fall must

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november / december 2014FREE

F A S H I O N L I F E S T Y L E A R T E N T E R T A I N M E N T

yellowmags.com

how to shop your way through paris

holiday gift guidelubov azria from bcbg max azria groupbibhu returns to fashion houston

I experienced my first New York Fashion Week in September. It was full of excitement and, at times, I felt

like Carrie Bradshaw as I strutted around Lincoln Center in my Louboutins. I learned that NYFW can be

quite exhausting between catching early morning fashion shows and attending late night after parties.

Nonetheless, I would go back in a “New York minute”. In this issue, be sure to check out our interviews

with Lubov Azria and Bibhu Mohapatra.

Do not forget to mark your calendars and join us at Fashion Houston at the Wortham Center on Yellow

Magazine Night on November 20th, when we will be joined by designers Bibhu Mohapatra, Chloe Dao

and Rebecca Minkoff, among others. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@yellow_mags) for a chance

to win tickets to the show.

With the holiday season upon us, you may be struggling to find that perfect gift or having trouble

deciding what to wear to the many fêtes. Lucky for you, we have you covered in this issue with our

curated gift guides for those hostesses, trendsetters and gadgeteers in your life.

From the entire Yellow Magazine team, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Happy Holidays!

Issa

Photo by Jay Marroquin

f r o m t h e e d i t o r i n c h i e f

november / december 2014

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 ChiefIssa Chou

PublisherMV MediaPublisher/Managing DirectorViet HoangAdvertising713.528.6000 x103sales@yellowmags.com

Yellow Magazine1990 Post Oak Blvd.Space 1990 DHouston, TX 77056p 713.528.6000f 713.228.3186yellowmags.com

Yellow Magazine is published 6 times a year. 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 $36/6 issues. Mail check to: Yellow Magazine, 1990 Post Oak Blvd., Space 1990 D, Houston, TX 77056. © 2014 MV Media

EditorHenri MerceronCultural EditorsVuthy KuonTricia VoloreHealth EditorIvy YangTravel EditorMatt SimsWine EditorPhilip CuisimanoMusic EditorTyler MerceronLifestyle EditorChau NguyenBeauty EditorTree VaelloFashion EditorVi HuaContributing WritersDeanne NguyenLeo SiprasAshley VuInternAsia Hoang

Creative DirectorJeff MartinWebsiteLeo SiprasAssistant to the Editor in ChiefAshley VuContributing PhotographersMitchell AlexanderThang Nguyenkevinvideo1@yahoo.com Timothy Fredericktimothyfrederick.comShehla Z. Shahshehlazshahphotography.comPeter ThamFashion PhotographerDebbie PorterFashion StylistShelly BishopHair Dennis Clendennen w/Brandon Molinet

Makeup Andrea SchutterBusiness ManagerKarla Montejo

On the cover

Balenciaga Cocoon Coat $2,595, Neiman Marcus

Akris Turtleneck $1,690, Neiman Marcus

Lafayette 148 Ludlow Pants $398, Saks Fifth Avenue

Model: Jasmine Patience, Neal Hamil Agency

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In addition to museums, monuments, and incredible food, Paris has epic shopping opportunities that attract millions of visitors each year. On your next trip there, why not strive for a healthy mix of all of these elements which make the city such a unique place to visit.

As a visitor to Paris, sooner or later you’ll find yourself on that incredible bit of terrain that stretches from the Louvre museum to the Tuileries Garden, past the Place de la Concorde, down the famous Champs-Élysées and, finally, to the massive Arc de Triomphe. This is classic Paris with each step providing another postcard perfect scene. The shops along the Champs-Élysées will certainly draw you in along with thousands of other tourists, but what you might not know is that a couple of blocks to the north is where you will find the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district, which is the nucleus of Paris design and fashion. This fashion district is home to classic designers like Versace, Hermes, and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as a number of trendy concept shops such as Colette.

Paris’ department stores are known for being self-contained worlds. If you travel a couple of Metro stops farther north to Boulevard Haussman, you will find several stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, which are architectural marvels as well as great places to shop for fashion and luxury items. The grand dome, topped by stained glass, above the ornate opera house-like galleries of the Galeries Lafayette has become one of the most visited sites in Paris and represents the best of the period known as the Belle Époque (French for “Beautiful Era”).

After having fulfilled your duty of gazing upon the Eiffel Tower and filling your camera’s memory card with pictures of the many iconic sites, you will find yourself on the other side of the River Seine. Lovers of art will need to spend some quality time at the beautiful Rodin Museum (the sculptor’s former residence and gardens) filled with monumental sculptures, as well as the Musée d’Orsay, home to the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. Upmarket shoppers on this side of the river search out the famous department store, Le Bon Marché, which handily includes a gourmet market for fashionistas who happen to also be foodies.

If you want to spoil yourself, check into either the Four Seasons Hotel George V (fourseasons.com/paris) or Hotel Le Bristol (lebristolparis.com). Either one will place you within luxurious surroundings that would even make Louis the 16th jealous. However, if you are more interested in finding a small boutique hotel in an authentic French neighborhood, try the Hotel de Nell (hoteldenell.com).

Whatever you do, enjoy the city at your own pace. Don’t feel compelled to jam too many tourist sites into one day. Wake up late in the morning and go out to search for the perfect croissant to enjoy with your coffee. Don’t forget to greet the shopkeepers with a pleasant “bonjour” before you buy something. Explore the small neighborhoods, local restaurants, and seek out the experiences that will make your visit memorable.

t r a v e l

shopping your way through

parisNo city in the world has the

relationship with style as does Paris. The “City of Lights” has long

been regarded as synonymous with fashion and although there are

many great designers in New York, London, and Milan, fashion brands

such as Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton are legendary.

By Matt Sims

Top: No shopping in Paris is complete without a trip to the pâtisserie.

Bottom: Serene, modern room in the boutique Hotel de Nell.

Department store Galeries Lafayette recently celebrated its 120th anniversary.

The Printemps stores focus on beauty, lifestyle, fashion, accessories, and men’s wear.

G i f t G U i d e

holiday gift

guide It’s never too early to start your

holiday shopping, whether it’s for your BFF, boyfriend, or girlfriend,

we’ve got a few items you’ll want to add to your list. ‘Tis the

season, after all!

fifi phi of we wear things helps to curate some of the hottest gifts to stand out in a crowd, perfect for the Trendsetter in your life.

Tom Ford Buckley backpack, $3,220

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather slip-on sneakers, $680

Michi Feline bra, $129

Miu Miu Swarovski crystal-embellished fringed leather clutch, $2500

Chanel candy resin cuff, $1,825

Antonio Berardi Rupert Sanderson Crimea Leather over-the-knee boots, $2,735

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Givenchy flag-print leather bi-fold wallet, $510

DJI Phantom 2 Vision + Drone, $1,159

Samsung Smart HU9000 curved 4K TV, $7,999

Sony QX30 attachable lens for smartphone, $350

G i f t G U i d e

andrew nguyen shares some his favorite items for Tech Lovers, from a mirror-less camera with retro good looks to the-future-is-here android wear watch.

Leica X (Typ 113) camera, $2,295

American Innovative Nixie clock, $599

Motorola 360 smartwatch, $250

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G i f t G U i d e

with the many holiday parties you’ll surely be attending, you can’t leave home without bringing a hostess gift. issa picked some luxurious items for that “Hostess with the mostest”. Christian Louboutin Rouge nail polish, $50

Vogue Covers Italian matte finish coffee table book, $96

Diptyque Baies Noire candle, $290

Alissia Melka Teichroew inside out champagne glasses, $70

Jonathan Adler brass elephant box, $250

Fendi fur monster charm, $700

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Givenchy Blouse $1,475 Givenchy Pleated Mini Skirt $1,990 Celine Sling-Back Heels $770Stephanie Kantis Cocktail Ring $495 Balenciaga Bracelet 355All available at Neiman Marcus

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Alberto Makali Patchwork Rabbit Fur Coat $440, Saks Fifth Avenue Alexander McQueen Hi-Low Top

$1,125, Saks Fifth Avenue Joie Button Up $268,

Saks Fifth AvenueCurrent Elliott Jeans $225,

Neiman Marcus

y e l l o w m a g s . c o m 11

Saint Laurent Sweater $1,950 Prabal Gurung Top $495 Saint Laurent Skirt $4,650Oscar de la Renta Necklace $655 All available at Neiman Marcus

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FRAME Le Skinny Coated Denim Overalls $299, Saks Fifth Avenue

Helmut Lang Veneered Angora Turtleneck Sweater $845, Saks Fifth Avenue

Chloe Sunglasses $345, Neiman Marcus

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Lanvin Blouse $1,645 Saint Laurent Mini Skirt $2,550 Valentino Boots $1,895Devon Leigh Necklace $450 Alexis Bittar Bangles $130 eachJose & Maria Barrera Hoop Earrings $275 Tom Ford Handbag $1,990All available at Neiman Marcus

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Tibi Panda Long Coat $850, Saks Fifth AvenueChanel Cropped Sweater $2,200, Neiman MarcusNina Ricci Pencil Skirt $1,335, Neiman MarcusLaurence Decade Booties $1,450, Neiman MarcusYves Saint Laurent Monogramme Leather Crossbody Bag $1390, Neiman Marcus

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Partridge Pear Tree Cocktail

Ingredients:2 ounces gin1 tablespoon Campari1 ounce rosemary simple syrup½ a Red Anjou, Red Bartlett, or Starkrimson Pear1 sprig of rosemary

Directions: Chop half a pear into ½ inch cubes and add to a martini shaker. Pour the gin into the shaker and muddle until the pear is completely mashed. Strain the pear and gin mixture into a new shaker, then add the Campari and rosemary simple syrup. Shake with ice, then strain into a martini glass or a lowball filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of pear and a sprig of rosemary.

Rosemary Simple Syrup: Bring 1 cup of water, 5 rosemary sprigs, and 1 cup of sugar to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes and then remove from the heat to cool. Filter the mixture, then store it in a container that can be refrigerated. It will last for 7-10 days in the fridge.

The Grand Manhattan

Ingredients:1.5 oz Hennessy V.S.5 oz Sweet Vermouth.5 oz Grand Marnier2 dashes Angostura bitters3 brandied cranberries

Directions: Place all ingredients (except brandied cranberries) into a mixing glass and stir with ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and garnish with 3 brandied cranberries on a skewer.

Hot Tequila Cider

Ingredients:2 oz Tequila6 oz Hot Spiced Apple CiderHeavy Cream

Directions: Add Tequila and hot apple cider in a small warm wine glass. Float heavy cream. Grate fresh nutmeg over cream.

holiday cocktailsMake the best bar in the city the one in your home this holiday with these deliciously festive cocktails.

y e l l o w m a g s . c o m18

How did you get started in the fashion industry?

I started as an Assistant Patternmaker then worked my way up, learning every aspect of the design process. I now lead a team of designers and patternmakers along with the marketing, visual, merchandising, and store concept team.

What was your inspiration for the Fall/Winter collection, and how did it vary between BCBG and Runway?

This fall, BCBGMAXAZRIA celebrates its 25th anniversary, so I was inspired to go back to our archives. We brought out styles that are consistent with the brand’s DNA; styles that color block, dresses with movement, silhouettes that drape, jumpsuits and strong jackets, and created a collection that pays homage to those qualities and that truly represent the BCBGMAXAZRIA image. Runway sets the vision and concept for the collection and ready to wear follows with a more wearable approach. The collection draws on the past but is youthful and cool; it celebrates our journey.

What do you see happening with the company in the next 5 years?

The most important thing I see for the company in the next 5 years is growth. From the beginning, our goal has been to make women feel beautiful and confident in every moment of their day. We aim to continue to do so while also expanding the company into a lifestyle brand. We want to be the brand where women can come to and in one place get everything she wants and needs.

When designing for BCBG, what kind of woman do you have in mind?

We are designing for 3 types of women; the connoisseur, the socialite and the visionary. The connoisseur is your working woman who is always on the go, whether in the corporate world or at home, because staying at home is hard work, too. She has a more classic style and is, therefore, attracted to the variety of styles and silhouettes in our sportswear collection. She can find something for every facet of her working life. The

socialite customer dresses for her social life. She wears our dresses and likes to add our jackets in for an added edge. She likes glamour and loves to feel beautiful while she is out to dinner or dancing. The visionary is our creative customer. She finds those special novelty pieces that speak to her. She likes to mix and match and allows her creative flair to show in her clothing. Our women do it all and need clothes to complement that.

What are your must have pieces for this Holiday season?

The most important thing to remember when dressing for the holidays is to have fun. A little black dress and a statement jacket are

must-have pieces, but don’t be afraid to add color or sparkle to a classic look. I love to mix and match unexpected pieces together. Chic but comfortable shoes are important. Walk into the party with confidence and a smile and you will be the most beautiful woman in the room.

talking fashion with

lubov azriaLubov Azria is the Chief Creative Officer of BCBG Max Azria Group, a global fashion powerhouse with more than 20 brands. I was quite excited to first meet her when BCBG Max Azria and Herve Leger participated in Fashion Houston a few years ago and again this past September during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. She’s a woman to be admired and one of the busiest and most fashionable moms in the business.

By Issa Chou

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the cromwell

The Las Vegas Strip’s first standalone luxury lifestyle

boutique hotel, The Cromwell, opened this past May. The 188

suites and rooms have a vintage-meets-modern design, with

distressed hardwood floors, custom chandeliers, trunk-style

furnishing and photographic artwork by Deborah Anderson.

Splashes of bright colors echo whimsical touches, such as

the black and white mosaic shower tiles spelling out playful

English-French phrases.

The Cromwell’s 19 suites add even more selection to the

luxurious Anthology Las Vegas Suites & Villas collection. The

suites, which feature wet bars, steam showers and deep

soaking tubs, are strategically placed among the hotel for

prime Strip views.

Emmy-Award winning celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis

has opened her first-ever restaurant, GIADA inside the hotel.

Guests can eat in the dining room, lounge or on the outdoor

patio, boasting breathtaking views of the Bellagio fountains

and Caesars Palace.

For those in the partying mood, Drai’s Beach Club/Nightclub

offers 65,00-square-feet of panoramic partying on The

Cromwell’s rooftop, then the posh Drai’s After Hours keeps the

action going in The Cromwell’s basement level.

Top: The Cromwell is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip

Middle: Rooms feature luxurious accommodations in an intimate,

Parisian-inspired atmosphere.

Below: The Cromwell is around the corner from the newly opened High Roller observation wheel at the center of The LINQ entertainment district.

y e l l o w m a g s . c o m20

bibhu returns to fashion

houstonBibhu Mohahapatra is an Indian-American fashion

and costume designer based out of New York. He

has received numerous accolades over the years

and his designs have been featured in fashion

magazines Vogue and Marie Claire. Bibhu will be returning to Fashion Houston on November 20th for the third time

and will be showcasing his Spring 2015 collection.

Before attending F.I.T. you had received a Masters Degree in Economics. What prompted you to make that change of course and how did your family recact?

Being in fashion was always the mission. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to create designs for clothes. So, my parents were most supportive and happy when the moment of transition came.

What is the inspiration for the geographic prints in your Spring Collection?

The inspiration behind the spring 2015 collection was the spirit and personal aura of Nancy Cunard, someone who has been named the most influential muses of 20th century. The pattern is a very classic caning pattern that we manipulated and fused with painted poppies to make it more relevant and interesting. The prints determine the mood of my collections.

What fashion advice do you always follow for yourself?

‘Work hard, stay focused on making that balance of creativity and commerce, and be nice to people around you along the way’

Of all the achievements you have accomplished in the fashion industry, what do you consider your biggest?

The day Michelle Obama wore my gown at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation dinner in September 2014. I felt real proud.

As an Indian-American in the fashion industry, what advice can you give other Asian Americans wanting to pursue a career in fashion?

Focus and work hard and know your roots. Those roots give us our individuality and, in fashion, individuality is everything.

This is your third time returning to Fashion Houston, what are your thoughts about Houston?

I love Houston, it’s people and their voracious appetite for arts and fashion. I am thrilled to be back.

e v e n t s

ceLebrITY cHArITY bIrTHdAY PArTYHeld at BCBGMAXAZRIA Galleria

More than 200 stylish guests joined Mandy Kao and Nihala Zakaria on September 28th for their annual charity birthday celebration at BCBGMAXAZRIA in the Galleria. This is the first charity event hosted by BCBG Houston with 15 percent of sales proceeds going to Linking the World (linkingthworld.com) in support of orphans and displaced children in Gaza and to the Mandy Kao Foundation (mandykaofoundation.com) to fund after-school programs in apartments and elementary schools in low-income Houston neighborhoods and to support outreach and education programs for refugee girls.

Guests mingled and shopped all night to raise funds and left with some swag bags including gifts from BCBG. Seven of Houston’s top fashion bloggers modeled looks from the fall collection. They included: Issa Chou and Fifi Phi of WeWearThings.com; Katy Atlas of SugarLaws.com; Monica Abney of ClassandFab.com; Leigh Evans of GirlAroundTown.net; and Magen Pastor of MagenPastor.com; and Madmoiselle MoNi of FashionandFabulous.us

“Birthdays are such a special occasion, but they are even more meaningful when we can make a difference in people’s lives. That’s why we started doing this, and we were so grateful to have BCBGMAXAZRIA join us in celebrating giving back,” Kao said.

Nihala Zakaria, Mandy Kao

Yasmin Haddad, Jared Lang, Connie Kwan-Wong

Monica Abney, Fifi Phi, Katy Atlas, Leigh Evans, Magen Pastor, Moni Medellin, Issa Chou

Gina Li, Karina Barbieri, Chau Nguyen

Jennifer Simmons, Sydney Dao, Chloe Dao, Andrea Bonner

Nihala Zakaria, Nadia Saiz, Samiha Khan

Reno Bhatti, Shubnum Masood, Habiba Dhanani

Mandy Kao, Joy Sewing, Nihala Zakaria

Donae Chramosta, Bridgitte Lee

Sippi Khurana, Savreet Singh

y e l l o w m a g s . c o m 21

Mr. Peeples is located in the trendiest part of Midtown which explodes with nocturnal activity on the weekends as hordes of mostly post-collegiate youth descend upon this area from all corners of Houston. So, it was with a sigh of relief that Angel Rios, Operations Manager, invited me for a visit on a quiet Friday afternoon.

The restaurant occupies the renovated 1950s Boy Scouts building which preserved much of the vintage aesthetic while updating the structure to meet contemporary expectations. That melding of the old with the new is so appealing when done correctly as is the case here. Whereas, Mr. Peeples moniker is “Seafood, Steak, Style”, don’t expect the typically conservative interior of dark greys and brown; you are welcomed by vibrant colors tastefully exhibited throughout the restaurant that lift your spirits as soon as you enter the front door.

As an aside, on the floor above the main dining area are available spaces that may accommodate large gatherings for dinner, cocktails, or other special occasions. One room is suitable for groups of up to 180 people; another room is suitable for groups of up to 60 people; and a smaller room suitable for up to 16 people. These rooms are free of charge subject to minimum food and beverage order requirements.

Rather than tell you all about the Chilean Sea Bass, Colorado Lamb Chops, Kobe meatballs and the Chipotle Mac and Cheese that I sampled and really liked, I want to tell you about some of the less obvious items that basically blew me away. First, the pretzel bread that is served is fried just before being brought to the table. It is indescribably delicious; crispy outside, soft inside and reminiscent of unsweetened New Orleans beignets. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The Fried Brussels Sprouts, a side, are so light and flakey that they dare you not to finish them off completely after the first taste. Another side, Bacon Wrapped Fingerling Potatoes, are fried and topped with a homemade BBQ sauce. The bland potatoes were the perfect offset to showcase the flavorful thick slab bacon and BBQ sauce. It is another addictively delicious item that you will finish even if you are way beyond full.

And lest you think I am favoring all the fried items, Mr. Peeples’ Lobster and Crab Bisque have converted me. I have never cared for bisques. The texture and flavor of this one surpassed any I have previously tasted. I caught myself literally savoring each spoonful.

For you meat lovers, you will be interested to know that Mr. Peeples is proud to be the only restaurant in Houston to serve only USDA Certified Angus Prime Cuts of beef. They prepare it very simply to allow the true flavor of the meat to express itself. I had the strip steak and you can really taste the difference. The flavor is unique and, as such, I think it is better that you experience it for yourself rather than for me to try to describe it to you. The best I can do is to state that it is more flavorful than other beef without being gamey.

As though I had not eaten enough, Angel insisted that I sample the Crème Brulee, Pecan Pie, White Chocolate Bread Pudding and the Godiva Chocolate Cake on the recently unveiled dessert menu. The crème brulee was the best I have had because of its flavor and the cream had more body (which I prefer). The pecan pie was like a large shallow tart that consisted of crushed pecans that had a nice roasted flavor. Absent was the gelatinous mass that fills most pecan pies and adds

considerable unneeded sweetness. The bread pudding was very light and soft and not as sweet as I have found most to be. If you like chocolate as I do, the chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, caramel ice cream and chocolate sauces is the stuff from which dreams are made. While many of these items are dessert mainstays on countless restaurant menus, their presentation here is such that if you see them being displayed, you feel compelled to order them even if you do not have any room left in your belly. I say, that is why they have “to go” containers. If you can have your cake and eat it, too, then why not do just that!

seafood and steak with style

By Henri Merceron

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mr. Peeples1911 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002713.652.0711mrpeeples.com