Who else is celebrating their first Father’s Day? Canadian singer songwriter Tyler Shaw has been producing music and sharing his thoughts from home throughout the pandemic. He also welcomed his baby daughter into the world, who pops up in his feed regularly! Happy first Father’s Day, Tyler! Last year, we had a chance to spend some time with Tyler (at the lovely Hazelton Hotel Toronto) to learn about his journey of music, his relationship with Chinese heritage, also his ArtistsCan project initiated with fellow Canadian artist, Fefe Dobson.

Art and Fashion, Personal StoriesRuizhou LiJune 17, 2021Tyler Shaw, Music, chinese canadian, fatherComment

The Master of Traditional Handmade Silk Buttons 傳統花釦之工藝大師

In Hong Kong resides a traditional artisan of embroidered button fasteners for cheongsams (qipaos) and other garments. Master Po Ming-Wah is one of the few artisans of this craft still practicing in Hong Kong today, however, this art is becoming extinct. Fête Chinoise had an opportunity to sit down with Master Po and presidents of Cheongsam Connect, Anita Tsang and Donna Cheung in Hong Kong to better understand the history and current challenges of the practice. Each of Master Po’s intricate knots have auspicious names, an intentional meaning, and a corresponding design.

Art and FashionDeborah Lau-YuJune 3, 2021Hong Kong, hong kong week, cheongsam, qipao, silk button, craftmanshipComment

K BODY AND MIND: Subverting Cyberpunk

In K BODY AND MIND, you see two women on stage. They are Asian. Their hair and clothing are identical, but they are not twins. What happens when they open their mouths is probably not what you’d expect. Over the three episodes of K BODY AND MIND, you hear these two women voice a whole cast of characters, dozens of background voices, and a dog. Those two women are myself and actor Donna Soares.

Asian Representation at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards 2021

Canada celebrated its annual most fashionable night in, at the first virtual production of the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards gala on May 19th. Nominees, Honourees, Sponsors, and Guests all tuned in from home, work, or the backyard, to toast some of the nation’s most talented creators in the fashion industry. Several Asian artists and creatives were nominated and in some cases, took home the trophy! Because it’s Asian Heritage Month, it is even more important to highlight some of these individuals and their achievements.

7 most important Chinese porcelains in western collections 中國瓷器的魅力: 西方收藏的賞心七最

Chinese porcelain at large is admired by many of us, and used in home decor and sold by brands around the world. Ting Zhang shares some valuable history behind porcelain and ceramics that will help us appreciate them even more!

Art and FashionGuest UserMay 18, 2021Art, CultureComment

Behind the Mystery of Art for New Collectors

For many people, the art market is mysterious and unfamiliar. At the same time, collecting art is a very attractive hobby, especially when factoring in the concept of investing in art that grows in value over time. The publicity and marketing of auction companies has opened the door to many new collectors, allowing them to get in touch with works of art one step at a time. So how does one begin collecting art and building a collection? What should you pay attention to when you start your personal collection? Let us explore the definition of collection and collections, and share some reference strategies for buying art.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseApril 14, 2021artComment

A Role Within A Role – Exploring Anna May Wong Through Photography

Anna May Wong was born in Los Angeles in 1905 to second-generation immigrants and has quite an inspirational story. May found herself excluded from Chinese theatre, given her "Americanness" and similarly, Americans found her too Chinese for specific roles. May was no stranger to that universal feeling that many diasporas must confront – being stuck between multiple identities. Yinsey Wang explores her legacy through her primary art medium, self-portraiture photography, to feel connected with the diaspora experience in this unique way.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseApril 7, 2021Entertainment, film, art, film reviewComment

Florasis: Beauty Steeped in Culture《花西子：懷少年初心，敬百年匠心》

Beauty is often thought of as being only skin deep, but the products we are inspired to use are often steeped in culture and craftsmanship. How are Chinese brands growing and expanding into the global market? In this article (link in bio), learn more about the inspiration, culture and business of Florasis, a relatively new and highly successful cosmetic brand. We will discover how it intersects tradition, culture, art and beauty in a way that has captured the hearts of many discerning consumers and the Chinese community globally.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseMarch 25, 2021Fashion, beauty, GiftsComment

A Signature Style Called ‘Chinatown Pretty’

Authors Valerie Luu & Andria Lo of Chinatown Pretty walked us through their journey chasing after pòh pohs (grandmas) and gùng gungs (grandpas) that have pretty shoes or standout hats that fill the Chinatown streets across North America. In today's unfortunate climax of anti-Asian hate crimes, the book's significance has undoubtedly shifted and increased, especially in the last several weeks – where many cases were unprovoked, and victims were vulnerable elderly Asians.

Art and Fashion, Long ReadsFête ChinoiseMarch 11, 2021Fashion, Entertainment, Book ReviewComment

Trends & Observations in Fashion for Lunar New Year 2021

Luxury brands across the globe have been actively creating collections to celebrate the Lunar New Year. It takes a lot of thoughtfulness and execution to create products that are inclusive to their customers and specific for a special occasion. We applaud the effort of brands incorporating symbolism and significant colours in their designs. However, is there a higher expectation from brands to make the products and campaigns more meaningful?

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseFebruary 24, 2021Lunar New Year, Fashion, LuxuryComment

Karen Mok: Where Words Fail, Music Speaks 當世界休止時，音樂從不止息

What made the hit single, Breathing is Hazardous, 呼吸有害, the song of the year in Hong Kong? Karen Mok 莫文蔚 is the voice behind the song that swept all five major awards platforms, thrusting her back into the spotlight of her home city. What makes this song so special for Chinese diasporas around the world? Read on to discover more about her career and stunning performance at the 881903 Ultimate Song Chart Awards this month.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseJanuary 20, 2021Music, entertainmentComment

Behind-the-Scenes with Fête Chinoise Magazine 2021

We present some behind-the-scenes teasers from our photoshoot, featuring one of our favourite Chinese-Canadian celebrities. Can you guess who he might be? — yes, there’s your first hint, it’s a he!

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseDecember 2, 2020Celebrity, Behind the Scenes, Cartier, Magazine PhotoshootComment