Alaïa the artist and activist

I admire Azzedine Alaïa for creating his vision on his own terms, and not according to the current fashion industry standards.  His thoughts about the un sustainability of today’s  fast fashion market, and creating quality vs quantity is an important reminder much forgotten in today’s society.  Alaïa stayed true to his craft and vision, which has left an unforgettable impression within the fashion industry.  

It’s important to remember artists like Alaïa because he was a visionary.  He didn’t follow fashion rules and forced seasonal collections, but created beautiful things when and if he was inspired.  I believe it’s important to remember our artistry can be significant or saturated depending on how we value our work.  We live in a world where anything and everything is accessible and copied. Art can be a form of activism depending on the intentions of the artist. RIP to Azzedine Alaïa 🙏🏻

Azzedine was very hands on with all of his creations and worked with a very small team.  Respect to the craft.  

Yesmorethankyouplease

If you’re taking the time to read this or accidentally stumbled upon my website, thank you!  As people, especially, artists it is important to evolve with new ideas and inspirations.  I am grateful for my ever changing journey and the substance and character it gives me.  The goal is to translate my perspective and journey through my jewelry: quality, balance, and intimate details. 

Quality: “an essential or distinctive characteristic, property, or attribute“ 

Balance: “mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.”

Intimate:  “very private; closely personal”

(defined by dictionary.com) 

Sunday morning dim sum at Longs Family Pastry in Chinatown, LA

10.15-10.21

Reoccurring topic of the week was self love.  

Sunday afternoon: Good to restart the week outside.  Sunday’s are my favorite day of the week.  

Monday afternoon: Looking up while on the phone with my best friend who lives in VA.  It’s comforting to know despite distance she’s still a solid support for me.  Love and appreciate you Amanda. 

Tuesday: evening at the studio taking a second look at some old school traditional goldsmithing.  

Wednesday: early evening at the studio watching Jill work her magic to create a holographic cape 👌🏼✨ 

Thursday: evening light from our studio. Corner views from the 11th floor.  

Friday: evening spent in Chinatown for #cometalktowe at Nous Tous. The topic of conversation was about self love 

Saturday: early AM in Venice.  Super mellow morning walk. 

Saturday: late AM in the mountains with a blinding but overwhelming abundance of light and life. 

F. O. B.

 

 I’ve been trying to read more books written by Asian American authors.  Pachinko by Min Jin Lee was first on my list, followed by Everything Belongs to Us by Yoojin Grace Wurtz, then Eddie Huangs Fresh off the Boat.   The first two books were fictional and pretty somber.  The Han is real in these stories.  I really enjoyed Eddie Huangs book the most of the three.  It was honest and closest to relatable for me growing up Asian American in white America. 

”not only was I not white, to many people I wasn’t Asian either”

Love Like Summer Billabong feature

About a year ago Billabong Womens reached out to me asking to style some of my jewelry into their future campaign.  The day before I left for Korea I handed off some of my pieces to their stylist and pretty much forgot about it.  I knew it would take some time before the images were edited and published, but they've finally been released and they are DREAMY.

Bracelets, earrings, and rings from the Pinnacle Collection are featured in Billabong Womens new line called Love Like Summer.  16 year old me would be so psyched.  I'm so grateful and in love with these images.

@love.like.summer

@billabongwomens 

Photographer Grant Legan 

Model Gwen Van Meir 

Location  James Goldstein residence designed by architect John Lautner in 1961