Shanghai Film Festival Red Carpet

Now that the 11th Annual Shanghai International Film Festival has come to an end, a quick review of the beautiful fashions on the red carpet. A lot of celebrities were on hand at the event, showing their support for Sichuan, China, which had been devastated by the earthquake, with red hearts that they signed.

I thought a lot of the stars looked very pretty. They wore all the big names in European designs. Some of my fave looks include:

Zhang Ziyi 章子怡 in Chanel

Ruby Lin 林心如 in a dreamy cream frock

Charlie Yeung 楊采妮 in Gucci

Fan Bingbing 范冰冰 in Valentino

Gigi Leung 梁詠琪 in Valentino

Zhou Xun 周迅 in Gucci

A more casual look here:

Zhou Xun 周迅 in Maison Martin Margiela

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Gucci disappoints me...

I'm somewhat miffed at Gucci right now, because of their lack of customer service response! Last week, I inquired about this rose shantung top that was on sale on their website. Granted, it was actually too large for me (only size L remained), so I filled out their customer contact form to ask about alterations for the top if I did indeed purchased it, or if it was outright ill-fitting, if it could be returned. Now, it all doesn't matter, since the top is now sold-out, and I have to go look for a knock-off top or something.

When I purchased my Bottega Veneta bag last year via their website, I received stellar responses from their customer service, and that was just one woman who was operating from the NY store. So of course, I expected the same level of courtesy from Gucci (since they claim they will get back to you within 24 hours), and even if the top is sold out, maybe there are other things I am eyeing, so shouldn't they at least TRY to respond?

I suppose I could've called instead of the passive-aggressive approach of using the Internet, but I see these two channels of communication as equals, so why wouldn't I expect the same levels of service?

Anyhow, I suppose I can buy something else w/ my hard-earned money, even though I thought this top would be lovely to wear on my 30th birthday (in just a lil' over a month!), but yes, I mourn the loss of this top, even if it's the color of Pepto Bismol.

I was a fool to fall for you!

Battle of the Price Tags #3

Gucci Black/White/Yellow Printed Cashmere Sweater $499 (originally $1,240)
vs.
Forever21 Daisy Sundress $22.80
Savings of $476.20

Hermès Extra Wide Enamel Bracelet in Silver and Palladium plated $630
vs.
Lee Angel Thick Stretch Cuff, Black $165 (originally $235)

Savings of $465

From Runway to Red Carpet of Hong Kong Film Awards

I was impressed this year with the volume of big name designers sponsoring the red carpet at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Just a few years ago actresses were dressed by local designers, but now they are all decked out in the most current trends, which really says a lot about how far Asia has come in terms of being in the spotlight for both film and fashion in the international realm.

Charlene Choi 蔡卓妍 in Gucci

Shu Qi 舒淇 in Valentino

Zhang Jing Chu 張靜初 in Valentino

Kate Tsui 徐子珊 in Fendi

The trend here, although in a multitude of colors, seems to fall into the princess category, with a fitted busts and full, billowy bottoms.

My favorite of the bunch was worn by Charlie Yeung 楊采妮, in a beautiful green halter dress with a delicate cut-out in the front.


I know I've seen this design before, but I can't remember who the designer is, so if you do, please let me know! I think what struck me most about this dress is that it's actually very simple, but the lines look great on her body. It also reminds me a lot of the infamous green dress worn by Keira Knightley in "Atonement," which I obsessed over for months even before I ever saw the film. Just the lovely draping, and the showing of the back, makes this the ultimate modern dress in my book, and much more intriguing than all of those fairytale gowns.


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auspicious branding

With all the drama and turmoil as of late surrounding the 2008 Beijing Olympics, one mustn't forget that while China is Communist, there are capitalists everywhere still, waiting to cash out on this event despite the debates on human rights, pollution, etc. I am always interested in seeing what the design houses are doing now to appeal to different cultures, esp. those who can afford their goods. Of what I've seen, Gucci is perhaps most shrewdly trying to jump into this cash cow, as well as widen their brand with the nouveaux riches. In comes the limited edition line called 8-8-2008.

To appeal to their Asian audience, in place of their signature teddy bear, Gucci is coming out with a signature leather panda ($6,880HKD), as well as a mahjong set covered in red Le Pelle Guccissima leather ($24,000HKD). Other products in this line also include a pair of red and gold runners, a red bicycle with leather accessories, dog tags, digital watch, etc.


I don't know about you, but as a Chinese-American who has been brought up with both eastern and western aesthetics, I feel like these products are a weak attempt to encapsulate an audience hungry for luxury goods. I feel like it's a condescending line of products that pretend to cater to the Chinese audience, when in actuality, it plays up to the most superstitious aspects of the culture to justify its allure. I look at this line and see nothing but "sucker" written all over it. The products' only tie-in with the Olympics is 2008 engraved on them (with the zeroes replaced by interlocking GGs, no doubt). The lucky color red, normally reserved for the new year's or weddings, is optimally utilized in the entire line, as if these products would also bring luck and wealth to its owner. I can't stand it, I just think that this is one of the worst ploys. Shameful, truly.

Source: TVBeauty Issue 001