passion is in fashion

*Not* the movie about Puyi, but the one about Valentino.  Saw it this week and loved it so much.  It was such an honest documentary, and even included scene where Valentino was throwing a tantrum at the cameraman and running away.  Would like to quote Roger Sterling here on Creative Directors: “imagine he knows just as much about business as you do, but inside there is a child wanting to get out.”  Ah — Roger Sterling knows everything about life!!!

For anyone who has already seen it, how awesome were the pugs?!

Halal Sprite in the airport lounge

Kitschy table lamp at Potato Head

Was in Jakarta last week and wishing I was still there.  My client arranged for me to stay at the Lippo Karawaci Village, which is a rich suburb where everything from the grocery store to the hospital is owned by the Lippo Group (Note 1: Lippo Group is now bankrupt due to a rather delicious scandal.  Note 2: in SE Asia, the same person owns everything.  See book Asian Godfathers.)  Sometimes I woke up in the morning, opened my curtains, saw a bunch of palm trees, and mistakenly thought that I was on vacation. But alas, the 8 am conference calls never fail to bring me back to reality.

I’m really appreciating these Southeast Asian cities.  Jakarta is chaotic and charming all at the same time — in a way that only a city with 13 million in population and severe income inequality could be.  Coincidentally at coffee this morning I glanced at some article suggesting that Indonesia, which has consistently achieved 4 percent growth, should be included in the BRIC countries.  I finished the coffee before finishing the article, so am not sure whether the suggestion prevailed (against growth-hindering political instability), but I’m leaning towards YES, based on purely anecdotal evidence, bien sur!

Exhibit A. Technological Infrastructure (prevalence of the Blackberry)

Everyone.  *Everyone* uses the Blackberry as their regular mobile phone.  The combination of reasonable RIM service rates for individuals and the Blackberry Messenger program not being blocked on corporate machines make the BBM preferred method of communication.

The result is everyone from teenagers to CEOs alike talk to their friends and even subordinates on the BBM.  For the first time ever, my clients asked me for my pin.  Our conversation ranges from when the car is picking me up to how they are going to make the international wire.  The display picture, by default, is always one of those outstretched arm pictures with one’s significant other. Display names vary from “ * ~ $ Anna $ ~ * “ to  something simpler and thus more professional.  Same goes for status messages.

What’s more, I was not the only who gasped at the prevalence of BBM use.  See here for my friend’s analysis on AsiaWheeling.

Exhibit B. Availability of Capital (as seen at the Grand Hyatt pool)

Although I was exiled in the faraway wealthy ‘burb, I made time to visit my friend who was staying in the more centrally-located, traffically-congested CBD.  While I primped in the locker room afterwards, I saw a woman slouched in the chair behind me smiling at her pink bedazzled Blackberry, looking very much like a teenager.

Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a true specimen of the Indonesian tai tai.  She was wearing a printed A-line sundress.  The fabric was stiff yet softly draped which conveys that it’s real silk from miles away.  The print was giant royal purple polka dots against a nude background, which matched her nude patent Louboutin slingbacks and purple Hermes Birkin exactly.  It’s crazy, because you know she has a Birkin for possible shade of sundress there is.

Exhibit C. Stylish Human Capital (as observed at Potato Head)

Located in the Pacific Place mall and next to the Ritz Carlton, this was my favorite restaurant/bar from the trip.  The interior designer is a personal friend of my college friend E’s, and I was totally impressed.  It was an interesting combination of industrial elements and kitsch.  The lamps at the bar are made out of airplane noses, and antique vents painted in aqua colors are sprinkled on the ceiling.  On each dining table are funny lamps which look like their belong in a nursery from the seventies.  The result is unexpected and totally hip.

While sipping martinis in tropical flavors like lemongrass, dragonfruit, and cucumber, I had fun people watching.  Interestingly, senior bankers wear batik, and junior bankers wear Prada.   I spotted a bib necklace and braided hair a la Prada FW09, both fashion forward statements.

Pretty much the coldest it has been all winter.  Just two weeks ago it was averaging 20 and super sunny!

Went to Yung Kee for lunch and experienced a true HK institution – woman getting takeout in her full on mink coat and matching bling bling ruby and diamond ring, earrings, and necklace set.  She probably waited all winter to wear that… hahah!

Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

- Press Release from the Pantone Institute, Dec 8th 2009

I personally love this color.  It looks good on all skintones, and the variation teal is very commercial and almost seasonless.  Let’s track some of its influences.

1) Michelle Obama

She loves this color! She first appeared at the Democratic National Convention in August 2008 in a turquoise Maria Pinto, and recently wore the color again in December 2009 during the White House Christmas breakfast. Gorgeous!

2) Rosamund Pike in An Education

Just saw the movie last night.  I was really struck by how beautiful turquoise jewelry could be.  No longer just for hippie dippie Southwestern-themed gatherings!  It can be very elegant when done in smaller portions, and looks less over the top than straight up bling.

3) Mad Men

Although not true turquoise, who could refute the color scheme seen below?

I have a soft Samsonite rolly that I loooove!  I find soft suitcases to be much more practical because they are easier to over-stuff.  Who knew — Your stuff do not come in those perfectly rectangular shapes like Rimowa!  But alas, the hard suitcases do look cute, especially in lipstick red!  Another advantage?  Easier to spot when you are waiting for your luggage at the belt, but not that I ever check luggage.

Though not normally a huge fan of Balenciaga, those City bags are awesome for travel!  They are soft and squishy so that when they are empty, you can chuck them anywhere, and when necessary, one can pack them to the maximum.  The rectangular shape is conducive to occasionally stuffing a 13 inch Mac and those A4-sized printed materials inside.

A framed clutch is not only good fifties revival style, but also great for travel.  They lay flat and take up no room at all.  Even though they are small, you don’t need to worry about your keys scratching your Blackberry or camera either, because usually you’ll have a hotel keycard.

2) The Footwear

Versatility is key.  A pair of simple peep toes will do.  They go from work to evening.  I find pumps too formal for evening and strappy sandals too inappropriate for work.  (All those toes!  Skanky!)

A pair of flats for exploring, or just in case you are visiting a client in an industrial zone two hours from the city and does not have an elevator even though they are on the sixth floor.  (Known to happen.)

Caveat: *Never* bring your A-shoes to China.  Never bring your A-shoes to China.  I have Louboutins listed but as we all know those are only for non-rainy season and preferably when you know he is coming to pick you up in his chauffeured vehicle.

3) The Apparel (Black)

My coworkers in Shanghai mistakenly think I wear only black.  Little do they know I have quite a colorful, and sometimes even printed wardrobe at home.  Black is simply my super practical line up for travel.

A day to evening dress. Always in jersey material so you don’t need to worry about wrinkles, and more importantly, can stuff it into a little tiny ball when you are packing to leave, but find that you have accidentally bought a bunch of stuff ranging from books to hanging ball lamps for your friends.  (Don’t pretend it doesn’t happen!)  Wear with a blazer for work meetings, and substitute with bling for evening.

A blazer. Can’t sing enough praises for the blazer.  Makes your most work-inappropriate clothes instantly ready for all kinds of work situations.  Lapels and silk lining just speak *business* to me.  But please, none of those interview style blazer things for girls.  I enjoy cropped sleeves and a lean silhouette.

A soft cardigan of some sort. Essential for the plane ride.  I am a really light sleeper and have taken to throwing it over my head to block out the light.  Funny looking it may be, but infinitely practical.  (Say hi to me if you spot me on a plane!)

4) The Kindle

Love love love!  I named my little guy Sylvester and love him lots.  I can read the Atlantic (hard to find in HK!) and download books anywhere anytime!  Makes my time spent in transit *that* much more enjoyable.  ^______^

Met the ex-Product Director of G2000 Konstantine Kouros recently.  I made two presentations in his PolyU class and they went really well!  I am not that freshly out of school and can totally relate to these students.

1) The first day, he wore skinny jeans with these patina gray oxfords.  Tres chic!

2) The second day, he wore a Prada gray suit with Prada gray windowpane button down and Prada shoes.  And carried the student projects in a Prada paper bag.

3) He is completely obsessed with the ideas of Zeitgeist and style icons, running the gamut from Maria Callas to Kanye West.  A well-rounded individual!

Hello world!  It has been a good 2010 so far indeed.  Had a wonderful holiday in the US and came back to H to the K with a severe jetlag – which means curling up with my Kindle Sylvester and discovering the key functions of iPhoto!  Hahaha.  I LOVE iPhoto!  Did you know it puts a pin onto your photo album locations and automatically identifies events?  Very Big Brother of Apple!

Saw Teddy last night and went to movie with the Honey.  Just like old times circa 2008!  We brought McDonald’s into the theater and saw An Education.  A very very good movie.  It totally inspired me to wear more slingbacks!  And if I may say so myself, had a very important and relevant takeaway.  Hahahaha.

I am off to Jakarta next week.  Ta ta for now and miss you all!