Magazine Madness: Nylon & Alia Shawkat in Spring 2017

Nylon January 2017

It’s been impossible to purchase any NYLON magazine since Akademinen Kirjakappa (Academic Bookstore) was disbanded from Stockmann Department Store Group. One of the most alternative, attractive and ambitious culture magazines has its tough stories since 2014. NYLON Founder Marvin Scott Jarrett and his wife Jaclynn Jarrett, were forced to leave the chief positions in May 2104, due to the acquiring by Nylon Media, Inc., and affiliate of investor Marc Luzzatto through his team at Dicersis Capital, LLC. In January 2015, the Editor-in-Chief was Michelle Lee, while exact 2 years later, the feel of the photography has changed more of a minimalism, and the Letter from the Editor is from Melissa Giannini. Being as a hard core NYLON magazine fan since 2006, it’s always fun to see the changes of the styles but also the concern the cruel business insights of capitalism.

So the search of NYLON magazine has begun. There was no trace at Helsinki city centre, not even at Relay of Frankfurt Airport, until I revisited Eslite flagship store in Taipei, then the mission was finally completed. NYLON January 2017 issue has it’s pastel, soft-focus touch, presenting Alia Shawkat crossed-leg sitting on floor, a nearly rare angle to present cover girl of NYLON in comparison of 2000 era.

The decision of purchasing any magazine to my collection is heavily relying on the colour tone, the appreciation of the icon and the contents of its soul. I did not realize that January cover girl Alia Shawkat is Sam in Director Jeremy Saulnier’s Green Room (2015), until during the interview with Safy-Hallan Farah did Alia show her ‘AY’ tattoo in the memorial of her good friend, Green Room co-actor Anton Yelchin, who passed away in an incident in 2016. With Norwegian, Irish and Italian ancestry from her mother and Iraqi father, Alia has olive-hue skin, super curly dark hair and obvious freckles on cheeks, more of a Portuguese or Brazilian beauty as the first sight. This 27-year-old actress from L.A, is ‘a reminder that you can exist in the entertainment world and remain authentic’, says Aubrey Plaza of Alia. Alia herself expresses during the interview, that her Iraqi father worked in a strip club when he emigrated from Bagdad, therefore, she used to visit to see those strips girls dancing, and made a mini documentary about their lives, and this experience affects her views toward sexuality, femininity and attention.

Even more than she is strong and independent, Alia is highly self-possessed. She is the refusal to Facebook, and she only binges on Instagram for 15 minutes and then immediately erases her account. Nevertheless, she is quickly to admit during the interview that her disengagement with social networks has a lot to do with her own insecurities, on top of her reluctance to be just another cookie-cutter media sweetie starlet. While at the end of the interview, Alia and Farah are not hurry to part ways. They wander to the mini mall, get frozen yogurt, and walk until they reach the parking lot, then they hug and wave goodbye. 

The interview of Alia Shawkat is as old-school style as most of the fashion/culture magazine on the description of the interviewee, still it’s amazing of NYLON that the editorial team always can present some public figures who may not (yet) the Hollywood spotlight nutshells, but with great potentials and whimsical talents, such as Alia’s contribution her illustration to NYLON January 2017 interview. As my own photo capturing of NYLON January 2017, I adapt two Chanel Camilla flowers to cover the price tag, a pair of Vivienne Westwood pink orb earrings and its dark grey felt bag in order to combine and contrast the pastel tone of magazine cover, the Japanese porcelain rabbit is from one of my best friends’ wedding gift, it was amazingly found during the Chinese New Year in my Taipei flat. The Ami Yumi keychain designed by American illustrator Rodney A. Greenblat is my collection since 2000, and finally the photo style completed with a mini freebie from Aranzi Café in Taipei. The cover photo shooting contains the themes of pastel hues, white, grey, rabbit, spring and lovely memory of Taipei.

About the other part of NYLON January 2017, besides the paper quality is a similar adaptation of TIME or NEWSWEEK, on its specific column, RADAR, NYLON provides another different vibe through the illustration and Q&A; and NYLON long-term fashion reporter Dani Stahl does a lovely Chanel resort collection fashion campaign at January 2017 issue. Touch Down, NYLON, that’s why I keep searching worldwide and hoarding you since 2006.

Works Cited & Photography:

www.nylon.com

Cuisine Crush: Dine Some Dim Sum, Tell the Tall Tale in Taipei, Taiwan

Indeed my all-time favourite activities in Taiwan are eating, drinking, chatting and shopping. Luckily, 2017 Chinese New Year holidays provide yet another warm and comfortable days, there are fresh friends to meet up, lovely beloved to gathering around, and always, the delicious food always accompanies aside.

The Hakka has been settling in Taiwan for over centuries and owns their dialects. Hakka cuisine hallmarks its texture of pork, duck and sauerkraut, usually stew, braise and roast the ingredients. In Song Shan District, Taipei, introduced a profound Hakka restaurant by a pharmacist friend of mine, we try Ginger Fried Intestine, Pork Belly Steamed with Pickle Cabbage, Hakka Brewed Tofu and Seasonal Vegetable Dish. I am never a vegetarian, even I try not to devour an overdoes amount of meat at my daily appetite, still, with Hakka cuisine on the table, I praise both the soft and juicy chews of Ginger Fried Intestine, and enjoy absorbing certain amount of grease from pork belly to keep my facial and body skin bright and smooth; therefore, there is no need of any single pill of collagen tablet aftermath. Hakka food may be described as outwardly simple but tasty, the skill in Hakka cuisine cooking lies in the ability to cook meat thoroughly without hardening it and to naturally bring out the core flavor of meat, also, the dish depends on what is available in the market to make, which are the eco-friendly and delicious-guarantee secrets of fine Hakka cuisine. We love it a lot!

My dear professors always know the surprising recommendation onto the theme of fine food. At Mitsukoshi Department in Tienmu area, Taipei, my second experience of Hunan dishes is also unforgettable. Also called as Xiang Cuisine, dates back to the 17^th century, it is one of the Great Chinese Cuisines and is well known for its hot spicy flavor, fresh aroma and deep colours. Common cooking techniques include stew, fry, pot-roast and smoke. 

At Xiang 101, Three of us order Roasted Prawn, Spicy Friend Rice Noodles, Bacon Fried Rice, General Tso’s Chicken and Carp Soup. About General Tso’s Chicken, there are several stories of its origin, but Taiwan-based Hunan cuisine chef Peng Chang-Kuei’s tale the most credible. During one late night to serve the former President Chiang Ching-Kuo, at the shortage of the ingredients at hands, Chef Peng deep-fried the chicken legs, later wok together with chilies, gingers, garlics, leeks, vinegar and soybean sauce, and finally thicken the chicken legs with flour and sesame oil. President Chiang was so surprised with the flavor of the ‘new dish’ and requesting the title, Chef Peng made up the legend that Qing Dynasty General Tso adored this dish in Hunan; therefore, one of the most famous Chinese cuisines was born ever since. Chef Peng has opened restaurant in Hunan in the 90’s but ironically closed down for a short period of time due to the locals criticizing that General Tso’s Chicken and other dishes are too sweet to be traditional Xiang Cuisine. Chef Peng passed away from pneumonia in November 2016 at age of 98.

Chatting with friends at veggie Dim Sum Tea House is my prime experience during 2017 holidays. Cantonese Dim Sum is prepared as small bite-size portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates, together with Chinese full tea brunch, always linked with the tradition from yum cha (tea drinking), which has its roots in travelers on the ancient Silk Road needing a place to rest. My elementary school mate and I choose Veggie Steaming Dumpling, Veggie Shaomai, Eggplant & Vegetables Pot, Cold Vinegar Lotus Roots, BBQ Rice Rolls and of course a kettle of Oolong tea. Taiwan is famous for Oolong tea, which its taste is more similar to green tea, but has a less grassy falvor or sweet touch, with more of calm aroma at the first brew.

Taiwan with no doubt is a rather smaller island, yet its richness of food choices opening my vision all the time. The great news is , that the price range of the fine cuisine is not outrageously far from the street stalls. Save some energy, exercise more often, next time, I am sure there are drilling moments await me ahead.

Special Thanks: Jenny, Sasha, Soniya, Wan-Yi, Po-Han, Professor Yuan, Professor Chen, Family Chou, Family Yuan

Accessories Accede: What’s in My See By Chloé Doublure Sac?

Q&A In Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Happy Chinese New Year 2017! Tell us about your city trip essentials within See By Chloé Doublure bag.

See By Chloé Doublure was purchased at Stockmann in Helsinki during 2014 seasonal sales, in 2016 was accidentally forgotten in Taipei. While doing the annual cleaning in 2017, I found it in the overhead compartment of my wardrobe, decided to take it with me to Kaohsiung during the New Year holidays. See By Chloé Doublure is made with 100% cowhide and 100% cotton lining, equipped with a pair of Prada leopard acetate sunglasses, the miniature size of cosmetics, an Aranzi Aronzo notebook, and exclusive jewelry as my city trip essentials.

About your yet another mini pochette collection, what’s the story behind Chanel SS 2017?

I have revisited this light blue pochette twice at boutique in Helsinki. Made in Italy, 100% lambskin with off-white malletage stitches, and what really attracts me is at the zipper-enclosure a Chanel double C logo, the thickness of the pochette is puffy at the perfect touch; therefore, my pre-Chinese New Year gift purchase has done before flying back to Taiwan.

✔Chanel Powder Blush #88 Vivacité accompanies me through thousand-mile journey. The sleek palette embodies the mirror and blush brush allows me to check my cheeks every now and then.

✔Chanel angled powder brush is from Chanel make-up tool kit. It ensures the large scale of facial contours.

✔Prada sunglasses’ leopard pattern is for sure one of my favourite holiday accessories! Made in Italy, its black lenses, grey-tonal acetate frames, 100% UV protection and indeed the cat-eyed design serves all my outfits well.

✔From my long-term wish-list item to my daily essential, Chanel Rouge Allure INK #152 Choquant is a long-lasting liquid lipstick with a smooth texture that glides on like a gloss and sets with a luminous, velvet-like finish. The Jojoba oil offer hydration and protective benefits, and the applicator tip allows for easy application, which is much more a faster Rouge Allure.

✔Funny Gudetama, as nicknamed by me as Yolk Bro, is the new super popular Sanrio cartoon character. One egg can cook them all, that this micro cute capsule toy from the vending machine, is my new favourite, also a great lucky charm for the Year of Rooster. The original term of capsule toy machine, Gashapon, in Japanese, ‘Gasha’ means the sound of a crank on a toy vending machine, and ‘pon’ for the toy capsule dropping into the receptacle. Virtually all gashapon toys are released in sets, in 4-6 a row, and collected by some enthusiastic fans from gashapon stores; while I prefer to test my luck during Chinese New Year to have some additional mini surprise.

✔Chao & Eero Bubble pearl ring is a customized delicate jewel. Chao is a Taiwanese jewelry designer who met Eero while studying in Finland, ever since the couple runs the craftsmanship studio in Lahti, they design, handmade and exhibit their wisdom between the East and the West. The Japanese freshwater pearls standouts the lovely 18K gold ring; the authentic materials and comfortable wearing is what truly so-called luxury jewelry.

✔La Mer eye gel 3ml and YSL Instant Moisture Glow 5ml are the convenient sizes for weekly vacation, and Elizabeth Arden 8-hour lip protection is my all-time must have, needless to say.

✔Vivienne Westwood burgundy IONA studded earrings is my 2016 Christmas bargain hunt. The three-dimensional Orbs are delicately enameled in shiny burgundy Rhodium and finished with glistering Swarovski crystals, very decorative Rococo.

✔L’Occitane Violet hand cream contains 20% sea butter, the AW 2016 seasonal 10ml packaging reminds me of fireworks during Chinese New Year.

✔Royal janissary mini paper clip is a vintage stationary found in my Taipei apartment. It is also can be treated as instant bookmark of Aranzi Aronzo notebook. The Japanese-Mexican-Norwegian illustrator duo from Osaka creates the funniest animation characters make my inspiration jotting never slip away!

✔The nano Japanese lucky scented charm is a vintage souvenir from my 2002 Kansai Tour. The jingle attached on the poppy red string is girly and super kawaii design.

✔One EUR equals to approximately 35 TWD, while 20 TWD converts into 60 cents, no worry, just enough to buy a bag of milk puff as afternoon treat.

✔Several bank notes are hidden, still Finnair frequent flyer, HSBC, Chanel carte d’authenticité, Taiwan Metro Pass (available to apply both Kaohsiung and Taipei MRT system), and my fashion blogger/film critic business card are certainly best mates of Chanel lambskin pochette.

CHAO&EERO

GUDETAMA

Fashion Fun KAOHSIUNG! See by Chloé, Just Cavalli & Miu Miu Nappa Slip-On

National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City 

Chinese New Year 2017 in Kaohsiung provides the sunniest sunshine, the best food and the loveliest family gatherings. We decide to stay two more days since my cousin Jenny and I fly from the rather northern territories to Taiwan for holidays and we really dislike missing the great chances to experience the warmth.

We take MRT (Mass Rapid Transportation, as known as metro) to the adjacent bay of the Taiwan Strait, Siziwan. The bay area is dominated by the campus of National Sun Yat-Sen University which faces the open waters. Known as Takao Beach during Japanese Occupation (1895-1945), Siziwan is a black sand beach. Also the Former British Consulate and the historic Lingsing Temple at the peak of the hills overlook the whole area.

The British Consulate was built in 1865 in red bricks, located in Kaohsiung Port, (Qing Daogou port) was the British administration of the customs duties, now the oldest existing Western-style architecture of Taiwan. But during the Pacific War between 1942-45, the building was partially damaged by bombing, until in 1985 Kaohsiung Government started the work of restoration, and later turned the building into Kaohsiung Historical Relics Museum.

We climbed up to the top and we spotted the red brick terrace where some photographers’ canons are lining up for the late fireworks, with the breeze our own fashion campaign just begun. Equipment Cara heart-print 100% washed silk camisole is one of my favourite basic wears, while adding up Just Cavalli pussy-bow ecru 100% silk blouse, cut from the slightly loose fit, romantic French sleeves with buttoned cuffs, the holiday mood is on. I tear off the bow and let it flow with the wind, make the blouse as a more of a mini open silk-voile top. Very often I match a high-street bottom with designer brand’s upper, this time is no exception: American Apparel’s 100% polyester high waist leggings is just perfect for the sunny windy beach atmosphere.

For accessories, I stay the same (as last year in Kenting Beach) with Prada tonal grey, 100% UV protection acetate leopard pair; with See by Chloé cowhide Doublure mini sac, which I discover and retain it from my Taipei flat. Hand carry the sac is much suitable than cross-body style, since the ribbon-shaped front clutch is heavier in the composition of the softer leather material. The comfy lambskin slip-on sneaker from Miu Miu are my dear duty-free bargain from London Heathrow Airport. The pointy toe soft nappa with rubber sole, with elastic insert on the side and toecap ornament with Miu Miu Logo is unique and easy to climb up and stroll down. Though the off-white bottom sole is difficult to keep it clean, still the part of design stays the best, all I can take care of is that wipe both with Muji wet tissues after usage. The inner sole of sneaker is a 1,5 cm thickness of the black rubber, on the surface stitched with pastel pinkish of leather and Miu Miu cotton stripe. Indeed the designer’s shoes are double multiple at price range, nevertheless the foot health and lovely style is what I really focus on these recent years.

Let’s take a long walk at Bay Area!

Photography & Special Thanks: Jenny

JUST CAVALLI

MIU MIU