• Asian,  Fashion,  New York,  WorldWide

    Virtual China Fashion Gala honoring Estée Lauder, Wendy Yu, Phillip Lim & Lucy Liu raises $600,000

    China Institute and Yue-Sai Kan China Beauty Charity Fund (CBCF) co-presented the China Fashion Gala 2020 virtually on Thursday, July 23, 2020. The annual celebration of Chinese design serves as a platform for Chinese talent emerging onto the international stage, as well as a forum for recognizing individuals whose contributions have helped position China at the forefront of global fashion and beauty.

    Hosted by Yue-Sai Kan, co-chair of China Institute and founder and chairwoman of CBCF, this year’s gala honored Estée Lauder with the Beauty Award. This inaugural award was accepted by Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Global Brand President, Estée Lauder Stephane de La Faverie, presented by Yang Mi. Chinese investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist Wendy Yu was honored with the Millennial Leadership Award, presented by Jason Wu. Chinese American designer Phillip Lim was honored with the Leadership Award, presented by Lisa Ling. Actress, director, artist and activist Lucy Liu was honored with the Icon Award, presented by Yue-Sai Kan. Each award was donated by Baccarat. Co-chairs were Elizabeth Segerstrom, co-managing partner and co-owner of South Coast Plaza; Mariko Miura, CEO of Meihodo New York; Julian Rizzuto, founder of Dreamlink Foundation; Mark Gong, emerging Chinese designer; and Jeannette Chang, former SVP of Hearst Magazines International.

    Highlights from the evening included a private 40-minute live cocktail party via Zoom with honorees immediately preceding the gala, a globe-spanning opening performance by Quincy Jones Productions; a special dance of the Thousand Hand Bodhisattva performed by members of the Chinese People’s Art Troupe of People with Disabilities; and a fashion presentation by Chinese couture designer Xiong Ying, who showcased her creations under the Heaven Gaia label.

    Prominent guests included: Christian Louboutin, Guo Pei, Grace Chen, Angelica Cheung, Bette Midler, Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, Xiaowen Ju, Karolina Kurkova, Maggie Q, Jordan Connor, Lang Lang, Anna Hu, Rain, Chen Man, Simon Collins, Didi Pei, Ban Ki-moon, Kenny G and Cai Guo-Qiang.

    To date, China Fashion Gala 2020 has raised $600,000. An online silent auction on 32auctions.com will be open until July 30. Proceeds benefit the many diverse programs of China Institute, the oldest independent, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.

    About Estée Lauder

    Estée Lauder is the flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Founded by Estée Lauder, one of the world’s first female entrepreneurs, the brand today continues her legacy of creating innovative, sophisticated, high-performance skincare and makeup products and iconic fragrances – all infused with a deep understanding of women’s needs and desires. Today, Estée Lauder engages with women in over 150 countries and territories around the world and at dozens of touch points – from in-store to digital. And each of these relationships consistently reflects Estée’s powerful and authentic woman-to-woman point of view.

    About Wendy Yu

    Wendy Yu is one of the world’s most influential millennial investors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to be shaping the creative and cultural landscape. Based in Shanghai, she is the Founder and CEO if Yu Holdings, the first China-centric group of its kind combining dedicated entities for strategic investment, business and brand creation and creative-cultural exchange. Yu was recently appointed an international ambassador for the French Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. She has been recognized as a pioneering industry “30 under 30” leader by Forbes China and patron of fashion by Vogue International.

    About Phillip Lim

    As Creative Director and Co-Founder of his eponymous label, Phillip Lim sits at the helm of his now 14-year-old pioneering modern luxury brand. Lim is recognized as one of the most talented and successful young American designers and is the recipient of several prestigious industry honors including the Fashion Group International’s Women’s Designer ‘Rising Star’ Award, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear and the CFDA Award for Accessories Designer of the Year.

    About Lucy Liu

    Lucy Liu is an award-winning actress who has appeared in both studio and independent films, on television and Broadway. She is also a director and an artist and continues to be a UNICEF Ambassador, advocating for children’s health and protection since 2004.

    About China Institute

    China Institute advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art and business. China Institute is the go-to resource on China – from ancient art to today’s business landscape and its rapidly shifting culture. Its programs, school and gallery exhibitions bring to life the depth, complexity and dynamism of China. Founded in 1926 by Chinese reformers Hu Shi and K.P. Wen and educators Paul Monroe and John Dewey, China Institute is the oldest independent, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.

    About Yue-Sai Kan Beauty Charity Fund

    Yue-Sai Kan China Beauty Charity Fund (“CBCF”) was established in 2011 in honor of Yue-Sai Kan by the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, one of the most important and trusted charitable foundations in China. The word “beauty” in Chinese embodies caring, giving, honesty, and beautification of the human spirit. True to this spirit, CBCF is dedicated to the betterment and advancement of women and children through education, health and cultural programs worldwide. Since its establishment, CBCF has raised a total of 3 million USD to fund cleft lip and palate surgeries, provide free medical supplies to underserved regions in China, and provide scholarships for Chinese students through the CBCF Scholarship Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Peking University and a number of other prestigious universities.

  • New York

    Woman – The New Fragrance from Donna Karan @DKWoman @HarpersBazaarUS

    Harper’s Bazaar and Donna Karan threw a classy event for New York based beauty bloggers on Monday night on the 44th Floor of Hearst. It was one of the best beauty events I have attended. A combination of a great crowd, very zen atmosphere and invaluable content made this evening worth it. We had a great time networking and talking to fellow bloggers and more importantly, perfume fanatics.

    Me and the girls


    The launch of Donna Karan’s newest fragrance Woman started with an intimate conversation with Trudi Loren (Estee Lauder) and Stephanie Johnson (City Winery), moderated by Avril Graham (Harper’s Bazaar). They took us through a journey of the creation of this perfume as well as the three models used in the campaign: Karolina Kurkova, Liya Kebede & Christy Turlington – supermodels, mothers & philanthropists.

    It was a beautiful event and despite the rain, it was a full house of happy bloggers.

    Must be the great wine pairing, petite amuse-bouche and scents swirling about.

    My favorite pairing: Deseado from Familla Schroeder with Roasted Tomato and Winter Melon Crostini for Orange Blossom

    This evening was about pairing wines with fragrance notes and learning how to smell and taste. WOMAN is like nothing I have smelled before and a welcomed addition to my perfume wardrobe.
    The entire team from chemist to bottle design to perfumer were women. When you smell this, it is a cultural statement and manifestation of the strength and softness of a woman. The bottle for WOMAN was designed by architect Zaha Hadid.

    Stunning.
    Smoked Corn Coquette with Ramey (Chardonnay 2009) paired with Sandalwood and Porcini mushroom butter tart with L’Angevin (Pinot Noir 2009) paired with Donna Karan WOMAN

    A fragrance created for women, by women, to celebrate the inspirational, multifaceted women among us: sensual and nurturing mothers, wives, lovers, and friends. A woman is not one thing or another, but everything all at once. Whatever age or race, women are beautiful, embracing their femininity with conviction. The creamy, key notes of orange blossom, sandalwood, and Haitian vetiver express the softness and strength of a woman, exemplifying heart, soul, and beauty—discover the fragrance inspired by all that a woman is.

    Notes:
    Orange Blossom, Sandalwood, Haitian Vetiver.
    Style:
    Feminine. Powerful. Passionate.

    It is available now for $115 at Sephora or ShopBazaar.com

  • WorldWide

    Lip Conditioning with @EsteeLauder

    My mom usually gives me some of the freebies that she gets when she purchases something and one that she got was an Estée Lauder Lip Conditioner SPF 15.

    My last post was about their Pure Color Gloss Stick, so to pair that up with this product, use this conditioner first for a smoother look! You can also wear it alone like I do sometimes (at night).

    Like it says on their website, it is “intensively moisturizing”. It also has SPF 15, vitamins C and E, Shea Butter, and other natural moisturizers. It has no scent for those that don’t like the flavors, so that’s a plus for people who tend to bite or lick their lips!Do I recommend this product? Yes. Would I pay $18.50 for it? I would but only if I really needed the extra moisture, hydration, and protection. One thing I notice about this comparing to a generic chapstick is that it really does go on smoother with its silk texture.

    Has anyone else used this product before?

    ‘Follow’ @EsteeLauder & ‘Like’ on Facebook!

  • WorldWide

    Luscious Lips with @EsteeLauder

    I’ve had Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Gloss Stick for a while now. I don’t always use it but when I do, it doesn’t disappoint. I own “Wild Plum” and “Mauve Mirage”, two glossy colors that will give you a creamy look. (Note: it’s a glossy lipstick, & not a lip-gloss so it doesn’t make your lips sticky, which I love!)

    It’s sheer & goes on smooth, which also keeps my lips soft. What’s great about this product is the conditioning it gives my lips while adding a bit of color(Top: Wild Plum, Bottom: Mauve Mirage)

    (Left: Mauve Mirage, Right: Wild Plum)Wild PlumMauve Mirage

    The price is $22.50, which is pricey. This is one of my favorites though so I will buy this again once I am done with the two that I have. It’s a great product!

    Unfortunately the “Mauve Mirage” was only a limited edition but the “Wild Plum” is still available as well as many other shades.

    You can buy these products online or where there is an Estée Lauder counter. I like to go to the counters so you can have a better feel of the colors.

    Check out Estée Lauder on Facebook and on Twitter – @EsteeLauder

  • New York

    Blue Dahlia

    What job do I need to wear this everyday?

  • Uncategorized

    In the Biz: Trudi Loren


    In the Biz with Trudi Loren

    Trudi is the ‘nose’ that is responsible for creating some of your favorite perfumes. She is currently the VP, Corporate Fragrance Development at The Estee Lauder Companies. Not only did she take the time to answer these questions for me but also for Yale’s paper on scent marketing. Trudi is gracious, beautiful and a true inspiration! 


    City you live in: Part time Manhattan and part time in New Jersey



    If there was a theme song in your life, it would be: 
    as kitsch as it sounds “My Way”. I have been able to blend a career and family; live in Asia, Europe and the US and satisfy my analytical mind with my creative desires.


    What is the best advice you can give to a women who wants that corner office? 
    Work hard, do more than is expected of you and be patient. Never, never, ever say “it is not my job”.


    What do you think is the the key to being a successful woman in the competitive (fragrance/beauty/pr/marketing) industry? 
    I think the key is not only to be very good at what you do, responsible and accountable but to be generous with your time and knowledge. Mentors are always admired and respected within industry.


    What is the your favorite quote that keeps you motivated?
    It is the following analogy not a quote by which I try to live my life.
    When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.


    A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor
    then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of
    course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes.” The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the
    sand. The students laughed. “Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to
    recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things–your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else — the small stuff.”


    “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. “Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”


    One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goesto show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”


    *HeyDoYou is for the cute, clever and connected*