Category Archives: fashion

Padma Lakshmi on Nightline

Padma Lakshmi on Nightline

Padma Lakshmi, the host of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” was profiled on Nightline yesterday. She is a woman of many talents. Not only is she a TV host, but she’s also a model, cookbook author, actress, jewelry maker, and mother. (One look at the Padma Lakshmi Carls’ Jr. commercial and you’ll quickly see how she combines her talents.) She’s always had a passion for food since childhood as she grew up in New York after immigrating from India. Even when she was modeling, she’d visit the local markets.

With all the success she’s had, Padma Lakshmi doesn’t hide the fact that she’s not perfect. She doesn’t hide her deep long scar on her arm, the result of a car accident as a teen. As a model, she didn’t hide it or cover it up. She also suffers from endometriosis, when the tissue that makes up the lining of the uterus begins to grow outside of the womb. The cells can spread to other organs in the abdomen, causing pain, cramping, scar tissue and infertility. After several surgeries for endometriosis, she gave birth to her baby girl, Krishna. Learn more about Padma Lakshmi here.

Padma Lakshmi on Nightline

Dirty Little Secrets

Dirty Little Secrets

Move over Carrie, there’s a new woman taking Manhattan – Riley Kendrick. “Dirty Little Secret,” a new, graphic novel web series follows six of NYC’s most connected women around the Big Apple. TRESemmé, the number 1 styling brand in the U.S., is engaging with women in a whole new way; via their sponsorship of “Dirty Little Secret,” a NEW animated graphic novel web series, created in partnership with ELLE and CAA, which launched today. TRESemmé is always evolving and understands the key to success is connecting with women wherever they are ­ in store, online and in magazines.

The 10-part series, which premiered yesterday, follows the new girl in town, aspiring hairstylist Riley Kendrick and her encounters with some of the most stylish and chic women in the fashion and beauty worlds. However, her “dirty little secret,” which begins as a harmless omission, spirals out of control, leading to a web of deception. The compelling drama also features real-life TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist, Jeanie Syfu. As we all know, some of the best-kept secrets are spilled in the salon chair and Jeanie has heard some scandalous ones this season. Additionally, animator & artist Annie Wu from WildStorm, also known for her work on the upcoming comic book series “The Liberators,” has created some of the most gorgeous hair and emotive faces with “Dirty Little Secret.”

It’s great to see Asian Americans play such key roles in this web series. Celebrity Stylist Jeanie Syfu is one of the key characters in the plot. Amazing drawings/animation by Annie Wu

Dirty Little Secrets Trailer

Meet stylist Jeanie Syfu

Behind the sceens with Annie Wu

Vivienne Tam Digital Clutch – Butterfly Lovers


If you’re getting a tax refund check and don’t know what to do with it, check out the latest Vivienne Tam Digital Clutch (first shown on the Spring 2010 runway). The HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam edition arrives in stores on April 17, 2010. Her design switches from the peonies to butterflies. Here’s why:

“To me, butterflies symbolize LOVE, FREEDOM, INDEPENDENCE and TRANSFORMATION. Together we bring life, color and personality to the computer world, creating fashionable technology for modern women.”

– Vivienne Tam, September 2009

Vivienne Tam definitely knows design. This stunning “Butterfly Lovers” design on pale gold background provides instant glamour, and this cool digital accessory will fit easily in your bag. It also comes with an animated “Butterfly Lovers” start menu, custom icons, and three wallpapers You can order your HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam edition today.

Vivienne Tam Digital Clutch (Butterfly Lovers) Arrives April 17, 2010

Olivia Munn in Complex Magazine April/May 2010

Olivia Munn is on a cover of Complex Magazine for a second time. This time for the April/May 2010 cover. (See Olivia Munn’s previous Complex appearance.) Since she’ll be in Iron Man 2, the people at Complex decided to incorporate cartoon characters in an outdoor scene. Marvel Comics illustrator Mike Choi and Sonia Oback added the woodland creatures to the photos. Check her out in this magical world filled with unicorns and rainbows.

You can read the full article here. Olivia Munn’s been on a tear this spring showing up in Accidentally on Purpose, Axe Rise Shower Gel commercial, and Date Night

Olivia Munn in Complex Magazine April/May 2010 (Behind the scenes)

Freak the Dream – Beat Freaks x Nike Women

Freak the Dream - Beat Freaks x Nike Women

The Beat Freaks teamed up with Nike women for a dance video to the beats of Kid Sister’s ‘Control.’ They’ve got black light action fused with 80’s inspired fashion. The Beat Freak tell you how to Freak the Dream and how they’re being role models for young girls and women. FYI – Freak the Dream means go for your dream or in the word of the Nike slogan – Just Do It.

Freak the Dream – Beat Freaks x Nike Women

Meet the Beat Freaks

designer Jason Wu on The View

Top designer Jason Wu spoke with the ladies of The View about dressing First Lady Michelle Obama. He told viewers that he began sketching at the age of 9 and got a start in fashion by designing a high-end line of dolls. Born in Taiwan, Wu was nine when his family moved to Vancouver; he later studied in Tokyo and Paris, before enrolling in the Parsons School of Design. He debuted his collection in 2006. Now he is dressing some of the world’s most beautiful celebrities! He met Michelle Obama only recently when his inaugural gown for the First Lady was put into the First Ladies exhibition at the Smithsonian.

designer Jason Wu on The View

Remarks by Jason Wu, Designer of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Gown, being placed in the Smithsonian

First of all, thank you Dr. Glass for the wonderful introduction. I’d like to thank the Smithsonian for inviting me to be here today. I’d especially like to thank Mrs. Obama for this incredible opportunity. To say that she has changed my life is truly an understatement.

There’s no doubt that designing the First Lady’s inaugural gown has been the single greatest professional and personal accomplishment in my life so far. What an honor. I could never have imagined that, as a 26 year old Taiwan-born immigrant who came to the United States with dreams of becoming a fashion designer, that I would one day be standing here. I’ve learned first-hand that America is truly the land of opportunity.

Over the past year and half, many people have asked me what it felt like when I learned the First Lady had chosen to wear my design for the inauguration. Frankly, I had no idea my design was being seriously considered until I, along with the rest of the world, saw Mrs. Obama step out on television. Imagine my surprise, not only to be witnessing history in the making, but to actually be a part of this incredible moment.

Many people have also asked me about the inspiration for the gown. What was going through my mind? What was the meaning behind the design? The truth is, I was simply inspired by the moment. I was inspired by Mrs. Obama’s poise, grace and intelligence. I was inspired by the overwhelming optimism that she and President Obama represents. I was inspired by the fact that I was able to come to the United States to realize my dreams. I cannot think of anywhere else where this kind of opportunity could exist.

Finally, the question most people have asked me is what would I to say to Mrs. Obama if given the opportunity to meet her in person. That’s the easiest question of all and one I am honored to answer in front of you all today. Mrs. Obama, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support. Thank you for having the courage and vision to choose a gown made by a young designer who didn’t fit the traditional mold. Thank you for reminding us all that in this country nothing is impossible. Most of all, thank you for allowing my story to be a small part of this incredible moment in American history.

Jason Wu

March 9, 2010