Presented with a homecoming “family feel,” Diana Lee, alongside her husband and daughter, introduced the show, enveloping the audience into their arms for this intimate affair. This year, the show and exhibition featured the group WOW Taiwan, world-renowned dancer and choreographer Peiju Chien-Pott and vocalist Pamela J Powell.
ASIANinNY. Image courtesy of Jessica Laiter
Six featured designers, including Alexander Peng Charton, Chelsea Liu, Jessica Chen, Joe Chan and Pai Cheng, showcased their unique collections. Whether it was the background music or interpretive dance routines that followed, it proved a sensory overload. Watching as the dancers performed, the audience could feel the energy and conversation simply through bodily movement. It was an out of body experience.
The brands focused on a wide range of themes, from bridal to sustainable fashion, to streetwear. Naima Mora, winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 4 opened the show and in attendance were a number of notoriable guests such as tech genius Audrey Tang, Leszek Barwinski-Brown, Tony Conniff, Tobie Stein and Anthony Salcito.
ASIANinNY. Image courtesy of Jessica Laiter
Although the show was a sight to be seen from start to finish, the musical and performances were admittedly more impressive than the fashion statements.
The event was studded with people, old and new, to watch as Asian culture, entertainment, art and music continue to flood and influence the New York scene.
Asian in NY was co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan. The cocktail reception was presented by Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer, BobaMosa, Essentia Water, NOYU Teas, Kefir, KOH Coconut, KOH Chips, VIVALOE, Leo Beer and Singha Beer. Other sponsors include Erno Laszlo, Good Maker Beauty Expert, EVA Airways, SOFER, Casual Home, Aegis Service, Mei Li, TCCNY, Nestseekers, Little Flower NYC, and The Grand at Sky View Parc.
Read the full list of those involved right here, on Chinese Graffiti!
Originally published by Jessica LAiter for Chinese Graffiti 2018. All rights reserved
Additional editing by Elsbeth van Paridon for Temper Magazine
Featured image: Courtesy of Jessica Laiter
Copyright@Temper Magazine, 2018. All rights reserved
Laiter went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Studies and Communications Rhetoric at The University of Pittsburgh and a Master's Degree in Translation at NYU. Immediately after college, she moved to New York City and since then has worked in a number of different industries such as branding, manufacturing, fashion, public relations and real estate. China always acting as the common denominator.
Inspired by her career, Laiter launched a website called Chinese Graffiti, on which she features emerging Chinese designers, talks about the intersection of tradition and modernity in China, as well as the evolution of society and business culture. As time went on, she sought out like-minded businesses individuals who were interested in a similar market, which is how she became involved with Temper.
The China market is creating a whirlwind around the glob and it’s only just getting started.
The world can be a small place with a dash of mutual understanding and Laiter loves to be the storyteller who helps to bridge that gap.
- The Xander Zhou Universe: A Virtual Immortality of Techno Orientalism - January 18, 2021
- Q To The R, From Tùzi (兔子) To Tù (吐): Eating Disorders In Online China - September 24, 2020
- Et Dieu… Créa La Femme Chinoise. From Leftover To New Power Woman - September 14, 2020