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APRIL 2013FREE

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Spring Styles from New York Fashion WeekLuxe It Up at La Résidence HôtelShiny Happy Spring EssentialsThe Art of Hung Liu

F R o m t h E E d I t o R I n c h I E F

This month, we welcome Ruchi Mukherjee to the Yellow Magazine family as a continuing feature contributor.

Ruchi started her career in journalism and reporting at a very young age with the esteemed Indian daily

newspaper, The Times of India, as a city/crime beat reporter. She is presently a lifestyle feature journalist for TV

Asia, host of the online magazine, Lights Camera Action, which covers Houston Indo-American society news, and

contributes to Culturemap. It is against this backdrop that Ruchi will be reporting to Yellow Magazine readers

about what’s happening in the various and sundry society and fashion events that take place throughout the city.

We want to congratulate designer Chloe Dao, winner of Project Runway Season 2, on her upcoming trip to

Vietnam where she appeared as a judge on Project Runway Vietnam, which she also co-executive produced. We

can’t wait to update you on Chloe’s activities in upcoming issues.

This month we feature some of our favorite designs from the fashion runways of New York. They are light and

bright and remind us that spring has arrived, even though as I am writing this, there are record snow storms

enveloping large portions of the country and it was in the low 40s at my house last night. At least the designers

know what season it is and keep us on track even if Mother Nature is a little confused at the moment. Thank

goodness!

V. hoangPhoto by Debbie Porter

r e s t a u r a n t l o u n g e b a r c a t e r i n g mo-mong.com

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complimentary valetthe tradition continues: wednesday martini night with dj joe ross

April 2013

Publisher

MV MediaPublisher/managing director

Frank Perez

Advertising

713.528.6000 [email protected]

Yellow magazine

1990 Post Oak Blvd.Suite 815Houston, TX 77056p 713.528.6000f 713.228.3186 yellowmags.com

Yellow Magazine is published monthly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of the magazine is strictly prohibited without the permission of the publisher. Yellow Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited materials submitted. Subscriptions to Yellow Magazine may be purchased for $36/10 issues. Mail check to: Yellow Magazine, 1990 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 815, Houston, TX 77056. © 2013 MV Media

The color yellow has played a recurrent symbolic role throughout the history of Asian culture. It symbolizes the earth that sustains all life, yet has been embraced by Buddhist monks as an expression of unchallenged power. Such is the role of yellow: always revered but in different ways under different circumstances.

The mission of Yellow Magazine is to introduce our readers to the artistic , fashion, lifestyle and entertainment contributions made by Asian Americans. It is our hope that the depth and breadth of the topics and events we cover do justice to the pride that the color yellow has represented throughout the millennia. As the editor in chief of Yellow Magazine, my last name is Hoang, which also means yellow. Just as I am proud of my name, I am proud of my heritage, and proud of Yellow Magazine.

Editor in chief

V. Van Hoang, President of MV Media

Editor

Henri Merceroncultural Editors

Vuthy KuonTricia Volorehealth Editor

Ivy Yangtravel Editor

Matt SimsWine Editor

Philip Cuisimanomusic Editor

Tyler MerceronLifestyle Editor

Chau Nguyen-ToddBeauty Editor

Tree VaelloFashion Editor

Vi Huacontributing Writers

Deanne NguyenLeo SiprasAshley VuMarc NguyenRuchi Mukherjee

creative director

Jeff MartinWebsite

Leo SiprasAssistant to the Editor in chief

Ashley Vucontributing Photographers

Mitchell AlexanderThang [email protected]

Timothy Fredericktimothyfrederick.com

Shehla Z. Shahshehlazshahphotography.com

Peter ThamFashion Photographer

Debbie PorterFashion Stylist

Vico Puenteshair & makeup

Darcie TeasleyBusiness manager

Karla Montejo

on the cover

Top by Celine, available at Neiman Marcus

model

JosephinaNeal Hamil Agency

La Résidence Hôtel & Spa in Hue, Vietnam

Vietnamese Lux

t R A V E L

Step back in time. Bask in serenity. A member of the MGallery collection of

memorable hotels by Accor, La Résidence Hue Hôtel & Spa is an enchanting

boutique hotel on the banks of the fabled Perfume River overlooking the former

Imperial Citadel – once home to Emperors and now preserved as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site.

Endowed with opulence, excellence and warmth, this former residence of the French Colonial Governor has been painstakingly restored and converted into an exceptional design hotel. The hotel’s distinctive bowed façade, long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes are hallmarks of the 1930’s stream-lined school moderne of art deco architecture.

Famed for the quality of its cuisine, artisanal handicrafts, education system and unique local aesthetic, Hue is known throughout Asia as a cultural treasure and a charming destination. Recognized by UNESCO as worthy of protection, the tombs of the Hue Kings and the city’s stunning imperial citadel retain the majesty and elegance of the Imperial Dynasty. The renown of the former Imperial Capital is born of much more than history and scenic beauty.

With 122 rooms and suites, La Résidence Hôtel & Spa is truly a boutique hotel and great care has been taken to preserve the charm, comfort and atmosphere of a classic colonial villa. While all rooms boast every modern convenience, the atmosphere of a bygone age is captured through sensitive use of local materials, art deco inspired design and careful attention to detail. Most rooms have breath-taking views across the Perfume River to the imposing Flagtower Bastion of the Citadel beyond.

Food is a passion at La Residence, and that passion is in full bloom in the hotel’s glamorous restaurant Le Parfum. Hue is known as the home of Vietnam’s finest cuisine, and Le Parfum exemplifies that renown with talented chefs who experiment with creative Asian, Vietnamese and European flavours. Guests can also partake in a unique Taste of Hue cooking class, beginning with a ride in a traditional cyclo to the Hue local market to experience the unique variety of local fresh produce; then back to the hotel where the chef will guide guests’ hands into creating traditional family dishes influenced by Hue gastronomic history.

Additional dining highlights include a private Vietnamese poolside BBQ, utilizing fresh local seafood and imported quality cuts surrounded by the serenity of the property’s gardens. A Huong River dinner cruise

is also available, departing from the hotel towards Thien Mu Pagoda, and featuring champagne in the sunset followed by sumptuous dining in style with a delicious signature menu.

In the stylish Le Gouverneur bar, the dominant focus is on a spectacular fresco created by French artist Roland Renaud, who is based in Vietnam. It was inspired by wall paintings found on several art deco buildings in France, including a fresco on the wall of the Musée des Colonies in Paris and The Main Post Office in Lyon. The fresco took three months to create on one single piece of fabric and was made in Saigon before being transported to Hue and installed.

Art Deco inspired rooms in the award-winning Le Spa are stylishly decorated with lovely details of the great 1920’s and 1950’s eras. The first high end spa in Hue allows guests to escape the pressures of life and discover a world designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit with a global selection of luxurious treatments. Le Spa includes seven relaxation rooms, a herbal sauna and jacuzzi. Hotel guests can also enjoy a large freeform saltwater swimming pool, fitness center, tennis court, boutique and art gallery.

The timeless elegance of La Residence and the rich history and beauty of Hue provide a stunning canvas on which to create a personalized and memorable visit, whether you enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Perfume River, a picnic lunch at a beautiful location in Hue’s ancient city, or just escape and relax in the hotel’s peaceful luxury.

La Résidence Hôtel & Spa5 Le Loi StreetHue City, Vietnam+84 (0)5 43 83 74 75la-residence-hue.com

Resident Suite living room

La Parfum dining room

La Parfume restaurant and terrace

Cooking class

Great care has been taken to preservethe charm, comfort and atmosphere of a classic colonial villa.

A p r i l 2 0 1 3|4 Yellow Magazine

Jose Sanchez Spring/Summer 2013Held at the Jose Sanchez Showroom

Photos by Timothy Frederick

Jose Sanchez was in Houston to present his Spring/Summer 2013 Collection to an intimate group of fashionable people. The collection was definitely a big hit with guests. It is generally bright and colorful with the exception of a few items in black and grey. The evening was a big success with many happy guests leaving with items from the collection. Jose Sanchez generously donated a portion of the evening’s sales to the Le Hoang Foundation.

Designer Jose Sanchez, Viet Hoang Alice Troung Lam Duyen Huynh, Misha Nguyen, Anais Nguyen

Chris Meyer, Jaquel & Jeremy Andrews Melissa Chou Yan, Melissa Luong

Mandy Kao, Viet Hoang John Newinn Jose Sanchez, Connie Kwan-Wong

Nina Yu, Lili Tiongson, Kit La, Mimi VuJose Sanchez, Irma Brindis

Abigail Castaneda, Luigi Santos

Chris K. To, Analisa Cole, Sandy Nikko Misha, Chloe, Lauren, Anais, and Marc Nguyen

Model Anelise Winfrey Vy Le Model Misha Nguyen

Katherine Le Model Anelise Winfrey

Jacquie Baly, Henri Merceron


Style Stars Straight from the Runway

New York Fashion Week Spring 2013

F A S h I o n

Christian Siriano After winning Project Runway, Christian Siriano’s fashion star continues to shine

bright. Siriano has a successful collaboration with Payless and has dressed celebs such as Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks for the red carpet and Sarah Jessica Parker for Marie Claire magazine. With his profile rising, Siriano presented a collection inspired by the ballet for this season. Siriano is known for his red carpet gowns, so it’s no surprise the evening looks are some of the most desirable during fashion week. Tiers of tulle with precious embroidery floated down the runway and you can imagine starlets portraying modern day ballerinas in those dresses.

En PointePrima Ballerinas

New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 was full of inspired trends from the best and

brightest designers. Here are some of our favorite collections that capture the

spirit of the season.

by leo si pr as

Photos by Jay Marroquin


Richard Chai LoveRichard Chai’s cool street-smart approach to design has

garnered much acclaim from the New York fashion community. Chai referenced “Light” for his spring collection and the easy separates that were shown have lightness without losing their edge. Short neoprene skirts were flirty and sporty, and sheer t-shirts with sparkly embroidery shined for day or night. Tough dark denim appeared relaxed and weightless. The light quality of the clothes, whether in color palette or texture, made for an appealing collection.

Charlotte Ronson Charlotte Ronson designs clothes for the hip cool chick.

For Spring 2013, her cool chick likes to go to the beach and have some fun in the sun. Standouts from the show were nipped waist dresses with cutouts, breezy separates in floral or lace and a playful ocean print on matching top and shorts. The collection’s sporty chic vibe was guaranteed to make waves because of Ronson’s cool sensibility.

Delicate Street Style

Sun-Kissed “It” Girls

A p r i l 2 0 1 3 | 9Yellow Magazine

Celine dress at Neiman MarcusFrag cuff at Settlement Goods

Balenciaga shoes at Neiman Marcus

Photography: Debbie PorterStylist: Vico PuentesHair & Makeup: Darcie TeasleyModel: Josephina / Neal Hamil Agency

A p r i l 2 0 1 310 Yellow Magazine|

Kaufman Franco dress at Neiman MarcusJimmy Choo shoes at Neiman Marcus

A p r i l 2 0 1 3 11Yellow Magazine |

Dior dress at Neiman MarcusValentino belt at Neiman Marcus

Prada shoes at Joseph


Celine top at Neiman MarcusSaint Laurent pants at Neiman MarcusNicholas Kirkwood shoes at Neiman Marcus


Kaufman Franco jacket at Neiman MarcusH Fredriksson dress at Settlement GoodsChloe shoes at Joseph


Chanel dress at Neiman MarcusPrada shoes at Neiman Marcus


E S S E n t I A L S

Explore Your Colorful Side this Spring

Shiny Happy People

Bags Be Bright

Stand out with this crimson pebbled leather shoulder bag from Michael Kors featuring a buckled shoulder strap and fantastic gold plates plus studs on the sides. The front flap snaps closed and the inside has metallic lining with one zip and one open pocket.Michael Kors Moffit Boxy Pebbled Shoulder Bag, $995Neiman Marcus Galleria and neimanmarcus.com

Blue Skies Smiling at me

You’ll have “nothing but blue skies from now on” in this gorgeous cloud-print sleeveless dress by Michael Kors. Featuring a boat neckline, the wool/silk box-pleated A-line skirt with back zip is a highlight from Kors’ spectacularly successful Spring 2013 collection. Made in Italy.Michael Kors Cloud-Print Dress, $2195Neiman Marcus Galleria and neimanmarcus.com

the Sun is in Bloom

Radiant. Colorful. Beaming with brightness. Marc Jacobs Daisy Sunshine captures the essence of summer with a carefree spirit and joyous playfulness. With a splash of sunshine—everything feels uplifting. The style is vibrant, floral, and fruity.Daisy Sunshine Eau de Toilette Spray, $65 1.7ozSephora stores and sephora.com

Patent Leather Polish

From Manolo Blahnik – the elegant master of women’s shoe design – we bring you this simply beautiful high-heel pump that steps forward in a fresh new shade of yellow shade. Made in Italy.Manolo Blahnik BB Patent Pointed-Toe Pump, $595Neiman Marcus Galleria and neimanmarcus.com

color of the Year: Emerald

In case you hadn’t heard, the color specialists at Pantone announced that Emerald was the “Color of the Year” for 2013. They have also teamed up with the beauty pros at Sephora for a complete Sephora + Pantone Universe collection. This high-shine, chip-resistant nail lacquer in the bold and intense Color of the Year harnesses the power of Emerald at your fingertips with an electrifying, vivid shade that induces a burst of energy.Color Charged Graphic Lacquer in Emerald, $10 Sephora stores and sephora.com

Let the Sun Shine In

With its bright and happy hue, this vase will bring a sunny look to your home’s décor. Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler fuses colorful patterns, great design and quality at affordable prices in a glamorous new collection at jcp that mixes classic design and current trends.Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Lola Yellow Vase, $22jcpenney stores and jcp.com

Flower Power

This round decorative pillow has a repeating concentric pattern that mimics a blossoming flower. Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler exclusively at jcp measures 16’’ diameterCotton with Polyester Fill. Spot clean. Imported.Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Katie Round Decorative Pillow, $50jcpenney stores and jcp.com

Spring has finally arrived with its dreamy blue skies, flowers in bloom, and golden rays

of light. Let’s celebrate the season with stylish essentials in bold poppy colors. Vibrant

accessories in juicy reds, sunny yellows or any Crayola inspired hue add instant cheer and

happy chicness.


Asia Society Texas Center Second Annual Spotlight AsiaHeld at Asia Society Texas Center

Asia Society Texas Center in collaboration with Zulu Creative and event chairs Divya and Chris Brown, Claire and Rick Thielke, and Janae and Kenny Tsai, hosted the second annual Spotlight Asia: Cocktails and Cultural Fusions.

Over a thousand guests attended the evening featuring New York-based turntablist and producer DJ Kalkutta, affectionately referred to as Bollywood Barbie. Her Open Format style blended music across genres from rock to hip hop to electro and everything in between. Houston-based DJ SUN (Soular Grooves) welcomed guests and set the scene with his signature sound, described as warmly nostalgic and space-age cool. With American, Caribbean, Chinese, European, and South American roots, DJ SUN embodied the spirit of the current hapa exhibit.

Sneha Merchant celebrated her 30th birthday with style and elegance. Some of her closest and fashionable friends attended her Sunday champagne brunch birthday party to support one of her charitable causes, the Fidai Girls Educational Institute. The Fidai Girls Education Institute is a boarding and day school for underprivileged children in India. Guests were asked to donate to the institute in lieu of birthday gifts.

DJ Kalkutta

Sneha Merchant’s 30th Birthday benefited The Fidai Girls Educational InstituteHeld at Churrascos in Sugarland, Texas

Carlos Meltzer, Nick EspinosaBrittany Putnam, Rima Paralkar, Kristine El-Zokin

Ashaima Goyal, Nehe Mehta

Dr. Devinder & Gina BhatiaRobert Guevara, Zulu Creative’s Tina Zulu, Anthony Guevara Homa Botor, Angie FordHasti Taghi, Rachel WaltonGlen Gondo

Kenny & Janae Tsai, Divya & Chris Brown, Claire & Rick Thielke

Neera Patidar, Nimesh Bhakta Sahar Aidipour, Manal Afifi DJ SUN, Nancy Allen

Zeb Mamsa, Zara Merchant, Claudia D’sousa, Farida Abjani

Connie Kwan Wong, Sneha Merchant, Christina Zhou, Simran Rihal, Mandy Kao

Erum Jiwani, Amyn Gillani

Photos by Jenny Antill

Kenneth & Zahra Jiwani Fenelon

Chelsey & Tanaz Choudhury Naushir & Sneha Merchant, Dr. Hiru Mathur, Sippi Singh Maheen & Saqib Dhanani

Kasteena Parikh, Tamsyn Fricker, Soledad Duffy

Rishi and Jennifer Bhardwaj, Kaustubh Mestry

Dominique McGhee, Tabitha Smith, Ameer Jumabhoy

Photos by Mitchell Alexander


A Pioneer in Chinese Contemporary Art

Art of Hung Liu

A R t

Summoning Ghosts: The Art of Hung LiuMarch 16 – June 30, 2013Oakland Museum of California510.318.84001000 Oak StreetOakland, CA 94607museumca.org

Mu Nu (Mother and Daughter), 1997 Oil on canvas diptych (like figure 64) 80 x 140 inches (203.2 x 355.6 cm) Collection of Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri, Museum Purchase, 1997.22

September 2001, 2001 Oil on canvas 66 x 66 inches (167.74 x 167.74 cm) Collection of Driek and Michael Zirinsky

Annunciation, 2001 Oil on canvas 80 x 80 inches (203.2 x 203.2 cm) Collection of Mr. and Mrs. H. I. Grousbeck

From March 16 through June 30, 2013, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)

premieres a retrospective of one of the most significant Chinese-American

contemporary artists living today. The exhibition Summoning Ghosts: The Art of

Hung Liu explores the artist’s life and career through approximately 80 works of art

from private and public collections around the world, as well as an extensive body

of rare photographs, ephemera, and sketchbooks, all made in China before Liu’s

immigration to the United States to study with legendary artist Allan Kaprow.

A pioneer in Chinese contemporary art before the Chinese avant-garde came into being, Liu’s career spans two centuries and bridges two vastly different societies. One of the first Chinese artists to be educated and establish a career in the West, Liu is best known for large-scale shaped canvases that draw upon images found in historical photography and archival sources. Her body of work incorporates elements from a range of influences including traditional Chinese painting, socialist realism, action painting, and performance art. Within Liu’s canvases, the tension between their realistic quality and the abstract materiality of paint creates dramatic effects. Liu’s drippy and expressive layers of paint appear to never be finished, just as memory and history are always subject to change over time.

The Summoning Ghosts exhibition brings together for the first time an important range of work completed in China during Liu’s formative years as a young artist struggling to find her artistic identity in Maoist China. These rarely seen works provide insights into an evolving independence and artistic free will that would eventually find full expression in her long and illustrious career in the West. Adding to these very early works are paintings from the 1980s to the present, ending with new work completed in 2012. No other exhibition provides such a full representation of Liu’s career and how it was shaped over time by a life of epic stature.

After years of working as an artist and teacher in China, Liu immigrated to the United States in 1984, entering the graduate studio art program at University of California San Diego, where she began making paintings informed by a wider perspective on her nation’s history. Her work was enhanced when, during a 1990 visit to China, Liu discovered several hundred photographs from the time of the Cultural Revolution. These photographs have formed a basis for much of her work since. She has received numerous awards, including two painting fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in such venues as the Smithsonian Institution, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, the National Museum of American Art and the Walker Center.

Summoning Ghosts: The Art of Hung Liu University of California PressRené de Guzman, Wu Hung, Yiyun Li, Karen Smith, Bill Berkson$60

by leo si pr as


S o c I E t Y

Society Highlights with Ruchi

Lights, Camera, ActionSociety and style were on the calendar this spring, and Ruchi Mukherjee

was there to tell us all about it. From walks in the Park to intimate (and

not so intimate) fashion shows, Houston’s elite were out and about in

their usual fashionable style.


Ruchi Mukherjee Ruchi Mukherjee is the Editor/Founder of the Houston Society News: Lights Camera Action, which is Houston’s South Asian lifestyle society digital magazine. Ruchi started her career in journalism and reporting at a very young age, and her stories have journeyed from India’s notorious red light districts, to NASA breaking news and the most happening parties. She has interviewed personalities such as George Clooney, renowned Beverly Hills plastic surgeons, Hot Yoga Guru Bikram Choudhury, Lynn Wyatt, Becca Cason Thrash, Joanne King Herring and more.

Ruchi also volunteers for various nonprofit organizations that involve women and children. She is on the Nominating Committee for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, is the media coordinator for Pratham Houston, active participant with the Indo American Chamber of Commerce, Alliance For Multicultural Community Service and many others. Ms. Mukherjee was awarded the Citizenship Award for Media/Community Involvement by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in 2011.

For more stories and society happenings visit LCAhouston.com

Hats In The ParkHermann Park won’t be celebrating the century mark until next

year but the related parties have already started in full swing. High style fashion and fancy hats were in full bloom to kick-off the Hermann Park Conservancy’s Hats in the Park luncheon on Tuesday March 5, 2013. Houston might have bipolar weather but it turned out to be a perfect cool, sunny day. Helping with all the efforts to put together the luncheon were chairs Ellie Francisco and Kim Tutcher. Ladies were spotted wearing fabulous hats and fascinators, while the gentlemen opted for sporty and sophisticated hats at this sold out event.

Guests were welcomed with champagne as they rubbed shoulders with influential Houstonians, including Lynn Wyatt, Becca Cason Thrash, Diane Lokey Farb, Y. Ping Sun, Phoebe Tudor, Shelby Hodge, Shafik Rifaat, Cerón, and, of course, our very own Mayor Annise Parker. The tent at the Herman Park Clubhouse was bustling with mostly women dressed in colorful spring designer frocks, conservative suits, lots of pearls and very interesting hats.

Hermann Park, was presented to the City of Houston by George Hermann in 1914, and is one of Houston’s most popular and historically significant public green spaces. By the late 1980s, the Park was rundown and in a state of disrepair due to insufficient public resources. As a result, a committed group of Houstonians formed Friends of Hermann Park (now Hermann Park Conservancy) to help the development and restoration of the park to its original beauty. The Conservancy has secured over $100 million towards the $122 million goal for the Centennial Campaign to celebrate the park’s 100th birthday in 2014.

Participating in the celebrations were leaders of high fashion, including: Holly Smith, Gabriela Dror, Karina Barbieri, Nidhika Mehta, Kim Padgett, Lynn Glazer, Carolyn Robertson, and many others.

A Designer Brunch SoireeWhat happens when fashionistas meet successful designers? Lots

of posing, style talks and motivation. Fashion forward, trendy ladies, with beauty and style bloggers gathered on a Saturday afternoon for an intimate brunch with Texas-based designer Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh Designs at Brasserie Max & Julie.

Guests enjoyed a sit down 2-course scrumptious brunch of smoked salmon over waffles and poached eggs with plenty of mimosas, while event hosts Melissa Chou Yan and Mandy Kao showed off Nha Khanh designs. Mandy looked very sophisticated in a black pleated Khanh, while Melissa was definitely ready for spring in a pink dress. The guest of honor wore her own line, a red leather mini skirt with a black top.

The afternoon was enjoyable, listening to the success story of Khanh Nguyen who is the founder/owner/fashion designer who discovered her passion at a very young

age and followed her heart. “I’m now at the happiest time of my life for being able to do what I love,” shared Nguyen.

Two of Khanh’s outfits were displayed while she was surrounded by beautiful bloggers posing and being thoroughly inspired by this talented petite Vietnamese powerhouse. Khanh has always been exposed to what is beautiful and refined and received many awards, but her most notable recognition was the “Top Achievement Award at the Dallas Career Day Design Competition”, allowing her the opportunity to embark on an internship in Paris, France. Spotted at the brunch were Reyne Hirsch, Monica Guerrero Abney, Katy Atlas, Magen Pastor, among others.

Karina Barbieri, Gabriela Dror Nidhika Mehta

Becca Cason Thrash, Ruchi Mukhrjee

Designer Khanh Nguyen Mormoraia

Mandy Kao, Khanh Nguyen, Melissa Chou

F R A g R A n c E

New and Exclusive – Who Could Ask for More?

Hers & His Makes Scents

Versace Eros1.7 oz, $62

Exclusively at Macy’smarni Eau de Parfum2.2 oz, $105

Exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue

The first fragrance from innovative Italian fashion house Marni, led by designer Consuelo Castigliono, is based on a perfume formula that was developed for her in the past by Givaudien perfumer Daniela Andrier. The fragrance Marni is unusual because the characteristics of most perfumes—floral and fruity notes—were avoided. This raw spicy-woody formula is now enriched with dark and intense rose oil and incense. The fragrance plays with classic elements in unexpected ways, combining ethereal spices, eclectic raw woods, and a touch of rose to create a statement that is both elusive and uniquely memorable.

Versace, on the other hand, is an old pro in the fragrance world, although the new Versace Eros is the first in the past five years to be launched and aimed at men. Donatella Versace’s desire was to fit the fragrance into the concept of the Versace brand and to depict style and significance of long-lasting design, quality and popularity. Eros was created by Aurelien Guichard of Givaudan and is fresh, woody and slightly oriental. The fragrance includes mint oil combined with green apple and Italian lemon. Warmth is provided by tonka mixed with Venezuelan ambroxan and geranium flowers giving a fougere twist to the fragrance.


Passion For Fashion With Fashion Star Guru Terron SchaeferThere is nothing like an afternoon luncheon at the Wortham Theater

Grand Foyer amidst fashion icons and powerhouses like Terron Schaefer, Saks Fifth Avenue executive vice president and chief creative officer, Culturemap’s Fashion Editor Clifford Pugh and other fashion forward socialites. It was the 2013 Passion For Fashion Luncheon in support of Houston’s internationally renowned Fashion and Interior Design Programs at Houston Community College.

Floral print dresses and motorcycle jackets, A-Line short skirts and Versace spiky collars were the words of wisdom shared by the fashion guru in response to questions posed by Clifford Pugh. Schaefer, who just got back from shows in London and Milan, expressed that color is Saks’ best friend, along with a lot of black and white trends for the fall. His favorite word is “style” and least favorite is “impossible”.

Luncheon emcee, KPRC news anchor Dominique Sachse, was her fashionable best generating plenty of high spirits. The crowd applauded Sheridan Williams who received the 2013 HCC Design Society Fashion Icon Award, awarded not just for style but also for philanthropic dedication. Sheridan was spotted wearing a fur-trimmed dress by Donna Karan.

The foyer was set to impress the ladies as it was beautifully decorated with pink linens, plenty of champagne, petite lunch plates and fashion galore. Raising the fashion bar were luncheon chairs Paula Fyhr and Liz Glanville, co-chairs Kelli Cohen Fein and Mary Ann McKeithan, Passion for Fashion founder Julia Anderson Frankel, fashion icons Diane Lokey Farb and Becca Cason Thrash, Jared Lang, Jeanne Ruberti, Dana Kervin, Mark D. Sullivan, Susan Boggio, Fady Armanious, Simran Rihal, and the list goes on.

Kelli Cohen Fein, Clifford Pugh, Mary Ann McKeithanRoz Pactor, Sydney Dao

Paula Fyhr, Sheridan Williams, Liz Glanville

W I n E

Dining GuideYellow Magazine’s featured restaurants

To have your restaurant featured in Yellow Magazine, or to recommend a restaurant that you enjoy, please email the information to [email protected].

J A PA n E S ETokyo One7465 W. Greens Rd., 281.955.8898 2938 W. Sam Houston S., 713.785.8899Tokyo One is a sushi buffet restaurant, situated in a fancy boat house with an outside deck. The food is fresh and is constantly replenished. Selections include: salads such as sea weed, beef, squid, salmon and watercress. Sushi includes a variety of rolls and sashimi.

Zushi Japanese Cuisine5900 Memorial Dr., 713.861.5588Zushi serves extremely fresh and high quality sushi. Stand out items are the sashimi appetizers served with perfectly paired sauces or any one of the many house specialty rolls.

Uptown Sushi1131 Uptown Park Blvd. #14 713.871.1200Uptown Sushi personifies an upscale sushi restaurant located near the Galleria in the swanky Uptown Park Plaza. The menu offers Japanese fusion dishes and a great selection of high-end sashimi and sushi. Side note: Uptown Sushi has “off-the-menu” specialty rolls served daily!

c h I n E S EAuntie Chang’s2621 South Shepherd #290, 713.524.8410Auntie Chang’s offers the most flavorful home-style Chinese cuisine around. Although known for their dumplings, any of your favorite classic Chinese dishes are done extremely well.

Hong Kong Food Street9750 Bellaire Blvd., 713.981.9888Peking duck and roasted pork hang from cleavers in a front window display giving a Hong Kong street market feel. In addition, the menu is divided into sections including Seafood, Hot Pot, Special Stir Fry, Sizzling and Chef Specials.

San Dong Noodle House9938-F Bellaire Blvd., 713.271.3945Authentic hand pulled Chinese noodle dishes are served at a reasonable price. A few favorites include the Roast Beef Noodle soup served in a beef broth accented by ginger and soy, or the oh so addicting pan fried dumplings.

Sinh Sinh9788 Bellaire Blvd., 713.541.0888The seafood at Sinh Sinh is quite exciting because everything served comes from live tanks. Prawns, Australian king lobster, King crabs, Coral Leopard trout, Surf clams, Geoduck clams, Trunk clams, Elephant clams, etc…are all featured as live seafood.

t h A IThai Spice 8282 Bellaire Blvd. 713.777.4888Thai Spice on Bellaire is a foodies dream. It’s a casual place that serves Thai dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Houston, with a huge selection of interesting, rare, tasty dishes at excellent prices. A must have is the whole fried tilapia with hot and sour dipping sauce and papaya salad and Tom Yum soup.

Nit Noi6700 Woodway Pkwy., Suite 580 281.597.8200Nit Noi means “a little bit” and Thai food lovers pack Nit Noi restaurants and cafes all around Houston. Nit Noi will always be known for their Pad Thai, but other must try dishes include PadThai Korat (flat noodles stir-fried with chicken, pork or shrimp with vegetables) and Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup).

Tony Thai10613 Bellaire Blvd., 281.495.1711A sophisticated approach to traditional Thai cuisine, Tony’s executes with perfect balance and pizzazz. Tony’s Wings, wet or dry, and the Steamed Mussels are popular appetizers. For the main course try the Basil Lamb, Garlic Salmon or the Steamed Fish with Chili.

I n d I A nKiran’s Restaurant4100 Westheimer Rd. #151, 713.960.8472This northern Indian style restaurant embodies a fusion approach to its cuisine. With a focus on well balanced flavors rather than spice, the Flaky Halibut Swimming in Watermelon Curry sauce and the Tandoori Platter typify this perfectly.

V I E t n A m E S EKim Son Restaurants2001 Jefferson (and other locations), 713.222.2461The menu is the most imposing part of this casual, highly regarded landmark Vietnamese restaurant. There are no poor choices among the 100 or so options. Enjoy finely prepared delicacies as well as the expected fare, such as the pork vermicelli and fried eggroll. Must try is their black pepper softshell crab. Special event facilities available.

Vietopia5176 Buffalo Speedway, 713.664.7303Trendy yet elegant, Vietopia delivers top notch Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable lunch prices and a stellar dinner menu. The lounge works perfectly for those who want a less formal dining experience but still want to enjoy quality food.

Mo Mong1201 Westheimer Rd. #B, 713.524.5664This Trendy Montrose establishment has a great lunch crowd as well as a packed martini night on Wednesdays. But the real draw is the food- traditional family recipes mixed in with some tasty modern dishes. Must try items include the Mango Spring Rolls, Shrimp and Avocado Spring Roll, Volcano Chicken, and the Bo Luc Lac.

c o n t I n E n tA LColombe d’Or Restaurant and Hotel3410 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.7999Built in 1923 and originally the mansion of Walter Fondren, one of the founders of Humble Oil, Colombe d’Or Hotel is considered a Texas historical landmark. Featuring French and Continental fare, we recommend the Carre d’Agneau, individual rack of baby lamb grilled with natural herbs and red wine sauce.

A Well Connected Pair Without Peer

Fine Cuisine and WineThe popularity of wine in the United State continues to

grow at a rate surpassing that of other nations, with recent data indicating that we currently lead the world in total volume consumed. This is a remarkable accomplishment, given that our per capita consumption lags that of many European countries. Hence, much to the consternation of spirit and beer producers, wine’s future growth potential is without bounds.

There are many factors that have contributed to our growing love affair with wine but none more key than the mutually enhancing bond it shares with food.

Dining is enhanced when accompanied by wine in several ways. First, its alcohol content serves as a relaxant, enabling the digestive system to operate more efficiently, as the sense of stress and anxiety is reduced. Additionally, flavors within wine can enhance the taste of cuisine; conversely, food can also bring out and highlight the best elements that comprise a fine cuvee. Wine can complement food, as when a creamy chardonnay is paired with lobster broiled in butter or when spicy, peppery Chianti accompanies a red meat entrée.

Further, wine may enhance the dining experience by providing a contrast to the flavors that dominate certain dishes. For example, consider a dry Riesling served alongside a spicy Asian dish; the weighty fruit flavors in the wine can tamper down the food’s heat. Sharp cheeses are also better accompanied by lighter and fruitier wines. The contrast provided by wine can artfully frame the cuisine.

Wine’s greatest role in the dining experience lays in its unique capacity to serve as a “palate cleanser”. When you sit down to a sumptuous spread, your first taste is the best of the entire meal because residual flavors will remain in your mouth, tainting your palate and inhibiting your ability to fully savor the subsequent bites. However, if you rinse your mouth with wine between bites, each taste can be as flavorful as the first.

No other beverage enhances food as well as wine. Beer is refreshing and delicious but does not possess the range of flavors that allows for the diversity of food pairings. Additionally, beer can be filling, thereby, competing with food to satiate one’s appetite. Spirits, although enjoyable, are not suitable as an accompaniment to food and are best served preceding or following a meal. The higher proofs associated with spirits may, in fact, dull the taste buds, making the flavors of the meal less enjoyable.

Wine’s future in the United States is promising, thanks in great part to the nexus between food and wine. Industry executives should continue to execute a game plan that encourages Americans to consume wine along with food. The tag line should read “Let’s drink less but more often!”

Salute!

Wine of the Monthmormoraia, Vernaccia di San gimignano 2011Vernaccia is the principal white wine of Tuscany, produced near the home of famed artist, Michelangelo. This is a delicious offering and an excellent springtime wine, with its straw pale hue and full well-balanced body. Fruit notes of apple, pear and citrus fill your palate with a well rounded crispness enhance by a distinct minerality. Serve with seafood, salads and grilled white meats. $19.00

Wine’s greatest role inthe dining experience lays in its unique capacity to serve as a “palate cleanser”.

Wines are available at Spec’s Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods, various locations. Visit specsonline.com for the store nearest you.

by ph i li p cu isim ano

april 2013 free - asian american lifestyle magazinewine editor philip cuisimano music editor tyler...

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