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Happy New Year of 2021!
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LULU Drew The Official 2019 Holiday Card for FIT Foundation
This was definitely the most excited assignment for Lulu in 2019. Lulu was invited to draw the official 2019 holiday card for her school – Fashion Institute of Technology. The postcard was sent to all the special alumni and FIT’s sponsors by FIT Foundation.
As we all know, Fashion Institute of Technology is one of the best fashion schools in the whole world. There are a lot of well-known fashion designers, interior designers and artists are graduated from this amazing school, such as Calvin Klein and Michael Kors are both from FIT.
Lulu is graduated from FIT’s MFA Illustration Program at 2017. She is thankful to her professor Melanie Reim, who always encourages her and made great advices to be a good illustrator. She is very proud to be a alumni of FIT.
Lulu, Yueming Qu was trained in the traditional Chinese painting style who moved from Beijing to New York to obtain second master’s degree in Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology. After spending 4 years’ in New York, Lulu relocated to San Diego in November of 2018 to continue her focus on professional illustration.
When she was in China, she was different from other Chinese painting artists in that she love using bright colors in her artwork, She love drawing whimsical imaginative views of everyday life, and displaying her paintings in installation style. Lulu decided to come to the United States to broaden her art skills albeit she still uses traditional Chinese painting materials; such as, ink, gouache, and Chinese brushes while drawing the modern city landscapes, fashion and more recently food. She is passionate about combining traditional Asian art technique with modern Western art techniques together to explore more artistic possibilities. For example, she uses traditional Chinese brush and ink to draw the outlines, then uses pastels to make colors.
From the East Coast to West Coast, Lulu always strive to take on more art adventures, bringing more influences from different cultures which she’s very interested in.
You can check out more Lulu’s artworks from her website – qululululu.com or instagram @qululululu.
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Amazing Tasting Dinner with Chef JoJo at Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine
Lulu and Ryan officially moved at San Diego for a whole year! All the people ask us which city we love better, San Diego or New York City? I will say I love both, because why do I have to choose from these two amazing cities? Especially about eating, no matter it’s NYC or San Diego, I am very satisfied about the great foods. If I have to compare, the result is – for authentic Chinese and Korean cuisine, I still stand with NYC. But for Mexican cuisine and seafoods, definitely San Diego is the winner.
The Tasting Dinner’s Menu at LIONFISH
This early month, Heydoyou was invited to experience a wonderful tasting dinner at the restaurant at San Diego’s famous nightlife district Gaslamp, it is LIONFISH Modern Coastal Cuisine. Luckily, we met the James Beard award-wining Chef JoJo. Jose “JoJo” Ruiz has again been recognized as a James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader, this time for the newly-opened Serẽa, making it the only restaurant on Coronado Island to receive this recognition. Chef Ruiz was also recognized by the prestigious culinary foundation for the second time as a Smart Catch Leader for Lionfish, making both restaurants the only two in San Diego to receive the recognition.
LULU with Chef JoJo
Fewer than 20 of California’s estimated 76,000 restaurants are recognized by Smart Catch. In order to be recognized by James Beard Foundation, restaurant menus must meet or exceed 80 percent sustainability, and restaurants must submit to three assessments per year. Further, “red” items , or seafood that is overfished or caught or farmed in ways that harm other marine life, can only appear twice on menus and must total 8 percent volume or less.
From front-of-house to back-of-house, JoJo ensures that his restaurants implement proper recycling practices throughout its entirety, with the aim to proactively help significantly reduce the harmful impact on San Diego’s ocean and beaches by reducing disposable waste. Under Ruiz’ leadership, his restaurants are in full support of the protection of the oceans, beaches and community for generations to come.
Additionally, Chef Ruiz only uses eco-friendly supplies in his restaurants; from biodegradable paper straws to compostable and biodegradable take-out containers and silverware. His dedication to this cause has allowed him to make Lionfish and Serea nationally certified as “Ocean Friendly” by the Surfrider Foundation . JoJo attributes his learning of sustainable practices to Patrick “Paddy” Glennon, founder of the Culinary Liberation (CLF), which brings together a group of chefs to join forces within their respective communities to promote environmental initiatives in the restaurant industry and promote nutritional education.
About the foods we tasted at dinner:
The beautiful hand crafted cocktail drinks at LIONFISH
(From left to right they are: Dante’s Peak, No Way Rose, Put a Sake’ in it, The Final Rose )
Yummy Appetizers
(From left to right they are: Oysters, Braised Salt Spring Mussels, Japanese Style Tomato Salad, Pork Belly Adobada and Blistered Shishito Peppers)
Entrees!
My Crispy Baja Snapper Fillet & Ryan’s Pan Roasted Lamb Strip Loin
Dessert Time!
Tiramisu Crepe cake and Apple TartI have to say it was an amazing tasting dinner. We definitely enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere at Lionfish at Pendry Hotel. Actually I lived in Pendry Hotel for three days this summer for a conference, I loved the lovely room, the rooftop and their spa. We had a Vip dinner at Lionfish for the conference at the second floor, which is a nice private event room with a long table. The foods at Lionfish always make me feel something really special. I remember the first dish I fell in love with this modern coastal cuisine is their Crispy Rock Shrimp which cooked with Korean Gochujang sauce. And this time, I still love Chef JoJo’s combination of American & Mexican cooking style with Asian cooking influences, such as Japanese Style Tomato Salad, Pork Belly Adobada and Blistered Shishito Peppers. Even for the dessert, the Tiramisu Crepe cake reminds me a lot of the green tea crepe cake at Lady M.
Lionfish also has a great menu for Happy Hour. The fresh oyster is only $1, hand roll is $8 and $10 for their delicious craft cocktails, they are great deals for a fancy pre-dinner party. Now is also a good timing to book your Friendsgiving dinner at 27th, Christmas Eve and New Year Eve dinner to celebrate the wonderful holiday season. Lionfish will give you an unforgettable night with wonderful atmosphere, delicious foods and the love from the ocean.
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Celebrate Bar Pa Tea One Year Anniversary With Lulu’s Art
To commemorate its first anniversary, Bar Pa Tea is collaborating with artist Yueming Lulu Qu on an art series titled “Celebrate.” Inspired by Bar Pa Tea and its home city, the pieces feature New York’s diverse personalities through its distinct inhabitants and iconic landmarks, unified by their shared penchant for constant reinvention and, of course, bubble tea.
Here are some photos of the One Year Anniversary Celebration Night at July 26th!
ABOUT YUEMING LULU QU
Art, fashion, passion, love, food, multi-cultural melting pot…this is how we often describe our city, no? Our city has millions of stories going on within every block every day. Don’t you agree we are so lucky to live in an amazing city that brings so many inspirations? I do.
Four years ago, I moved from Beijing for graduate study at Fashion Institute of Technology; this accounts for my second MFA – if there were such a thing as a PHD in Illustration I would pursue it. My first was an MFA in traditional Chinese Painting from Central Academy of Fine Arts. For Chinese painting, I use ink, gouache and soft brushes, which I still use in my current illustrations. Similar to how America brings all cultures together, I use traditional Chinese painting methods to illustrate New York City’s modern topics; predominantly fashion lifestyles and our beloved city landscapes. I think of fashion lifestyle as not only about high fashion during certain weeks, but more importantly about anyone who loves their life with a sense of pride. They are positive, they are kind, they are beautiful inside out, they are bravely chasing their dreams, and of course they have their own unique fashion styles.
Education:
Fashion Institute of Technology
The Central Academy of Fine Arts (Beijing, China)
Minzu University of China
Website:
Instagram
@qululululu
ABOUT BAR PA TEA
Patrick showcases flavor over sweetness at Bar Pa Tea, creating a more healthful alternative to the original beverage without compromising the distinct taste and experience of traditional bubble tea. The recipes feature tapioca pearls that are free of additives and drinks sweetened with pure cane sugar instead of corn syrup.
Bar Pa Tea provides a menu of highly customizable drinks, allowing the customer to adjust sweetness in increments and choose whether they would prefer it hot or cold. Bar Pa Tea even offers alternatives to the traditional tapioca pearls, most notably their signature “miniature bubbles.”
The selected menu showcases the flagship’s favorite and most popular items, creating a uniquely refined bubble tea experience.
Those who share Patrick’s love for both the nostalgia of bubble tea and the goal of a healthful lifestyle will find true satisfaction in the choices that Bar Pa Tea offers.
Location: 85 KENMARE ST, NEW YORK, NY 10012
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Lulu’s Solo Exhibition at Matted LIC, New York
Tonight on July 19th, Lulu had her first Solo show at Matted LIC Gallery, curated by the owner of gallery Donna Drimer.
It was a blasting night. Lulu has her more than 20 original artworks on display and many more prints to sell. She also made some hand-crafted magnets of the New York fashion girls.
A lot of local people from Long Island City stop by the gallery and check out the show opening and of course, they purchased the prints and even the original artworks!
Lulu still remembers the first time she met Donna Drimer at Matted LIC over a year ago. It is all because her illustration of Long Island City Gantry Park.
Donna loves this drawing and she decided to have Lulu’s artwork at her gallery. And now she threw a solo show for Lulu to display a lot of Lulu’s New York sketches, landscapes and fashion illustrations.
Exhibition is all open to public.
Exhibition Opening: 6pm-8:30pm, July 19th 2018
Exhibition Closing Event: 12pm, September 16th 2018
Location: Matted LIC, 46-36 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, New York 11101
Come by to see the illustrations and enjoy the beautiful life in New York.
For more information, you can check out https://mattedlic.com/ or https://Qululululu.com/.
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Martha Stewart presents Frédéric Fekkai with French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF)’s Art de Vivre Award
On Monday night, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) honored Frédéric Fekkai, renowned stylist and founder of Fekkai and more recently founder and CEO of the natural beauty line Bastide with the fifth annual Art de Vivre Award. Martha Stewart, a close friend and long-time client of the honoree, presented Fekkai with aLalique Mossi vase during a cocktail reception at FIAF’s Le Skyroom. An elegant dinner for 120 guests followed at the French restaurant Le Bilboquet.
Bringing with her a 1991 issue of Martha Stewart Living, featuring her new Fekkai haircut on the cover, Stewart recalled her several decades-long relationship with the honoree: “Frederic knows how to transform, and that was his talent. He took an ordinary woman, and he knew how to make her into something very special, and he still does. That’s his charm, that’s his talent, and his entrepreneurial spirit behind that is what really appealed to me and the legions of women who have let him cut his hair.”
FIAF President Marie-Monique Steckel remarked, “Frédéric has been the hair guru in New York for decades, he also has his acclaimed Frédéric Fekkai beauty salon, and he has really shaped the beauty landscape all over America. Recently he has embarked on a new adventure, Bastide, his latest luxurious natural beauty and lifestyle brand. And tonight we are really honored to have Martha Stewart, guru of American lifestyle, to present the Art de Vivre award to Frédéric.”
The Art de Vivre Award reception and dinner raises funds to support FIAF’s mission to teach French, promote Francophone culture, and strengthen the relationship between the French and American peoples.
The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) would like to thank Lalique and James Mun, President & CEO of Lalique North America, for their very kind and generous donation of one Mossi vase to be presented to the evening’s honoree as his award. The kaleidoscopic effect of the Mossi Vase is both a stroke of creative genius and a feat of technical mastery. René Lalique designed this iconic piece in 1933. His original choice of material was plain glass, which the company has transformed into the vibrant intensity of crystal. A genuine interior design accessory of modernity, the Mossi plays on the contrast between the brilliance of its cabochons and the frosting of its base.
About Frédéric Fekkai
For more than three decades, Frédéric Fekkai has shaped the global beauty landscape. In 1989, Frédéric opened the luxury salon and day spa atop Bergdorf Goodman, which drew in celebrity clientele and led to the opening of seven salons. In 1994, Frédéric transformed hair care through the launch of his award-winning collection, Fekkai.
After 20 years at the helm of Fekkai, Frédéric has launched Bastide, a house of beauty and well-being, inspired by his hometown, Aix-en-Provence. In partnership with his wife and co-founder, Shirin von Wulffen, Frédéric celebrates Provence’s artisans and ingredients with locally made, non-toxic beauty products. Bastide opened its flagship boutique in Aix-en-Provence in June 2017 and now is available in wholesale and ecommerce throughout France, US, Canada, and Australia. In 2010, Frédéric was accorded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite, the French National Order of Merit awarded by the president of France to recognize distinguished achievements.
About Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart is an Emmy Award-winning television show host, entrepreneur, bestselling author of 90 books, and America’s most trusted lifestyle expert and teacher. Millions of people rely on Martha Stewart as a source of useful “how-to” information for all aspects of everyday living including cooking, entertaining, gardening, home renovating, collecting, organizing, crafting, healthy living, holidays, weddings, and pet care.
Martha’s business sense and creative vision provided the framework for her namesake company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., which launched in 1996. The expansive multimedia portfolio includes award-winning properties such as Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, marthastewart.com, and PBS shows Martha Stewart’s Cooking School and Martha Bakes. In 2016, Martha teamed up with longtime friend and collaborator Snoop Dogg for Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party on VH1.
Today, the Martha brand is comprised of Martha Stewart Collection created for Macy’s; Martha Stewart at Michaels; Martha Stewart at Staples; Martha Stewart Living at The Home Depot; a collaborative line of products with QVC in the skin care, fashion, food, and garden categories; Martha Stewart Wine Co.—a carefully curated online wine shop available only at MarthaStewartWine.com; Martha & Marley Spoon meal-kit delivery service, and more.
The Martha Stewart brand reaches over 100 million consumers each month across all media and merchandising platforms. Her products can be found in over 70 million households and have a growing presence online and in thousands of retail locations. Ms. Stewart currently serves as Chief Creative Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Sequential Brands Group.
About FIAF’s Art de Vivre Award
FIAF’s Art de Vivre Award, established in 2014, recognizes influential leaders from the food, wine, beauty, and fashion industries for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of the French art of living. Previous honorees include Elizabeth Holder Raberin and Pierre-Antoine Raberin of Ladurée USA; Frédéric Malle, Founder & CEO of Editions de Parfum Frédéric Malle; Martine and Prosper Assouline, co-founders of Assouline Publishing; and Carine Roitfield, Global Fashion Director of Harper’s BAZAAR. This spring, the award honors Frédéric Fekkai as ambassador of the French art de vivre and beauty and well-being throughout the world.
About FIAF
Founded in 1898, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) is the leading French language and cultural center in the United States. Our not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization creates innovative and unique programs in education and the arts that explore the evolving diversity and richness of French culture.
FIAF presents sophisticated programming in both French and English throughout the year, offering films, talks, art exhibitions and live performances of music, theater, dance, and more. Our Language Center, which welcomes 7,000 students each year, is the largest in the country and offers classes for toddlers to adults.
The Art de Vivre Award raises funds to support FIAF’s mission to teach French, promote Francophone culture, and strengthen the relationship between the French and American peoples.
Photos credited to Aurora Rose for Patrick McMullan and Courtesy of French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF).
