My First Fashion Show as a Designer

The International Examiner's 35 year anniversary evening of events included a fashion designer competition that I entered. This was my first time showing any of my work as a designer, which I was quite nervous about. There was a panel of 5 judges who made comments about each designer's work after their set was presented. Even though I didn't win the competition, it was an exciting experience to have my creations shown on the runway.

I plan on continuing to sew part-time and entering in more shows in the future. Sewing has been a huge passion of mine for the majority of my life, so it's about time I made a show of it for the world to see!

Lily Jang wearing "kimono fantasy"


Boz wearing "purple passion"


Sandie wearing "bamboo flirt"


Unie wearing "midnight sakura"


Photos by Harry Hu

Making of a Couture Gown, part two

A submission form for the International Examiner's InspirAsian fashion designer competition was passed on to me from a friend a while back. Being that I have been sewing again in the recent couple of years, I decided to enter my designs and see what came of it. Much to my suprise, I was admitted into the competition and set to work creating four gowns on top of the other four I already had on hand. I affectionately titled each creation, seen below:

*Green goddess* sketch.


Drapings.


Completely hand sewn from straps to hemline.


Back straps.



*Kimono fantasy* sketch.


Fabric layout.


Also hand sewn.


Cuts of cloth for the obi.


*Midnight sakura* blossoms pinned.


Bracelet accessory paired with gown.


*Crimson beauty* cutting fabric.


Contrasting strap pinnings.


Making four dresses in two weeks definitely made my life interesting!

Massive Monkees Day, 10 year Anniversary

The Massive Monkees Day Anniversary event is never just a battle for me, but a night to see a myriad of friends under one roof. Plus, I love meeting new people and making new friends as well. So while the battle ensued, I spent some time photographing the beloved Monkees and others who have made an impact on my life over the years.


Click here to see all photos.

Bles and Dv1


Joe and Domes


Germz and Jonnie Skwerl


Paulina and Randm


Jeremy, Tim, Annabeth


Nelson and Jeromeskee


Soul One and Crazy Legs


Cornbread, Ash, Twixx


Free, Granite


Isaac and Khazm


Bean, Orb, Lee


Flo, Pitt, and Rod with the kids


Granite and Anna Banana

Evofest II

An evening of hip-hop festivities was held at Fremont's own ski/board shop, Evo. Hence the title, Evofest. The four elements of hip-hop were represented with visual stimulation by various graffiti artists, battles by local bboys and bgirls, beats by Ohmega Watts, and mc performances by Can-u and Fidget. And, of course, photography provided by yours truly.

Click here to see photos!

Final battle: Thesis vs. Randm

Mother's Day

Coming from Taiwan as an immigrant to the United States, my mother is definitely one of the hardest working people I know (the other is my father). I inherited all my creativity from this woman who gave up her career as a dance teacher in Taipei to bring her children to another country so they could have better opportunities. She and my father sacrificed so much for my happiness. And I was never pressured into a lofty career, but encouraged to go after my love for the arts. Today, I am a freelance photographer, with my mom to thank for my artistic gene, as well as my goofy nature. For the fact that she has always been my number one fan, she deserves the title of the best mother in the world!

Luly Yang's Pearl Essence

There was a time when exiting off I-5 onto Seneca Street was a common occurrence in my driving schedule. I would then make a right onto Fourth Avenue, where I would usually be stopped at the light on University, right in front of the Luly Yang store. I would gaze into the windows and admire the new designs, dreaming of the day to come when I would buy one of her gowns.

Today I get to photograph her fashion shows, a wonderful privilege for me to be able to see her newest fashions up close and personal. Here are some photos from her latest collection, Pearl Essence.