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 Helen Mirren 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 Pitch Perfect 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.