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Saturday, November 30, 2013

Street Style Vietnam: Dao Chic

vietnam tribal women
vietnam tribe
The cliche of hair being one's "crowning glory" makes sense in certain cultures.  I discovered the Black Dao tribe on an excursion to the Binh Lu Market of Vietnam.  While their actual clothing was more simple compared to the brilliant Flower Hmong, their hair was off the hook.

Their signature look was all about accessories.  The head was covered in an elaboration composition of braided pieces, crowned in an intricate tooled silver structure.  They wore simple black tunics with pop color collared shirts that peeked out from their basic black.  The identifying "statement necklace" was a jeweled or beaded pendant from which very long strands of neon ribbon fringe would hang.  The ladies at this market were definitely a friendly and outgoing bunch who loved to pose and laugh.
red vietnam
The Red Dzao tribe of ladies I met near Sapa, Vietnam.  A large group of them appointed themselves the entourage to my family's trek through the countryside.  They carried huge baskets that contained their own mobile boutique of hand-embroidered crafts (which they worked on during the trek).

vietnam textileTheir signature look was the red fabric wrap on their heads, embellished with beads, fringe or coins in the back.  Their embroidery colors had more yellows and reds.  They favored more nature-inspired motifs like trees and leaves in their clothing.

This group shaved their eyebrows and the front of their hair.  I'm not sure what their beauty regimen was, but these ladies had some of the best skin I have ever seen.  Perhaps they found the misty mountain hair is more effective than a chemical peel and Clarisonic could ever hope to be?

Photos by Mariana Leung
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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Street Style Vietnam - Hmong Fashion

hmong costumerainbow hmong
My trip-of-a-lifetime to Vietnam yielded wonderful experiences with the hill tribes of Northern Vietnam.  The amazing thing about meeting these women from rural communities was their elaborate clothing.  The Hmong tribes are one of the biggest groups in the area and are further broken down into groups like the Black Hmong, White Hmong, Flower Hmong, Striped Hmong, etc.

The Flower Hmong are famous for the colorful embroidered garb that they wear.  The color combinations that I saw were gorgeously complementary. There were combinations of neon, sorbet colors, violet and blues... Many included beaded fringe along the shoulder and chest.  Some had head wraps of colorful tartan.  The colors were so bright, I can’t imagine some of them existed hundreds of years ago as the history of their clothing suggests. The image of these elaborately dressed women were particularly striking when you saw them coming toward you through the mud, rain and mountain sized animal droppings on the road in their pristine outfits.

Embroidery is a skill passed down through the female elders to daughters and younger females.  It is an essential marketable skill where they create handicrafts to sell or make clothes for their families

highland tribe
The Black Hmong group is identified by the deep black indigo-dyed base fabric of their costumes; usually made of natural hemp.  They are often embroidered with red, purple, blue, white, green trims and hand embroidery with knotted motifs.  Elements of their look include leg wraps, coat, an embroidered apron type
piece at the front and back, embroidered arm embellishments and tied back hair or hat. 

Many families live in homes without electricity in farm communities. However, a lot of the women who worked as guides or vendors had the latest phones (plus accessories).  Inside their traditional jackets, I observed many of the Hmong women sporting the latest pop culture tees or bedazzled with fashionable studs. I also loved the bright wellies on this group above during a rainy day.

hmong jewelryI saw women with intricately carved silver earrings and necklaces.  Unlike embroidery or weaving, jewelry is a craft dominated by men.  The men hand-tool or hammer out the patterns onto the metal.

A signature piece of jewelry for the Black Hmong is a large carved silver hoop around their neck that often has multiple silver chains dangling from it.  Jewelry is often a wedding gift or family gift for significant locations.  How is that for a statement necklace?
Photos by Mariana Leung
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Monday, November 25, 2013

Shopping in Hanoi: Metiseko

Like the cuisine, the best shopping Hanoi can be found in the fusion of French flavors and Vietnamese handiwork.  Metiseko is a popular destination for chic women's and children's fashion and home decor.    With the stress on the "eko" (eco) part of the collection, the brand features organic and sustainable silks and cottons in their products.

Creative director Florence Mussou designs the collection with the lifestyle of the world traveller as muse.  She herself is French and studied art before journeying to Vietnam.  The pretty prints are stylized graphic interpretations of traditional Vietnamese motifs like dragonflies, lotus leaves and rice.  The goods are environmentally friendly and have a relaxed, happy vibe.

Visiting the Hanoi shop itself was a little oasis from the chaos of mopeds and over stimulation outside.  Situated on Hang Gai, the street of silk, the store staff were all chatty and friendly with a love of the collection.  The boutique is having a party later this week and promotes a wellness lifestyle I think we could all benefit from.

If you can't travel to Hanoi, shop from Metiseko online.
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Sunday, November 24, 2013

Shopping in Hanoi: Ipa Nima Handbags

ipa nima handbag
Yes I am BACK from my epic trip to Vietnam.  Ipa Nima Handbags  was one of my favorite finds in my shopping excursions through Hanoi.  Christina Yu's celebrated accessories label has its own boutique, but was also carried in the top galleries and upscale stores around the country.

The purses caught my attention for their unique embellishments (you know I am a sucker for that).  They had a wonderful mix of embroidery, applique and creative manipulations of materials.  The color sense was fun and sophisticated.  The motifs were fun, but not cloyingly cute.

Christina Yu was a former fashion editor who was driven to create her brand after being inspired by the work of local artisans.  The company commits to working with smaller, family owned manufacturers in Vietnam for the collection.  I am a bigger fan of the designer's participation in  an organization called KOTO "Know One Teach One" that trains and employs disadvantaged youth, orphans and young people with chronic disabilities.

Ipa Nima already has international fans like Cate Blanchett, Maggie Cheung and the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.  Now let's get these bags into New York City too.


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Friday, November 22, 2013

Equestrian Chic 2.0 - ARIAT Giveaway!

ariat sahara boots

Sponsored by Ariat:
There are chills and snowflakes in the air.  The only good thing I can think of when winter arrives is the acquisition of new boots.  Having just returned from trekking in Vietnam, I came to realize I need some serious function with my fashion boots.  The answer to that was Ariat boots. 

With great excitement I received my Ariat Sahara boots.  The cowboy boot trend bypassed me until I had a chance to see the real thing.  The real thing is one of beauty folks.  I have quickly learned to appreciate the quality and style of a pair of boots made by a company that produces some of the finest equestrian footwear in the country.  The leather had an intense texture of hand-treated techniques.  The embroidered tops and meticulously stitched pintucks on the toe were subtle but deeply beautiful details.  The stacked heel and dense rubber soles looked they could take some action that my other frou frou fashion boots definitely could not. Hell, I made my living analyzing the fit and construction for many international fashion brands, so I can assure you that I am not just blowing smoke up your horse’s um, saddle when I swoon about the beauty on my feet.
The styling of Ariat boots are as fashion forward as any fashion designer could hope to achieve, except they are truly made to accommodate equestrians.  Now I see why this lifestyle has inspired countless stylists and fashion brands through the years.  However, you can’t compete with the real thing.   The boots look like they have old world craftsmanship, but the company actually strives for being ahead on technology and innovation.

Care to check these babies out for yourself?  Ariat is giving away several pairs of their most popular boots and jeans to fans (loyal or new).  Enter here via the Ariat Facebook page.  Good luck!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ariat.
To learn more about Ariat and enter their fabulous giveaway on Facebook, please visit: http://bit.ly/1hQteNk.
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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Instyle's $3000 Shopping Spree and Holiday Gift Guide

Thanksgiving week means the pressure of holiday shopping is ON! One of my favorite sites, InStyle.com is helping busy people like us with a curated pop-up boutique until December 27th.  How about something even more helpful?  Enter to win InStyle.com’s $3000 shopping spree to make gift shopping really easy, especially when it comes to treating yourself.

I browsed through the InStyle holiday boutique selections and was most fond of their designer fashion and accessories offerings.  They have chosen over thirty fashion forward brands to feature.  My personal holiday party strategy leans to luxurious fabrics in black or red in lace, velvet and sparkly embroideries.  On my shopping list for the next soiree is the sexy Nic & Joe top paired with a sequined mini-skirtfrom Garnet Hill.  When it comes to jewelry, I love rich jewels in deep colors and the more bling, the better.  On my wish list, (hint hint) are Marco Bicego’smulti-gem drop earrings.   I have a weakness for big statement rings and jewel studded watches too.

Handbags are an easy gift for me or for any of the stylish women in my life.  For this season, metal hardware embellishments and snakeskin textures are hot.  Longchamp or Dooney & Burke is eternally on my (and my sister’s) gift list.  I am coveting Longchamp’s crossbody clutch or the big red and black Dooney &Burke shopper (and it can hold gifts for others!).  A more wallet-friendly option would be Kenneth Cole’s studded red bag that looks great at parties.

You can’t forget shoes.  The silver and black leather pumps from Kenneth Cole are also going to be my go-to dancing shoes for late nights of the holidays. 

Some of my favorite romantic gifts, even to myself are sets of luxurious lingerie.  Again, I love black and red.  Figleaves has a beautiful collection this season at some reasonable prices.  I am partial to their Pour Moi set. 

Seeing my loved ones open their gifts is the best moment of the holidays for me.  Imagine how much fun you can have surprising them with a fashionable $3000 shopping spree that you could spend together!  Well, you have to be in it to win it, so make sure you enter the InStyle Holiday Boutique sweepstakes before December 27th, 2013. 


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by InStyle via Single Edition Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of InStyle.
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Saturday, November 16, 2013

Going Bespoke - Visiting a Hong Kong Tailor

This was Hubby's first trip to Asia via the first stop in Hong Kong.  I took him for a classic Hong Kong experience of visiting a tailor to have custom shirts made.

So guys, do you need to know if you want to order custom made clothing for yourself?

Start with recommendations from people you trust.  Do you know someone who looks impeccable and wears bespoke clothing?  If you can't get a personal referral, look for trusted review sources online and email the reviewer if possible.

Get a sense of pricing and what that includes.  Does the price include a fitting or corrections if necessary?  What is the time frame to receive your clothes and will it include shipping?  You definitely want to work with a tailor that will guarantee their work.  Pricing varies based on your timing, fabric and materials chosen as well as details you specify. 

A reputable tailor might also ask when or how you intend to wear your shirts to help you decide on what fabrics or details to choose.

Know what you want.  Do you have pieces that you feel fit perfectly and want to copy?  Do you know if you like your clothing to have a more relaxed fit or slimmer fit?  Do you have a long neck and prefer taller collars the flatter your proportions? (A really good tailor might suggest these things too).  Do you have a preference for a certain type of collar? Cuff?  Do you want a monogram?  The more specific you are, and can articulate your needs, the more painless your appointment will be for the both of you.

Measurements.  You don't need to know them that well, that's the tailor's job to measure you.  However, you do need to know where you would like your sleeves to end on length, shirt length, etc.

Clothing might make the man, but it really comes down to the man that makes the clothing...
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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Thomas Balint Spring 2014

photos by Katherine Wong
I love a guy that can look put together AND casual.  Thomas Balint, a designer showing at Toronto's World MasterCard Fashion Week showed a collection that did just that. 

Thomas Balint is the third generation in his Hungarian family to take up the tailoring trade.  His runway collection featured expertly draped jackets and coats that had a relaxed attitude, but sharp fit and sleek collars.  The lapel shapes were variations on traditional silhouettes, elongated, notched shawl collars and distorted peak lapels.  The color palette was a range of off-black like warm grey, deep eggplant and navy.  This was a great way for the cosmopolitan gentleman who is used to dressing in black every day to branch out and add a bit of texture and colors to their repertoire.  I know as a Gothamite that is a trick I like to use myself in my own wardrobe.

Guys, what is your key to looking groomed and casual at the same time?
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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Nautica Black Sail - Spring 2014

From Father's Day special to D.I.L.F.s.  Nautica Sportswear's launch of the Black Sail collection at NY Fashion Week was their big push to show themselves as a sleeker, more fashion forward menswear brand.

Nautica's biggest visibility in the past few years was usually the round of Father's Day gift-giving commercials from Macy's for their basic knit polos.  For Spring 2014, the brand showed sexy leather shorts, body hugging knits, slim pants and crisp jackets.  A decidedly more smouldering look, but not out of the realm of their core customer.  Having worked with the brand, I do know for a fact that several of the core creative collaborators are hot Dads.

Meanwhile, there was a large protest outside of this fashion show led by model Sara Ziff.  The protest was against Nautica's refusal to sign the Bangladesh Accord of Fire and Safety after the horrible tragedy of sweatshop workers.   I am very sorry to hear and baffled by Nautica's refusal to support basic safety conditions for their workers.  I can't say my working conditions in the NYC office were ideal (we were forced to fit in the kitchen with people walking through with microwaved fish, or security doors that actually locked us in when the fire alarm went off).  But to publicly make known that you don't care as a brand about your workers? Wow. 

Does knowing if your favorite designer supports the Bangladesh Accord affect whether or not you want to purchase from them?
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Sunday, November 10, 2013

Christopher Bates Winter 2013

christopher bates menswear
toronto male models
The Canadian fashion industry calls Christopher Bates the "James Bond" of menswear.  That doesn't mean he has a license to kill.  They are talking about the handsome designer's suave personal style which also translates into his collection.

I thought I would spend the next week paying tribute to the guys by featuring menswear.  Christopher Bates' Fall/Winter 2013 collection for World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto was sophisticated and refined.  That did not mean stuff.  The well dressed gentlemen strolled down the runway in a relaxed manner as the tuxedo clad creative director described the elements of each look.

This fashion presentation felt intimate.  From a writer and buyer's perspective, I found his format highly effective as you heard about the design intent, fabric and tailoring details directly from the designer's lips.  It reminded of the old-fashioned collections in designer ateliers, where fashion "shows" really were for the important people there to do business.

Christopher Bates is a highly skilled business man who drew quite a crowd in the panel discussions for new designers.  Prior to his fashion training in Milan, is career background was in marketing and sales. I guess such an impressive background does earn him a "Bond" nickname in these circles.

What is your favorite Canadian menswear brand?
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Friday, November 8, 2013

FAB Exclusive: Robert Verdi Talks Queer Style at FIT

queer history fashion
queer fashion fit
Robert Verdi is one of the most dynamic fashion ambassadors on television today.  He contributed two major looks at the current exhibit at the Museum at F.I.T., A Queer History of Fashion.

Not just a charming personality, he received his fashion education at F.I.T. and has had a diverse career in design (jewelry, weddings, interiors, clothing...).  I know that Robert Verdi's wit has been extremely welcome.  He can make a dreaded corporate meeting bearable with his sense of humor.   Just when you think you are "over" fashion week, you might be lucky enough to run into him in front of a show and his one-liners will make it worthwhile.

The exhibit at F.I.T. itself examines style and fashion as influenced by the LGBT community throughout history.  Whether it was the aesthetic of a well tailored suit on both men and women, fetish lifestyles on edgy leather clothing or the motifs inspired by political statements.

Robert Verdi was nice enough to chat with us here at Ms. Fabulous to tell us about his work on this show:

Ms. Fabulous: Can you tell us about the contributions you made to the FIT exhibit and why you chose them?
Robert Verdi: Valerie Steele, the curator at FIT, came to my home where we culled through hundreds of pieces I have been collecting for over 20 years.
Together we decided on a few pieces that capture the unique confidence and sex appeal of "Queer Style," like the Tom Ford tie died velvet suit from the 90's.

Ms. F: Is there a certain time period in history that you identify with the most in fashion?
RV: Growing up, I was enamored of glamorous women in the 1970s, but especially Charlie's Angels. The entire disco era, the night-life, the decadence, are all elements that I connect with."

Ms. F: How does your background and lifestyle inform your personal style?
RV: My personal style is informed by lots of different ideas. But every time i look in my closet, i see the overwhelming influence of Pee-wee Herman and Dracula.

Ms. F: Which fashion designer do you think made the most significant contributions to the identity of fashion?
RV: So many designers have made valuable contributions. To exclude one would diminish the value of fashion history. Suffice it to say every designer contributes something.
Personally, I love the contributions of Martin Margiela, Rei Kawakubo, Alexander McQueen Jean Paul Gaultier, Tom Brown, and the greatest impact in recent history, that of the brilliant Rick Owens.

Ms. F: What trends or direction do you think the LGBTQ design community will take in the next few years?
RV: I think that it’s not going to be any different from how it has been. The LGBT community will continue to passionately lead all the design industries, using the two things that we have always depended on, innovation and originality."

Ms. F: If you were to dress as any style icon or fashion figure in history for Halloween, who would it be?
RV: "Jesus"

Ms. F: You are awesome as always! Thank you.

The Queer History of Fashion exhibit runs until January 4, 2014 at the Museum of F.I.T.  Admission is free!  There is also a symposium this weekend with a fantastic line-up of speakers. You can find the symposium schedule online.
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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Toronto Street Style - World MasterCard Fashion Week

toronto street fashion
wmcfw street style
toronto street style
What look represents Toronto street fashion?  At World MasterCard Fashion Week, the best examples are out on display.  While Toronto Fashion Week is still growing its reputation and credibility, the overall street fashion aesthetic has distinct characteristics.

Based on personal experience, Toronto weather is unpredictable at best.  It can be brutally cold and wet, beautiful and warm, or windy as hell all in the same day.  Canadians have to keep practicality in mind, so layering is popular.  Furry and cozy is comfortable AND a way to incorporate a dramatic coat.

Canadians have always prided themselves on diversity, (in school, we called ourselves the "mixed salad" in contrast to the Americans' "melting pot").  You see this reflected in the way that people style cultural silhouettes and patterns into modern chic ensembles.  Ethnic prints are cut into great silhouettes.  Traditional hairstyles are accessorized with statement pieces.

Let's not forget the Canadian sense of humor.  The fashionistas in Toronto look gorgeous, but they don't take themselves too seriously.  One thing I observed in the images of people posing in front of fashion shows in other cities and in Toronto is that you find people here laughing and smiling (unless they are doing a deliberate impression of a bad "blue steel").

What defines street style in your city?
Photos by Katherine Wong
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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Divas de los Muertos



Is there a happier evening out than one shared with your sister, cousins and best girlfriends?  Bailey’s Vanilla Cinnamon challenged me to a night out and I was more than game.  I threw a party in the theme of Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead.

It was the perfect occasion to ask my flamboyant fashion friends to put together a creative costume.  It was also the ultimate event for my favorite beauty blogger to go all out with an intricate makeup look.  My ladies did not disappoint.  My sister raided my closet to pull together a character that I can only call “Missoni Gypsy” which she accessorized with Prada Mary Janes (also salvaged from my closet).  She and my cousin both wore a selection of handmade fascinators from my collection.  Designer friends either made their own masks or delicately applied their own cosmetics.  My costume was inspired by the red monarch hat that Philip Treacy created for Alexander McQueen years ago.  I embroidered red feather butterflies on a basic satin corset dress and made myself a headpiece of more butterflies. 

To frame the fabulous females, I created a life-sized shadow box that served as a photo booth.   My Hubby and I decorated with lots of decorated skull piñatas and handmade paper flowers. 
I really wanted authentic tacos for party nibbles.  I found a company in Queens that grinds their own flour to make fresh tortillas and choose three of their most popular varieties; Pork Al Pastor, Rajas and shrimp with mango chipotle salsa.


I love Mexican hot chocolate, so I had the bartender make “glamour shots” in those flavors by blending Crème de Cacao with Bailey’s Vanilla Cinnamon.  Is this the way someone’s Abuela would have served it?  Probably not, but who is judging?

I’m raising a glass to all of the gorgeous ladies who came out to party with me!


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Diageo via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Diageo.
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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Brooklyn Indie Shopping: Shirley and Alice




On a Saturday before Halloween, in the chilly, sunny fall weather, Brooklyn boutique Shirley + Alice hosted their monthly event. To celebrate the coming holiday, the vintage clothing and indie designer shop offered a “Halloween Style Session” to assist shoppers in assembling a retro Halloween costume.

The style session ran all day, complete with costume advice, candy, and drinks that made the store feel warm and cozy.

Shirley + Alice is owned by Brooklyn based stylist Khalilah Beavers, a tribute to her two stylish grandmothers. The boutique’s offerings range from sequined dresses and vintage fur coats to designer purses and glistening costume.

Ms. Beavers says her main goal is for a boutique “to give indie designers a voice, a chance to show themselves outside of the city [Manhattan].” The boutique strives to host monthly events that cater to a variety of clientele. Shirley + Alice’s specialty events include in-store alteration services, hosted in junction with the store’s personal seamstress who runs Nit Ra Sit Originals.  It is a service “you don’t usually get when you’re at a store, and it’s good to have that in the neighborhood,” says Khalilah Beavers. The boutique also strives to streamline their events to coincide with the holidays throughout the year.

During this year’s Halloween event, few shoppers were aware of the specialty Halloween costume guidance, but all seemed intrigued with the store’s décor and complimentary mimosas. With the abundance of clothing and accessories from different eras in all price ranges, Shirley + Alice is a welcome staple in the growing and diverse Bedford-Stuyvesant community, and the ever expanding amenities on Marcus Garvey Blvd. -Niko Nelson
Photos by Niko Nelson and Rachel Jeanty
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