The Weekly Standard: China by Design

In January, I traveled to Hong Kong for a little work and a lot of fun--and, of course, fashion. Hong Kong Fashion Week was an interesting change of pace from New York and London as I saw first-hand the importance of China to the fashion industry and I fell in love with this modern yet exotic city.

I wrote a piece for the Weekly Standard about Hong Kong Fashion Week and, more broadly, Hong Kong's industry and economy. An excerpt:

International brands are taking notice of the need to solidify their presence in Hong Kong and greater China, the second-largest market in the world for luxury goods and home to a million millionaires. (The American luxury-accessories brand Coach and the Italian fashion powerhouse Prada made headlines last year when they became the first companies from their respective countries to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.) And Hong Kong Fashion Week, held at the gargantuan Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcased the importance of Hong Kong to the growing consumer culture in China, and provided the opportunity for designers and brands from around the world to enter the Chinese market.

Click here to read the whole thing online, or pick up a copy of this week's print edition.

The Washington Times: Seriously, Santorum, Di-Vest Now!

You may not closely follow politics, but you've probably heard of Rick Santorum, the sweater-vest-wearing, dark-horse candidate for the GOP presidential nomination who has given Mitt Romney a run for his money. In today's print and online editions of the Washington Times, I have a piece dissecting the meaning of Rick Santorum's sweater vests. What do they say about him as a man and presidential candidate? Can the leader of the free world be taken seriously in this sleeveless, woolen garment? An excerpt:

The wonderful thing about fashion is that it can make one look and feel more confident and powerful. We all use fashion as armor: our best suit for the interview, our lucky jersey for the game, our sky-high heels for the first date. Mr. Santorum’s sweater vests may make him feel powerful, but would they project the same to tough-minded leaders on the world stage? The unassuming sweater vest — intermediate, indeterminate — would seem unlikely to overawe, say, Vladimir Putin.

Click here to read the whole thing, or pick up a copy today at your local newsstand!


Rick Santorum, via Associated Press

I Wanna Be a Burberry Girl

It's rare that I'm truly inspired by a runway show. I'm passionate about the industry and wearing beautiful things, but adjectives like "inspiring" and "amazing" are thrown around far too often by fashion writers and bloggers. There are certainly many talented designers, and I've been lucky to see a number of incredible collections in my short career; ADAM Fall 2009, Narciso Rodriguez Fall 2009, Vivienne Westwood Fall 2011, and Paul Smith Fall 2011 are a few standouts. But, there are unfortunately many more that are long forgotten by the time the clothes actually hit the racks. Inspiring? Sometimes. Amazing? Rarely.

However, I can't stop thinking about the Burberry Prorsum Spring 2012 collection, and the thrilling experience of seeing it live in London last September. The show opened with a jazzy rendition of "I Put a Spell on You," and it was true. I'm captivated by this spring's Burberry girl. I want to be her. And, most importantly, she has encouraged me to write when life (and laziness) have led to unfortunate writer's block.

It wasn't just the massive, pristine, white tent looming in Hyde Park, a testament to myself that I had actually "made it" in London Fashion Week. It wasn't just seeing Samantha Cameron, a true role model for women, and it definitely wasn't asking the glowing starlets to smile for my camera.


Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron and British Fashion Council Ambassador, with Topshop's Sir Philip Green
It's the Burberry girl herself. She's tough but feminine, pairing a rugged jacket with a demure pleated dress in sunshine yellow.


She's patriotic but worldly, 1940s Americana British we-can-do-it attitude juxtaposed with African-inspired prints and a raffia handbag she seems to have picked up from an exotic locale.


She's Miss Congeniality, in every spring fashion spread--and in fact, the tech-savvy could get the look as soon as it came down the runway. However, she's also subdued, in saturated but warm colors quite different from the neons and metallics on her fellow runways.


She's everything you want to be this spring.

For more on the Burberry Spring 2012 show, check out my recap in the Washington Life October 2011 print edition. Photos are my own.

Washington Life: Hong Kong Fashion Week Trend Report

As you know, in January, I attended Hong Kong Fashion Week, a trade show featuring thousands of fashion and accessories brands, and the corresponding Hong Kong World Boutique, featuring high-end international fashion designers. These Hong Kong events are different from other world fashion weeks in that they feature designers from literally dozens of countries. Hong Kong, Mainland China, and other Asian countries like Taiwan and India are well-represented, but you'll also find designers and brands from as far away as the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Turkey, and the United States, to name a few.


Shanghai designer Qi Gang (center) with his models at the Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza
However, if there's one thing that the fashions from Hong Kong have in common, it's that they're some of the most cutting-edge fashions in the world. From ballgowns with bodysuits to neon paillettes to more studded leather than a biker bar, Hong Kong is full of fashion-forward, and even unusual, looks. I discussed these trends--and some Hong Kong shopping tips--in a piece for Washington Life, which you can read here.

Greetings from the Air China Lounge

I missed the opportunity to write a New Year's post, but I won't wax poetic about resolutions or promises to write more. Instead, I'll wish you a Happy (early) Chinese New Year from the Beijing airport, where I await my flight to Hong Kong for Fashion Week and other adventures.

I'm surviving on Harper's Bazaar China and Cosmopolitan China, plus a delicious canned Nescafe to keep me perky.
Over the next week, I'll be exploring Hong Kong's growing fashion industry and its place in the global fashion scene--as well as its place in Hong Kong, the premier luxury shopping destination in Asia, and perhaps soon the world.

People visit Hong Kong from across the globe--and especially from Mainland China--to shop in the ornate flagships of the leading American, Italian, and French luxury brands. In fact, this year, preeminent brands like Prada and Coach listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and other brands are expected to follow suit to cement their place in the Asian market. I'm not just talking about fashion, either. Hong Kong is the destination for luxury apparel, handbags, eyewear, watches, art, and even wine.

At the same time, Hong Kong has its own independent designers, boutiques, and a massive Fashion Week featuring an exhibition of both fast fashion and couture. The majority of these designers aren't well known outside of Asia, but given the steep competition, I suspect that a designer who can do well in Hong Kong can do well elsewhere, too. I'm eager to see what I'll discover.

And, if I happen to hop over to Macao for a day trip, I'll certainly let you know about any sightings of the elusive Kim Jong-un.

A Purple Partnership

Last night, the Obamas hosted a state dinner in honor of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok. It was certainly a day for the history books for both the United States and South Korea, as Congress passed the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement between the two countries the day prior. Of course, we knew First Lady Michelle Obama would wear something fabulous, and we knew it would be scrutinized.

From a fashion perspective, her Doo.Ri dress was frankly boring. It's a one-shoulder draped gown, which we've seen on Mrs. Obama many times and, honestly, in every dress shop for a few years now. The rich jewel tone is on-trend for fall, though it was taken from the Doo.Ri Spring 2012 collection just shown in New York in September.


Michelle Obama in Doo.Ri at the State Dinner honoring South Korea
Via Getty Images
The style does suit her well--but perhaps a little too well.


Michelle Obama in Peter Soronen at the State Dinner honoring Mexico in May 2011
Via Getty Images
From a political perspective, however, the gown was the perfect choice. It was designed by Korean-American designer Doo.Ri Chung, who is known for her flattering signature draping and minimalist tailoring. It's wonderful that Mrs. Obama is supporting a rising-star American designer, and importantly, a Korean-American designer. Earlier this year at the China State Dinner, Mrs. Obama was criticized for her seemingly random choice of an Alexander McQueen gown. This time, however, she played it safe with a conservative homage to the new partnership between Korea and the United States. After all, this partnership will have a huge impact on the products we trade, including fashion.

The Weekly Standard: Pants on Fire

As you know, I was in London last month for Fashion Week. Before my arrival, I was curious about how the economic and political situation in London would affect Fashion Week. Would the recent violent riots, the skyrocketing unemployment, and general malaise with the government and economy make for a dour event? I discuss this in my new story for the Weekly Standard, which can be found online here and in this week's print edition of the magazine. An excerpt:

The mood at Fashion Week last February was festive, in advance of the royal wedding—and the industry still has reasons to celebrate. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is becoming a global style icon after getting married in a gown designed by Sarah Burton for the Alexander McQueen label. And London recently defeated New York, Milan, and Paris to be named “Top Global Fashion Capital” by the Global Language Monitor.

But could the city defeat the dour political and economic mood and put on a successful Fashion Week?

It took place, as planned, last month, and like previous Fashion Weeks, the clothing was luxurious and the parties were stocked with champagne. But it was apparent that many in the industry have been touched by the political and economic situation—and are working to show that the industry does more for London than make it look pretty.

Click here to read the whole thing--which includes a glimpse at Vivienne Westwood's latest collection, London's growing "ethical fashion" scene, and a very fabulous Fendi party on Sloane Street.

Washington Life: Brit Business Attire

Although it's incredible to see the British greats like Vivienne Westwood and Burberry, one of my favorite parts about London Fashion Week is discovering new and less well-known designers, as the city is a fertile ground of design innovation. Some of these designers are just outrageous, but some truly understand fit and elegance. For Washington Life, I profiled three relatively new brands to watch: Peridot London, Liz Black, and Muscat Vielma. I love these brands' beautiful fabrics and structured aesthetics, and I won't be surprised if they make names for themselves at Harrods or Harvey Nichols. Click here to read the whole thing.