NOVEMBER 2012 FREE

Hana Mae Lee Has Perfect Pitch H&M + Margiela Target + Neiman Marcus MGM Grand Gambles on Vietnam Happiness From Bai Ling

yellowmags.com from t h e e d i t or i n c h i ef

Each year, I have the pleasure of making a trip to Beverly Hills to attend the annual Operation Smile gala in support of a charity in which I have strong conviction. Whereas, I usually visit for three or four days, this time was for only two. As is often the case, the less time one has, the more there is to do. I am not complaining, mind you, because it resulted in two wonderful interviews that are included in this issue.

We first interviewed Bai Ling several years ago when she was filming Love Ranch with and Joe Pesci. This year, we were fortunate to have her join us at the Operation Smile gala where she attracted considerable interest on the red carpet as she struck her signature “Bai Ling” poses. The following day, we met for an interview during which Bai offered us some insight into what drives her and counters some of her public persona. If you happen to look at her acting resume on imdb, you cannot help but be impressed by the sheer volume of this actor’s work.

Millions of fans have enjoyed the film which was released last month. I had not had the opportunity to see it when I received a call from Hana Mae Lee’s publicist asking if I would like to interview her. As it turned out, the timing could not have been more perfect and I went from visiting with Bai to meeting up with Hana a half hour later. She is beautiful, funny, creative and fearless. During the interview, Hana said I would not be able to miss her in the movie because her face took the whole screen. Have you seen the movie? Sure enough, there are several times when her face took the entire screen…every square inch. Hana has worn many hats as a model,

Photo by Collin Kelly stand up comedienne, clothing designer, singer and actor. Her range appears limitless.

There are interesting alliances occurring in the fashion and retail world. Target has matched up with Neiman Marcus in a collaboration that features a collection from 24 of America’s premier designers, and H&M is pushing the edge by launching its “Re-Edition of Maison Martin Margiela Garments from Various Seasons” collection. We agree that you can never have too many luxury shopping options at affordable prices, especially with the holidays just around the corner.

V. Hoang 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 Creative Director Henri Merceron Jeff Martin Cultural Editors Website Vuthy Kuon Leo Sipras Tricia Volore Assistant to the Editor in Chief Health Editor Ashley Vu Ivy Yang Contributing Photographers Travel Editor Mitchell Alexander Matt Sims Thang Nguyen Wine Editor [email protected] Philip Cuisimano Timothy Frederick timothyfrederick.com Music Editor Shehla Z. Shah Tyler Merceron shehlazshahphotography.com Lifestyle Editor Peter Tham Chau Nguyen-Todd Fashion Photographer Beauty Editor Debbie Porter Tree Vaello Fashion Stylist Fashion Editor Summar Salah Vi Hua Hair and Makeup Contributing Writers Andrea Schutter Deanne Nguyen Hair Leo Sipras James Fojt Ashley Vu Business Manager Karla Montejo

Publisher MV Media Publisher/Managing Director Frank Perez

Advertising 713.528.6000 x103 [email protected]

Yellow Magazine 1990 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 815 Houston, TX 77056 p 713.528.6000 f 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. © 2012 MV Media

On the cover Dress by Stella McCartney, available at Neiman Marcus Lasso belt by Jeremy Laing, available at sloan/hall Neck piece on shoulder by Hacienda Montaecristo, available at sloan/hall Headband by Deepa Gurnani, available at Neiman Marcus

Model: Kelly Denkler of Neil Hamil Agency Location: Houston Polo Club

November 2012 t ravel A Spectacular New Development Comes to Vietnam MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach

The five-star MGM Grand Ho Tram will open its doors in early 2013, offering

541 luxury guest rooms, a full spectrum of world-class amenities, a conference

center and a spectacular gaming area consisting of 90 live table games, 500

electronic games and exquisite VIP facilities, plus a private beach and access to a

spectacular new Greg Norman-designed golf course.

MGM Resorts International and Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd. (ACDL) have partnered to develop the MGM Grand Ho Tram— Vietnam’s first large-scale integrated resort. MGM Grand Ho Tram will be the first component of the $4.2 billion multi-site Ho Tram Strip resort complex along pristine beaches overlooking the South China Sea.The property is expected to be the largest tourism complex in Vietnam. MGM Grand Ho Tram The MGM Grand Ho Tram will be a fully-integrated luxury Beach resort and entertainment destination, offering guests a premium Phuoc Thuan Commune hospitality experience in a spectacular natural setting. Slated to be Xuyen Moc District among Vietnam’s most luxurious resorts, the hotel will be supported Golf Ba Ria Vung Tau, Vietnam The Greg Norman-designed 18 hole championship golf course site +84 838 251 690 by a variety of recreational activities, premium food and beverage features spectacular rolling dunes and dramatic ocean views which mgmgrandhotrambeach.com establishments, a luxurious spa and state-of-the-art gaming facilities. The second phase of the hotel development will incorporate a new will come into play on virtually every golf hole. Designed to utilize the Special grand opening tower containing 559 additional guest rooms. When complete, the natural rolling topography of the native dune system with minimal promotions and pricing MGM Grand Ho Tram will include 1,100 five star hotel rooms, including disturbance to the environment, the course is scheduled to open in the on accommodations runs third quarter of 2013. February 1 to June 30, 2013 suites and villas, plus an additional 500 electronic games, bringing the total to 1,000. Dining Rooms At MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach’s signature restaurants, every meal The 541 elegant five star rooms at MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach are becomes an experience to remember. With a variety of world-class as lavish as they are comfortable. Featuring plush beds, double marble restaurants, carefully chosen to cater to a wide variety of international vanities and full length windows that open to Juliet balconies with tastes and influences, there is something for everyone. Ranging breathtaking views, the hotel’s rooms promise ultimate comfort and from contemporary to classic, upscale to casual, the hotel’s dining elegance. Spacious bathrooms with marble flooring, rain showers, destinations are sure to please even the most discerning guests. standalone bathtubs, and fragrant Italian bath products by Etro provide Restaurants include: Pearl, featuring Cantonese fine dining; Bistro An an indulgent, relaxing retreat. Nam, a French bistro; 8 Dragons, a Southeast Asian noodle house; and LED televisions with an abundant selection of channels, wired Dunes & Grill, for Vietnamese poolside fare. You can even build your and wireless broadband Internet connection, and other technological own specialty burgers at Chi’s Burger. amenities will provide both business and leisure guests every Convention Center convenience at their fingertips. The expansive Convention Center offers attendees a unique Spa combination of high-class meeting rooms with all the amenities guests With a fresh, holistic style unique to MGM Grand, the spa embodies would expect from one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. the spirit of peaceful tranquility and pure escape. The spa is rooted in The center features state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and the timeless healing traditions of the world’s richest cultures, designed lighting facilities, elegant appointments, gourmet food and beverage to restore balance and harmony between body and mind in an oasis options, together with an unlimited supply of warm and friendly of beauty, grace and serenity. Intoxicating aromas of the world’s most service. The Grand Ballroom features over 1,250 square meters of pillar- exotic elixirs and oils are used in treatments designed to replenish, less flexible venues divisible into four sound-proofed sections that can renew, and bring about a quiet sense of well-being. accommodate up to 1,500 seated guests. There are also five meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology, convenient freight access for large product displays, and a full service business center.

4 | November 2012 Yellow Magazine people Right on Pitch, Making Herself Heard Hana Mae Lee by V. Hoang

“Hana Mae Lee is definitely one to watch, “is the first line in her official

biography on IMDB. I was so fortunate to be in Beverly Hills when Hana was

around to be interviewed. By the end of the interview, I came to agree with

IMDB. Hana is into modeling, fashion design, standup comedy and acting on

television and the silver screen. I interviewed Hana before I had the opportunity

to see her performance in the very popular Pitch Perfect that was released in

October. She was so funny and engaging in person that I could not wait to see

her in the film. She told me that her face took the whole screen. It did. And I

laughed. The future looks bright for this aspiring comedic actress who has many

irons in the fire of creativity. Photo by Mitchell Alexander

I was reading about you on IMDB and was surprised to see how active It’s seems as if the movie should be a great vehicle for you since it is you have been as a model, actress, comedian, and fashion designer. your first feature film appearance. I don’t know if that is a good thing. I think girls like to stick to one thing Yes, this is my first big movie. It’s a great way to showcase my dancing, but I can’t. I love all of them and have to do all of them to be happy. singing, comedy and acting. And I also learned how to beatbox. I can make a lot of noises with my mouth. You went to school for fashion design? I did. I have a BFA in fashion design and I also went to acting school Are you happy with the film? during that time for two years. I have always loved the entertainment Yes, I am. They did a great job because it was such a big ensemble cast. business but growing up in an Asian family, it was, like “no”. My dad It’s so difficult to allow everyone to have their own voice with such a is already upset that I am not in the FBI. But then he kind of has hope large group. Each character had a unique voice and character. Everyone because I am in the fashion industry which is great because he thinks in the audience could relate to some character in the movie and wind For more information about there is a lot of mafia action taking place. I am like “Dad, I am not going up really caring about them in the end. Hana Mae Lee’s fashions, visit to be in the FBI.” hanamahn.com Did you get along with ? What is his fascination with the FBI? She is very funny and I got along with her very well. She is a very smart He used to be a cop in Korea and thinks it would be cool to be in the FBI business woman and an amazingly dedicated actress. We are good or CIA. friends. I feel lucky that all of us became friends by the end of filming. Don’t you have any brothers who could apply instead of you? You already have experience in the fashion industry. You know that NO, it’s just me. I am the son in the family. once you are branded you are going to become an industry. What are your plans? That’s what happens. He is projecting on to you as the son. But you got That’s what I am waiting for. I am ready for that sponsor or company all the attention, too. to buy my name. Let’s go! Let me be the creative director! This is what Yes, all the attention, all the worries and all the everything. I’ve been waiting for since I was in fashion school. I don’t want to do So, how did you get such a Southern sounding name? the business side of designing such as marketing, branding and all the The funny thing is that my birth name is just Hana Lee. Hana means other business affairs. I just want to do handle the creative end. I know “one” in Korea. My mom knew she was not going to have another child, what to do; I just need to find the right people to back me up. so she named me “one”. The Mae was added because the Screen Actors I would love to go to all the red carpet events wearing my own designs. Guild told me there was already a Hana Lei. I pointed out that it was What would you say on the red carpet when Ryan Seacrest asks you spelled differently but they did not care and told me I needed to change who you wearing? my name or add something to my name. So, I asked my American friend I will say, “I am wearing Me!” “Me by me…from head to toes to tittles from Kansas what was the whitest name she could think of because (because I have little titties). I also design my own accessories such as I didn’t want something like Hana Ching Chong Lee! I wanted the this “Tittles” necklace which calls attention to what is not there. Haha. whitest name so I could use it as my middle name. She suggested Mae like Mae West. I thought that was pretty. You wouldn’t believe it. From Where can your clothes be found? that point forward I have been called such names as Mei Lin Chong and On hanamahn.com which means “just one” in Korean. Mei Long. Oh well, I tried! How do you envision your future in acting? I love comedy. I want people to be like “wow” she is a great comedic actress and want me to be in their films and TV shows. I just love being I would love to go to all the red carpet in this industry and I want to sell my own pilot. I write as well and want to produce my own TV shows. events wearing my own designs. Do you have a boyfriend? No. I am very particular. I was in a relationship for 7 years and learned Your new film Pitch Perfect is really popular and you have a really funny a lot from it. He was the love of my life and I had to let him go because part. Can you tell us about it? we were not on the same level and wanted different things. Now that I My part is really funny. Lilly is her name and she is a seemingly shy quiet want my career to go a specific way, I want a relationship to be easy and girl who looks naïve. I brought out this naiveté because everything she loving. I don’t want to have to work so hard at it. said was really “out there” such as “I set fire to feel joy” and “I ate my twin in the womb”. She speaks in a near whisper and you just know that Are you ready for all the paparazzi? she has done the things she says. She is such a funny character who is I have been preparing all my life. Bring them on! a big addition to the group. That group of misfits emerges amazingly How’s your Korean? Have you visited Korea? at the end of the movie by virtue of the mosaic of unique talents and My Korean is very good. I can read at a 3rd grade level! I have visited differences that they each bring. Lilly is such that she never takes life too Korea twice and found the people to be very nice and beautiful. seriously and if there is a fight she just sits back and watches. Would you ever consider acting in a Korean soap opera? Do you share any personality characteristics with Lilly? Absolutely! To have the opportunity to cry every five seconds? Sign me No, I am a worrier who overthinks things and I can be very loud. up, now. But, seriously, they are so popular because they are so funny Do you sing and dance? and the comedians are hilarious. I sing in the movie and we did all of our own dancing. We rehearsed seven hours a day for 4 weeks; 4 hours of dance and 3 hours of voice. I sing a lot in my comedy sets and I sing a lot of Korean folk music for fun.

6 | November 2012 Yellow Magazine ar t Rapidly Evolving Video and New Media in China CAMH

A new exhibition opens this month at the Contemporary Arts

Museum Houston that takes a look at the growing power of

video and new media in China. Perspectives 180—Unfinished

Country: New Video from China presents a cross-section of work

by a new generation of Chinese artists working in video and

video installation.

Since the introduction of market-based economic reforms in 1978, China has become one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Parallel to this economic growth has been the unprecedented production of art. While the majority of contemporary art practices have centered Perspectives 180— upon the traditional genres of painting and sculpture, the Unfinished Country: expansion of work in video and new media has been rapidly New Video from China evolving. The exhibition is guest curated by James Elaine, November 2, 2012 – an independent curator who has lived and worked in China February 17, 2013 since 2008. Contemporary Arts Museum Not long ago, works in new media were unavailable and, Houston Located in Houston’s depending on content, even illegal in China. But now, the Museum District medium is at the forefront of a new generation of young 5216 Montrose Boulevard artists. Formerly a curator at the Hammer Museum in Los Houston, TX 77006 Angeles, Elaine moved to China to experience first-hand the 713.284.8250 country’s rapidly evolving culture and its impact upon the camh.org production of contemporary art. What he has chronicled, first in an exhibition and later in a blog for the Hammer, is Screening: New Video work by a new generation of artists emerging from China from China, Program 1 who are increasingly inventive, thoughtful, and masterful in December 2, 2:00pm their use of the medium. Screening: New Video Unfinished Country: New Video from China is presented from China, Program 2 in two parts. On view at CAMH is work by eleven young January 6, 2:00pm emerging artists from China ranging from projections to sculpture and installations. Featured artists are Chen Qiulin, Asia Society Texas Center Chen Zhou, Hu Xiaoyuan, Huang Ran, Jin Shan, Li Ming, Li 1370 Southmore Blvd. Ran, Lu Yang, Ma Qiusha, Sun Xun, and Yan Xing. Houston 77004 asiasociety.org/texas A separate but integral component of the exhibition is a selection of cinematic shorts that will screen at Asia Society Texas Center. The two-part screening features work from Admission is free to all events artists Cheng Ran, Chen Xiaoyun, Wang Qingsong, Yang Fudong, Yu Ying, Zhai Chenglei, and Zhang Ding, among others. The screenings are on Sunday, December 2, and Sunday, January 6, both at 2PM. “The title Unfinished Country comes from a video of the same name by Yu Ying, a recent graduate of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. His video is based on an unfinished painting from the era in China. I borrowed his title intending it to portray contemporary China in a broader sense—the country is in transition in every respect. Unfinished Country provides us a small window through which to view what is going on in the minds and lives of these artists and to look at the ancient country of China as it rises to a new position in the twenty- first century,” says Elaine. Yan Xing Daddy (still), 2011 Single video, 58:27 minutes Courtesy the artist and Galerie Urs Meile Beijing-Lucerne

Jin Shan Lu Yang “Dynamiter” (still) from One Man’s Island, 2009-10 Reanimation! Underwater Zombie frog ballet! (still), Video, 4:15 minutes 2011 Courtesy the artist and Platform China, Beijing HD video, 6:06 minutes Courtesy the artist

Yellow Magazine November 2012 | 7 people Sexy, Not Dumb Intelligent, Not Boring Brave Bai Ling by V. HOANG

This is not our first time interviewing Bai Ling, who has recently completed filming

five movies. That seems like a lot of movies at one time until you review her profile

and history on IMDB. This is one prolific actor! Bai was my guest at an Operation

Smile gala in Beverly Hills and was genuinely moved by what she discovered

about the organization. So much so, in fact, that she expressed interest in being

an ambassador to the Asian countries in which the charity is active. Bai ignited

the attention of the many photographers who lined the red carpet. She has the

capacity to capture the attention of people wherever she goes, and there is a

positive energy that always seems to surround her.

The last time we interviewed you, you had just finished filmingLove Ranch with Joe Pesci. What have you been doing since then? Many things. It’s funny though. I almost don’t remember everything I have done in the past because I am always living in the moment. Can you tell us about the highlights? Well, I’m still single. Haha. I think I should celebrate that. I am working on it. I’m not very good with relationships because I have a little girl’s mentality. I love romance. It’s not structured around thinking about family and stuff like that. It is more about how the heart smiles and how two people are enamored with one another. I always think that when you are in love or are making love that you reach the highest state of Zen Buddhism. You are there and nothing else matters. I think I have been in love many times but maybe the timing wasn’t right. You have to win the lottery to find your true love. It’s God made. You have to be right in that moment. about, I would like to do that. I’ve got an idea in mind that is about dating Does being so busy professionally make it hard to be in a relationship? and contemporary relationships. It’s funny and it’s based on truth. I am excited Yes, because I am travelling so much and always somewhere else. And I about it’s boldness. I also have other action films in development. Someone always go out as an actress, as Bai Ling, kind of sexy, free and open. I think that approached me about doing my own show, as well. Also, I have four love songs that is an obstacle. I think it is good that I am celebrating my individuality but on itunes and Youtube. They are pop but really don’t fit into any category. It’s others may think I am too open, too sexy and too busy. And too “out there”. just me. It’s very sexy, fast paced, and the lyrics are beautiful. It is very personal. It may be hard for men to feel secure around me. Tuesday Night at 8 pm and I Love You My Valentine. And You Touch Me, I Don’t Know You.” The last song has lyrics such as “You touch me, I don’t know you. Are you aware of how the public perceives you? You tweet me, I don’t know you. You Facebook me, I don’t know you.” It’s I have just started to. I was not aware at all before. It’s like I came from the about pop culture. moon. I wish when I came to the United States and Hollywood that someone would have guided me but I was totally on my own journey. I’m not from this culture so I don’t know how Hollywood is or how to be a celebrity… There’s no right or wrong. how to be “Bai Ling”. So, I was basically walking along the path as a child and learning. Of course, during the process, you fall but you get up again. You get It’s just me. I’m simply doing punished, you get up. I feel like I came by this accidentally and have become a victim of the Hollywood machine that made me appear as this modern, crazy, something I love to do. provocative, open woman. I can see a remix being played at clubs. Of the movies you have been working on recently, of which one are you most proud? Listen to my music. You might like it. It’s something different. But it is not Although I like all of them, the most recent one that I finished is freshest only the music. There’s something behind that. People have fear. Like me. If I in my mind. My part is the lead character in Age of the Hobbits and she’s got a was not Bai Ling, I would think “I am not a musician and all the people are super action part that was originally written for a white actress. The director going to judge me so I better not do it.” But for me, I want to encourage that was really happy with my performance. I really want to encourage writers, potential that human beings have and of which they aren’t even aware. I want directors, and producers to have an open mind as to who can play certain them to say that if Bai Ling can do it, I can do it, too. I want to encourage parts. We are all human beings with different hearts and different looks but our people to explore and contribute whatever talent they have. spirits are the same. It is most important. It may not go anywhere but it could go everywhere. If you don’t try, you You dressed very elegantly last night at the Operation Smiles gala, and you will never know. If you are just talking about dreams, they remain only dreams. mentioned that the media tends to only showcase your wild side and crazy You have to make them reality. Someone once told me that he hoped I’d be dressing days. Has something changed? successful as a recording artist. I told him that I already was because I was I know. I am changing it. Thank you. Because I have a different audience already recording and doing it. I’m not doing it for anyone’s approval. It’s kind and I am bringing awareness that I am a different person than they may have of like birds singing. They are not aware of whether people like their singing come to expect. or not. They just sing. That’s how Bai Ling sings, as well. There’s no right or It seems to me that we have two different kinds of women. We have Meryl wrong. It’s just me. I’m simply doing something I love to do. Streep who has won many awards and is considered one of the best actresses. You never know who you are going to affect. Recently, I was at a She gets a lot of respect. But Hugh Hefner would never invite her to be on convention in London and a middle aged English guy approached me. He the cover of Playboy magazine. And you have the Pamela Anderson types who was sweating and shaking as he took about twenty pictures of me. I asked him are sex babes who are always on the cover. She will never be invited to be what was wrong and he said, “Bai Ling, when the economy crashed, I lost a jury member or win awards for her acting. But I am both. I won an Asian my job, house…everything. I was ready to commit suicide. But, I read your Academy Award for my breakthrough performance in Red Corner in 1997 and blog every day and your positivity got me through. That’s the truth”. If he I was the first Asian woman to be featured on the cover of Playboy in 1995. had not come forward I would never have known. Maybe my music has also A contemporary woman should be both. It should not be that if you are sexy positively helped someone. You never know. I am sober now. My first song was you are dumb or that if you are intelligent you are boring. It has to be both called Rehab. Maybe there are people walking around sober because the song and it is something that I want to show the world. influenced them. I may never know. I did not do it for this but when you are true, you affect people. Isn’t that cool? Your look is very exotic. It comes from being confident and being true to yourself You don’t attract people for more than 5 minutes based upon looks alone. that you truly stand out from the rest. What more do you have to offer? Choose healthy thoughts to think. That’s the I think I am lucky and brave to be me. I am also going to direct my own most important thing in your life right now. movie. I have no strong desire to direct but if it is a project that I feel strongly

8 | November 2012 Yellow Magazine 30th Anniversary Smile Gala Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel

Photos by Mitchell Alexander Operation Smile held its 30th Anniversary Smile Gala September 28 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It was an unforgettable evening celebrating the more than 200,000 surgical procedures for children born with facial deformities around the world whose lives Operation Smile has changed forever—and recognizing the thousands more children who desperately need help. The 30th Anniversary Smile Gala honored Smile Ambassadors Brooke Burke-Charvet and David Charvet, philanthropist Jill Grey, outdoor eclectic footwear company Sanuk, humanitarians Julia and Stephanie Argyros. Krista Jajonie and Daneia Sanadiki were also honored. Access Hollywood host Billy Bush served as Master of Ceremonies; singer Chris Mann and violinist Caitlin Moe performed; and Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, Sue Naegle, Jennifer Salke and Dr. Randy Sherman, Chaired. Le Dragon d’Or donated two beautiful diamond creations, each over 2 carats, for the raffle. The highlight of the evening was a surprise announcement by honoree Julia Argyros, on behalf of the Argyros Family Foundation, that they would be donating $1 million to Operation Smile. In total, the gala raised more than $2 million to benefit the organization. David & Brooke Burke Charvet Dr. Allen & Yen Lee, Henri Merceron Chris Mann Viet Hoang, Bai Ling

Daneia Sanadiki, Krista Jajonie, Dr. Jason Rattan, Carlo Migliarini, Luis Nunez Dr. Dane Hoang, Dr. Bill & Kathy Magee, Thanh Hoang Billy Bush, Tom Bergeron Stephanie Argyros, Julia Argyros

Carl & Veronica Barton Schwartz Thanh Hoang, Marie Fyhrie, Sandrine Rattan Dr. Gabriel & Christine Chiu Bethany Hotchkiss , Sharif Atkins

Henry Salke , Jennifer Salke Craig T. Nelson Deidre Hall Roma Downey Beryl Akcay Jingkul Lee Laura Putman

Yellow Magazine November 2012 | 9 Photographer Debbie Porter Stylist Summar Salah Makeup Andrea Schutter Hair James Fojt Model Kelly Denkler of Neil Hamil Agency Location Houston Polo Club

Leather shorts by Skaist Taylor Blouse by Elie Tahari Jewelry beads by Elizabeth Showers Gold chain with pendant by Ashley Pittman All available at Neiman Marcus fall rides

10 | November 2012 Yellow Magazine Yellow Magazine November 2012 | 11 Leather jacket by Kelly Wearstler, available at Neiman Marcus Top by Very J, available at DAO Chloe DAO Skirt by Brunello Cucinelli, available at Neiman Marcus Rose cuff by VIOLANTE, available at sloan/hall Beaded bracelets, available at sloan/hall

12 | November 2012 Yellow Magazine Jacket by Stella McCartney, available at Neiman Marcus Top by Ralph Lauren, available at Neiman Marcus Legging by Very J, available at DAO chloe DAO Boots by Chanel, available at Neiman Marcus Brooch by Anton Heunis, available at Neiman Marcus

Yellow Magazine November 2012 | 13 Camel jacket by Billy Reid, available at Billy Reid White shirt by Billy Reid, available at Billy Reid Hat by Burberry, available at Neiman Marcus Pants by Valentino, available at Neiman Marcus Necklaces by Love Heal, available at Neiman Marcus Cameo brooch, available at DAO Chloe DAO

Coat by Billy Reid, available at Billy Reid Leather neck piece by Hacienda Montaecristo, available at sloan/hall Brass necklace, available at sloan/hall Red Jasper necklace, available at sloan/hall

14 | November 2012 Yellow Magazine Dress by Catherine Deane, available at Neiman Marcus Belt and boots by Donald Pliner, available at Donald Pliner

Yellow Magazine November 2012 | 15 fas h i on Fashion Reinvention and Transformation on a Budget H&M(argiela)

In its continuing series of collaborations with designers, H&M is going to the

edges with their new collection with Maison Martin Margiela. Officially named

Re-Edition of Maison Martin Margiela Garments from Various Seasons with

H&M, the clothing, shoes and accessories include iconic items specifically labelled

with a unique tag indicating the season from which it originated. Spanning 23

years since Maison’s founding, the most representative pieces of the archive are

reproduced in updated shapes and materials, along with prices a bit more in line

with H&M than Paris runways.

Plexi wedge Pump, $149.99

H&M Collection with Duvet coat, $179.99; Mirror ball leggings, $29.99, Invisible wedge pumps, $149.99 Maison Martin Margiela for Autumn/Winter 2012 Launches November 15, 2012 at limited H&M locations

Houston Area H&M Stores Baybrook Mall Friendswood TX 77546 855.466.7467

Willowbrook Mall Houston TX 77070 855.466.7467 hm.com

Reversed Mirror ball denim jacket, tuxedo jacket, Adjusted biker Hitched up Body with $69.99 $99.99 jacket, $179.99 dress, $99.99 integrated bra, $29.99

Glove clutch, $79.99

Trompe l’oeil high-top sneakers, $69.99

Padded leather shirt, $179.99; Painted jeans, $59.99; Guitar cover weekend bag, $199.99

16 | November 2012 Yellow Magazine ESSEN t i ALS M•A•C Helps You Glam It Up This Season Holiday Glamour

Parties, parties, and more parties—that’s what the holiday season has

become for many of us. Whether you have to go straight from work to a

cocktail party or you have a full day of pamper and prep before a black tie

event, M•A•C Cosmetics has the glow and glamour you need. This year,

their exquisite holiday collections include Guilty Passions mini kits for

eyes and lips, the elegant Making Pretty with its signature bow, and the

aura of couture with Glamour Daze. Glamour Daze from M•A•C Cosmetics

Glamour Daze The aura of couture, the drama of the dressing room, the glamour of getting ready to step out for the holidays. From armoire to dressing table mirror to full-length mirror and back again. Sweet to sexy, lips to nails. Every angle, every colour, every detail—obsessed over. And suddenly, there’s chic, in a cool cloud of pale pink edged with smoky grey. One last glance and you’re out the door. An unforgettable look emerges with the shimmer of M·A·C Extra Dimension Skinfinish and Powder Blush. Evening eyes are done in Extra Dimension Eye Shadow, Fluidline and False Lashes. And, the festive finishing touches: Lipglass in Pink Fade and Nail Lacquer in Endless Night. Available in stores through December 27, 2012

Making Pretty Guilty Passions For those in your life you want to spoil! Every opulent element and dramatic detail is expressed in M∙A∙C’s luxurious Making Pretty collection. Modern Giving in to Guilty Passions, from champagne and macaroons to a dazzling party makeup darlings are dressed up in richly textured faux shagreen in a pale dusty dress and seductive stilettos, to eyes that shimmer and lips that glisten. M∙A∙C mini pink, detailed with a rose-gold signature bow. kits for eyes and lips, packaged in round, chevron-print boxes trimmed with a patent Available online December 6, 2012; available in stores December 13, 2012 black bow; in shades and finishes too irresistible to resist. Available online November 1, 2012; available in stores November 8, 2012

Yellow Magazine November 2012 | 17 boo k s You Can’t Get Everything On Your iPad Touch the Page

Chanel Three Book Set, Kindles are great, and iPads are wonderful, but they simply don’t do justice for Special Edition Produced exclusively for some books that practically come to life in your hands. Books about fashion, Assouline by Chanel, this luxe slipcase is made of genuine art and architecture are especially pleasing to the eye, probably because they black quilted leather and typically include incredible photography that leaps off the pages. You can scroll adorned with a metal Chanel logo. The slipcase includes three and squish and stretch your iPad screen until the battery dies, but it will never memoirs celebrating Chanel’s revolutionary style: Chanel be the same as opening up a special edition and caressing it with your eyes. Fashion, Chanel Fine Jewelry, and Chanel Perfume. assouline.com, $750

Pleats Please Issey Miyake Yohji Yamamoto The Impossible Collection of Fashion Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please collections were As one of the most mentally rigorous designers In this magnificent collection of the most iconic launched in 1993. Made from single pieces of working in fashion, Yohji Yamamoto creates dresses of the twentieth century, Valerie Steele high quality 100% polyester fabric, Pleats Please garments that can be intellectual, yet always flexes her curatorial muscle. From Poiret to clothing is innovative in its process. For the beautiful. Yohji’s free-spirited world is explored Pucci, Doucet to Dior, Vionnet to Valentino, she first time, the story of this revolutionary line here via i-D magazine’s archives, including his selects the 100 dresses that caused a stir on the of clothing is being told. The explanation of its adoration for women and the female form, the runway or as they entered a room and ultimately evolution also includes, also for the first time, painful process of creating anti-fashion through inspired a new direction in fashion. a section not only revealing the creation of the fashion and how his timeless utilitarian designs assouline.com, $695 original thread—but also the pleating process! can be both avant-garde and classic at once. taschen.com, $40 taschen.com, $40

AHAE: Through My Window Backstage Dior: Collector’s Edition Fashion Designers A-Z Korean artist Ahae took one million photographs This historical homage from top photographer From Azzedine Alaïa, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and over a two-year period, through one window Roxanne Lowit traces John Galliano’s glittering Coco Chanel, to Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint in his house. This profoundly intimate portfolio realm at Dior. Through her eyes we marvel at Laurent, and Vivienne Westwood, a century’s captures the infinite subtle changes of the the tantalizing backstage story. This is without worth of fashion greats from the permanent environment through the circle of the seasons. doubt the ultimate insider chronicle of couture. collection of The Museum at the Fashion This volum features the artist’s poems and a Safe in its special archival case, this limited Institute of Technology are celebrated in these foreword by the director of the Louvre, which edition Collector’s Edition is already part of limited-edition volumes bound in fabric by one will host an exhibition of images from this fashion legend. of six designers: Prada (shown), Akris, Etro, Stella astonishing series. teneues.com, $3,000 McCartney, Missoni, Diane von Furstenberg. assouline.com, $250 taschen.com, $350

Yellow Magazine November 2012 | 19 FAS h i ON Award-Winning Designers Hit the Target Target + Neiman Marcus

We admit it: when we first heard of the Target/Neiman Marcus collaboration, we got a

bit dizzy. For many Texans, Neiman Marcus has been the be-all, end-all of luxury, even

if you can’t afford to step into their stores! But following months of anticipation, the

unprecedented holiday mashup is finally almost out the door and under our tree. The

collection features 24 of America’s preeminent designers—all members of the Council

of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)—and will be available December 1.

Jason Wu for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection Ornaments (set of 3), $49.99

The Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection Available December 1 at all Target and Neiman Marcus stores, as well as online at Target.com and NeimanMarcus.com.

In recognition of the 24 designers who created Prabal Gurung for products for the holiday Target + Neiman collection, Target and Marcus Holiday Neiman Marcus are Collection donating a total of Clutch, $49.99 $1 million to the CFDA.

Designers include: Alice + Olivia Altuzarra Band of Outsiders Brian Atwood Carolina Herrera Marchesa Oscar de la Renta Philip Crangi Prabal Gurung Proenza Schouler Derek Lam Diane von Furstenberg Jason Wu for Target + Neiman Eddie Borgo Jason Wu Marcus Holiday Collection Judith Leiber Girl’s dress, $59.99 Lela Rose Marc Jacobs rag & bone Robert Rodriguez Rodarte Skaist-Taylor Thom Browne Tory Burch Tracy Reese

Derek Lam for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection Slippers, $49.99

Altuzarra for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection Double Old Fashioned glasses (set of 3), $49.99 Shaker, $49.99 Tray (not shown), $79.99

Derek Lam for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection Skateboard, $99.99

20 | November 2012 Yellow Magazine t ravel The Whole Family Can Be Winners Vegas Holidays

Typically, the activity in Las Vegas picks up after Christmas, with a growing New

Year’s Eve event combined with Lunar New Year festivities that are an especially

popular draw for Asian gamblers and tourists. But for some families, visiting Las

Vegas between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the perfect holiday treat. For most

hotels, room rates are at their lowest of the year and many properties go all out

with holiday decorations and related festivities.

Consistently the highlight of holiday decorations, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio definitely won’t disappoint. Visitors The kids won’t want to miss Santa Claus in the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium. can ring in the holiday season at the Bellagio with a 45-foot-tall holiday Bellagio Las Vegas tree, an active family of floral polar bears and penguins and live musical At Mandalay Bay, Santa is making his list and checking it twice, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South performances. Located in the Giardini corner, a large floral card in finding naughty sharks, a rare Komodo Dragon and piranha in his Las Vegas, NV 89109 a 6-foot-tall elaborately carved frame makes for the perfect winter sight. Throughout the month of December at Shark Reef Aquarium 888.987.6667 wonderland photo opportunity. The Conservatory’s holiday exhibition is bellagio.com at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, children can share their last-minute open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be on display the entire holiday wishes with Mr. Claus in the aquarium’s shipwreck exhibit. With month of December. Mandalay Bay each paid admission, children 12 and under will receive a complimentary Hotel & Casino The iconic Fountains of Bellagio know how to get guests in the candy cane and a photograph with Santa to remember their unique 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South holiday spirit, too. With a diverse repertoire of musical tunes to swoon holiday experience. A very large and toothy holiday helper named Santa Las Vegas, NV 89119 over, the holiday selection includes classic hits like Hallelujah Chorus, Carol Jaws will also make his rounds to join the kiddies for a photo. 877.632.7800 of the Bells, O Holy Night, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, The mandalaybay.com Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Santa Baby. The Fountains dance for visitors every 30 minutes, Monday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sundays and holidays, noon – 7 p.m. After 7 p.m., daily performances are every 15 minutes until midnight.

The Fountains at Bellagio will be playing holiday selections. Make sure to wave back to the floral polar bears at the Bellagio.

Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden are a required visit during the holidays.

Yellow Magazine November 2012 | 21 w i ne Many Flavors in Your Thanksgiving Meal Holiday Wine Options by philip cuisimano

Choosing a wine to serve with your Thanksgiving “Cava”. The bottom line is that there is an abundance of meal is not an easy task, as the traditional holiday fare is choices with a range of prices to accommodate any budget. comprised of a mélange of contrasting flavors that include Riesling sugar, pepper, acid, spice, fat, and game, all served on the Demand for Riesling based wines has dwindled over same plate. Delicious and decadent, as this certainly is, it the years but is currently experiencing a comeback and for nonetheless requires some deliberation when selecting the good reason; these wines can be fabulous. The best of these “right” wine. are from Germany, where medium to full-bodied wines are No wine can compete with the rich flavors abundant produced, offering up bright tropical fruits with hints of in this feast, so you really need a bottle that complements honey and buttressed by a crisp acidity. For the holidays, seek in a subtle manner, much like background music that is out a drier style of German Riesling; look for “Trocken” set at a low volume to allow easy conversation. The flavor (driest) on the label or “Halb Trocken” (semi-dry). profile of such a wine should include some of the following Rose attributes: it should be medium-bodied with good acidity, Dry Roses are my favorite type of wine to accompany and be comprised of soft tannins with subtle flavors of fruit the Thanksgiving feast and are also high on my list buoyed by delicate notes of pepper and spice. of “anytime” quaffs. The best of these are medium- Dry Roses are my favorite type bodied, featuring bright red-berry fruits, accompanied by undercurrents of pepper and spice, with tannins that of wine to accompany the provide structure but are of a gentile, yielding style. Served Thanksgiving feast and are also chilled, the net effect is a sturdy drink with a delicate taste. Others high on my list of “anytime” quaffs. Additional wines to consider include Gewürztraminer, Here are a few categories that match the profile. a white with a flavor profile similar to Riesling but with more spice, an unmistakable wisp of smokiness and Bubbly Wine of the Month fruit flavors of Lychee. Red wine options include those Sparkling wines go well with most foods and always add Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee 08 produced from the grapes of Syrah and/or blended along a touch of elegance to the celebration. For your holiday This tasty California blend will provide a delightful with Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault or Carignan. Finally, accompaniment to any holiday fest. A cuvee comprised meal, I suggest a drier style, such as a “Brut”, which is also of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah that should be there are some styles of Pinot Noir that may serve well as the most popular. Prosecco, from Italy is currently the served slightly chilled, offering up red and black berry an accompaniment to your holiday celebration; avoid those fruit flavors with undercurrents of peppers and spices. rage. There are also many fine domestic offerings from that boast of hard tannins. Pinots from Oregon are more The tannins are soft and yielding providing back bone California, New York and Oregon. Don’t overlook the without being obnoxious. Serve with duck or turkey and likely to provide “the ticket”. Remember, whichever wine cuvees of France, where the most noble of all sparkling you will be toasted by all your guests! $19.50 you select should be a supporting actor, not the star. wines are produced in the Champagne region. And there Buon’ Appetito! Wines available at Spec’s Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods, are good values to be found in Spanish sparklers, labeled as various locations. Visit specsonline.com for the store nearest you.

Dining Guide Yellow Magazine’s featured restaurants

JAPANESE Sinh Sinh V I E T NAMESE 9788 Bellaire Blvd., 713.541.0888 Tokyo One The seafood at Sinh Sinh is quite exciting Kim Son Restaurants 7465 W. Greens Rd., 281.955.8898 2001 Jefferson (and other locations), because everything served comes from live 2938 W. Sam Houston S., 713.785.8899 713.222.2461 tanks. Prawns, Australian king lobster, King Tokyo One is a sushi buffet restaurant, situated The menu is the most imposing part of this crabs, Coral Leopard trout, Surf clams, Geoduck in a fancy boat house with an outside deck. casual, highly regarded landmark Vietnamese clams, Trunk clams, Elephant clams, etc…are all The food is fresh and is constantly replenished. restaurant. There are no poor choices among featured as live seafood. Selections include: salads such as sea weed, the 100 or so options. Enjoy finely prepared beef, squid, salmon and watercress. Sushi t h A I delicacies as well as the expected fare, such as includes a variety of rolls and sashimi. the pork vermicelli and fried eggroll. Must try is Thai Spice Zushi Japanese Cuisine their black pepper softshell crab. Special event 8282 Bellaire Blvd. 713.777.4888 facilities available. 5900 Memorial Dr., 713.861.5588 Thai Spice on Bellaire is a foodies dream. It’s a Zushi serves extremely fresh and high quality casual place that serves Thai dishes you won’t Vietopia sushi. Stand out items are the sashimi find anywhere else in Houston, with a huge 5176 Buffalo Speedway, 713.664.7303 appetizers served with perfectly paired sauces selection of interesting, rare, tasty dishes at Trendy yet elegant, Vietopia delivers top notch or any one of the many house specialty rolls. excellent prices. A must have is the whole fried Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable lunch prices Uptown Sushi tilapia with hot and sour dipping sauce and and a stellar dinner menu. The lounge works perfectly for those who want a less formal 1131 Uptown Park Blvd. #14 713.871.1200 papaya salad and Tom Yum soup. dining experience but still want to enjoy Uptown Sushi personifies an upscale sushi Nit Noi quality food. restaurant located near the Galleria in the swanky 6700 Woodway Pkwy., Suite 580 281.597.8200 Uptown Park Plaza. The menu offers Japanese Nit Noi means “a little bit” and Thai food lovers Mo Mong fusion dishes and a great selection of high-end pack Nit Noi restaurants and cafes all around 1201 Westheimer Rd. #B, 713.524.5664 sashimi and sushi. Side note: Uptown Sushi has Houston. Nit Noi will always be known for their This Trendy Montrose establishment has a “off-the-menu” specialty rolls served daily! Pad Thai, but other must try dishes include great lunch crowd as well as a packed martini PadThai Korat (flat noodles stir-fried with night on Wednesdays. But the real draw is the c h i NESE chicken, pork or shrimp with vegetables) and food- traditional family recipes mixed in with Auntie Chang’s Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup). some tasty modern dishes. Must try items include the Mango Spring Rolls, Shrimp and 2621 South Shepherd #290, 713.524.8410 Tony Thai Auntie Chang’s offers the most flavorful home- Avocado Spring Roll, Volcano Chicken, and the 10613 Bellaire Blvd., 281.495.1711 style Chinese cuisine around. Although known Bo Luc Lac. A sophisticated approach to traditional Thai for their dumplings, any of your favorite classic cuisine, Tony’s executes with perfect balance Chinese dishes are done extremely well. C ON t i NEN TAL and pizzazz. Tony’s Wings, wet or dry, and the Voice Restaurant & Lounge Hong Kong Food Street Steamed Mussels are popular appetizers. For Hotel Icon, 220 Main, 832.667.4470 9750 Bellaire Blvd., 713.981.9888 the main course try the Basil Lamb, Garlic The impressive décor has thoughtfully Peking duck and roasted pork hang from Salmon or the Steamed Fish with Chili. transformed the space of an old bank lobby cleavers in a front window display giving a into a warm cozy and elegant dining area. Try Hong Kong street market feel. In addition, I N d i AN the Mushroom Soup “Cappucino”, reduction of the menu is divided into sections including Kiran’s Restaurant garlic, onion, crimini mushrooms topped with Seafood, Hot Pot, Special Stir Fry, Sizzling and 4100 Westheimer Rd. #151, 713.960.8472 frothy truffle foam, and the Bryan Farms Roast Chef Specials. This northern Indian style restaurant embodies Chicken, a free range and 100% corn fed chicken. San Dong Noodle House a fusion approach to its cuisine. With a focus 9938-F Bellaire Blvd., 713.271.3945 on well balanced flavors rather than spice, Colombe d’Or Restaurant and Hotel 3410 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.7999 Authentic hand pulled Chinese noodle dishes the Flaky Halibut Swimming in Watermelon Built in 1923 and originally the mansion of are served at a reasonable price. A few favorites Curry sauce and the Tandoori Platter typify this Walter Fondren, one of the founders of Humble include the Roast Beef Noodle soup served in perfectly. Oil, Colombe d’Or Hotel is considered a Texas a beef broth accented by ginger and soy, or the historical landmark. Featuring French and oh so addicting pan fried dumplings. Continental fare, we recommend the Carre d’Agneau, individual rack of baby lamb grilled with natural herbs and red wine sauce.

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