newton

The Newton Digital

The Pirouette

The Iris

The Tribella

And.. I have to throw in this bag, too!

The Heartbreaker

Actually, I chose some of the more staid styles..the funky colors are on the site!
http://www.nixonnow.com/womens-watches/

Daul Kim- the friend I would have loved to have known

2009-11-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

I havent posted in so long...today the sad news came that Daul Kim, 20, was found dead in Paris. She always seemed quirky, insightful but who knows the pain that surged inside of her? ( since they report it is suicide). However, I don't believe it is. I remember clearly, that several months ago I was tinged with envy as I read about her life. Her father is an exec or something for Samsung, she is a working artist , beautiful mode who travels the world. I wanted to be in her shoes...and that is why I say no oneknows someone's true pain. I am truly spooked by this even though I don't even KNOW her. It seems that many people are feeling the same way I do, missing her and feeling like they knew her even though we have never met. I thought it was a little crazy that I was so affected by this. In any case, I feel it is necessary to post something of her and this represents her personality..

photo from http://www.knighttcat.com/

FU JI ZHANG

2009-09-05T21:06:00.001-07:00

Fu Ji, sounds japanese doesn't it? Actually, Mr. Tsang ( I guess that gives it away) hails from Beijing and studied at L'ecole Nationale d'Art Decoratif in Nice, France and currently resides there.

While some of his works are similar to Monet, the pieces that I love from him are even more abstract and avant garde.

How gorgeous are these? I would love to own one..

Thank God for autosave in blogspot!

Introducing Angel Pai

2009-08-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last 4 pictures, photographer: christina deo

Taiwanese-American actress and model based in NYC. Now, we are ready for this talented actress, dancer, model and artist to take the world by storm.

DO NOT TAKE IMAGES without permission. Email for it with working link to blog. All postings must show photographer/model credit.

Interview with Angel Pai- 1:51 AM NYC

EG: What was the last movie you saw?

AP: I Love You, Man

EG: I love you, too!

AP: Haha. Not exactly admirable acting material.

EG: Ouch. Which character would you have taken anyways

AP: laugh*. The cool dude. He's totally awesome.

EG:Are you excited about any films that are about to be released?

AP: Not right now...

EG: Ouch again. Well, what kind of roles would you like to do?

AP: Just challeging roles that pushes emotional range and boundaries but that's most serious actors..

EG: Are there any specific actors or directors you would like to work with?

AP: There are quite a number of actors I respect. I would be very much honored to one day have the opportunity to work with Meryl Streep, Daniel day-lewis, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Gong Li, Anthony Hopkins, Maggie Cheung, Morgan Freeman, Ken Watanabe, Ralph Fiennes, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon. Their crafts and talents have been most inspirational and is a reminder to me every day what I strive to reach.
Directors, in no specific order- Zhang YiMou, Quentin Tarantino, Roman Polanski, Milos forman, Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee.

EG: Oh, now you're gettin' serious. Those are the top dogs. Well, how and when did you know that you wanted to become an actress?

AP: Even though i had strived to be a neurosurgeon since I was a little girl (strange, no??), I think there was always a part of me that knew i could not give up my artistic passions. I've been oil painting sinceIwas 9 and held numerous exhibitions; I've performed all these years on stage as an actor and dancer while growing up. When I graduated college early, I went to taiwan on a vacation. one thing led to another, I ended up having a part written for me in a french indie film that was filming on location in taipei. I decided THEN that this was my 'sign'- big break or not, i had to give it a try.I almost got myself 'dis-owned' by the family when i broke the news to them that I wanted to be an actor (as opposed to continuing down the medical path)- it was perhaps the most defiant choice I have ever made, but I was determined to see where that choice would take me.

EG: Ok, let’s get personal..What do you like to do when you have downtime?

AP: Eat!! my friends and roommates always joke about how i have a permanent tub of ice cream in front of me, every time they see me.There is not a better downtime for me than good food, great books, great films, and all with the people you love. On a more physical level, I do try to continue to train martial arts. I have to live up to my 8 gold medals!..... fencing, hang-gliding, dancing, and stalking people in the park who walk their pets. I love animals!

EG: Ooh, I like this girl. But, you're like the skinniest girl ever! I guess that's where the sports come in.

EG: If you could have one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

AP: Asian

EG: I said ONE!

AP: Ok, if I need to be more specific, i guess i would have to say Japanese. It's terrible to make me pick one!

EG: Sorry man. It's one of those desert island questions..Could you describe yourself as the “love-child” of two famous celebrities?

AP: I've been told that I'm a mix of Gong Li, Zhang Zi Yi, and humm..I don't think i have a celeb 'father'.

EG: Ok, I definitely see the resemblance to those ladies. No celebrity father, eh? Well, just pick someone hot.

AP: HA!

EG: When life gives you lemons…

AP: I sprinkle some sugar and juice that sucker!

EG: That's the bad arse version of "I make lemonade"?

AP: - in biker boots.

EG: Lastly, and most importantly, rice cake, patty cake or birthday cake?

AP: None! Can I have ice cream cake please??

EG: Good girl..I was gonna say, seafood pancake, myself! But this isn't about me....Thank you for taking your time with us tonight or rather, this morning.

AP: No, thank YOU.

Watch out for this girl. Don't say I didn't warn you. That's right, you saw it here first- the best titled, "Random Things I Follow" blog!! Eminence Grise signing outtttt!

daniel liu

2009-08-29T21:44:00.001-07:00

alright, so i died for about half a year. it seems that i like to blog about asians and asian americans so here i go again. thank you cousin jozjoz for the pics and info. i hope you don't mind me blogging about him here on my little teeny blog. but the more ppl type his name online, the better right?

i'm so glad that finally, we have a taiwanese american who can stand up to a white male and a white male model at that. i know it's not fair, but clearly, we have not taken up enough of the media or this world even though we are talented, intelligent, hardworking people and take up 60% of the world popultion. in addition, it's good to see a taiwanese american in the media, so that it's not just korean and japanese people who seem to mesmerize the world.

Sweater by Tom Ford; tank tee by Boss Orange; long thermal wintry socks, stylist's own

Left: Coat by Tom Ford
Right: denim jacket by Guess; tank tee by Boss Orange; jeans by Diesel; watch by David Yurman; bandana and belt, stylist's own

Left: Vintage denim shirt by Alexander McQueen; tank tee by Boss Orange; boots by Gordon Rush; belt, stylist's own; jeans by Lee; watch by David Yurman; fedora by Burberry Prorsum
Right: Turtleneck by Tom Ford; bandana, stylist's own; fedora by Burberry Prorsum

AGENT: Maher Naser
IMAGES: Karl Simone-www.karlsimone.com
FASHION EDITOR/CASTING: John Tan
GROOMING: Yinna Wang for Badass Hair-www.yinnawang.com
http://johntancasting.blogspot.com/

With a little snooping (cos you know I am a little stalker), I found that he is 6' 3" and attended UCSD. Correct me if I'm wrong Daniel. Yes, that's right, go ahead.

Full Name: Daniel Liu
Hometown: Los AngelesAge: 26
Discovery/How did you get into modeling: My sister sent in some digital photos from a modeling contest I’d won and I got a call from Ford shortly after that. She never told me she submitted them so I was surprised to get a phone call from the main agent in LA.
Previous career before entering the wonderful world of modeling: I’ve had a couple career jobs before modeling but this is what I love doing most. I get to work with and meet great people, travel, and have flexibility in my schedule. It is perfect for me at the moment.
Other career goals: I definitely have some plans for the future that are aside from modeling. I’d like to own my own business at some point and to also impact some kind of positive change with whatever resources I have. Whether it’s helping the environment, providing for the homeless, or sending medicine overseas, I definitely want to help in any way that I can.
Favorite hobbies: I really enjoy working out, staying healthy, playing the guitar, watching movies, and spending time with the people I love. I can have fun doing just about anything when I’m in the right company.
Favorite music/films: I listen to different music to match my moods. When I’m just getting through the day, I like listening to The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys, Keane, The Shins, or lots of Indie Rock. When I’m trying to mellow out or wind down after a long day, it’s Dave Matthews, Ben Harper, or something relaxing. As far as my favorite movies go, Top Gun is definitely one of them. I also liked the films Fight Club and Pulp Fiction.
How did you enjoy doing this shoot? I loved working with the team. They were amazing to work with and very professional.
People will be surprised to know this about me: I can be serious at times, but really I’m a guy that loves to have fun. I work hard but I also enjoy the little things in life.

as found on: http://johntancasting.blogspot.com/

He has been featured on Disgrasian and Asian Model blogs.

Source: Maher Naser @ Ford Model

The reason I am a little more excited about male asian models (besides the obvious), is that there have always been more asian female models and actresses accepted into western media. I guess it is usually easier for a female to permeate across cultures and be accepted. So, when an Asian male model is so quickly scooped up by FORD (top agency for men last year) I am delighted! Now, he needs to get off the FM2 board. He can do it.. c'mon.
So, here we go. World, welcome Daniel Liu!

( I have a little more secret juicy tidbits about another taiwanese american model coming up. im on a roll!)

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

2008-12-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

Wordless. Speaks volumes. Speechless.

"American Born Chinese" - graphic novel by Gene Yang

2008-12-04T19:34:00.001-08:00

I happened to find this graphic novel while looking for a book for class. I picked it up because it is written and illustrated by an Asian guy. Lately, I have been interested in the Chinese-American story. ABC is...exactly about that..being an ABC. There are three stories which deal with a monkey king (c'mon..SUN WOO KOONG!), cousin Chin-kee and a Chinese boy who falls in love wif a bee-oo-ti-foo Amelikan giwl. Gene is clever, witty and original. His story is our story but only he has chosen to tell it this way.

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday 2008 Windows

2008-12-04T16:23:00.001-08:00

Are by far, the best in the city. This is my new yearly tradition. Everyone stopped to stare at the handiwork of these window installments. This takes "window dressing" to a new level. People were proclaiming.."This is art!" Women, children, big surly men, all stopped to admire the details, in awe. The windows were based on a theme of seaons.

I'm so glad I picked up my little tush to take these pictures. I haven't had this much fun in a longgg, loooonngggg timeee!! Prepare your eyes for a feast!

*click on pic for hugeness*

Behold!

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday 2008 WIndows

details..

Holiday window II

"Spring"

"Autumn"

"Winter"

I fell in love with a mannequin here. Is it possible to do that? I took like 10 pics of this girl..Look at that face..that expression..that pose...that outfit!

ooh, charming (scary?) rabbit doing a self portrait!

a bird finds bling in its nest

Birdwoman!!!!

Forget Greece..Next up, BALI

2008-12-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

If I ever get rich or have enough to splurge on a good vacation, I'm going HERE. Bulgari hotel in Bali, Indonesia. Indonesia is a beautiful place. I went when I was younger and it was such a shame because I was too young to know any better and to enjoy the trip. I love asia.

The Japanese in "Italian territory"- Cobbler Hidetaka Fukaya

2008-12-02T08:47:00.001-08:00

Hidetaka Fukaya of Nagoya Japan started his passion for cordwaining about 10 years ago. He studied shoe making in Siena and has not looked back. Since then he has opened up his own shop in a charming alley in Florence. Hidetaka has caused quite a stir and is a welcome "novelty" among the Italians. Who is this Japanese man who has embraced our tradition for shoe-making? With his passion for exquisite shoes, he has gained their respect for his craftsmanship, style and charm. In fact, he is only one of three sources of handmade shoes in Florence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1WjOPiQV8Q

It always encourages me to see someone break the mold and make his own way. Surely, he is paving a way for others in Florence as Salvatore Ferragamo has.

*bio source*

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/food-fashion-and-plenty-of-style-in-florence-447483.html

amazing photographer- Zhang Jingna

2008-12-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

Zhang Jingna is a "mere" 20 years of age but has set the photography world on fire. In just two years, this previous fashion major has gone professional with major productions with the likes of Mercedes Benz, Ogilvy & Mather Advertising (Taiwan), Architecture International, Wacom, and The Arts House and Harper's Bazaar. Jingna really has a vision for her work. Nothing can stop her, not even "schooling" as she has had the chutzpah to drop out of school twice to follow her dreams. Not only is she talented but she is beautiful, too! If that is not inspiration for you, I don't know what is..

http://zemotion.net/

here are samples of her work.