• Asian,  Fashion,  New York,  WorldWide

    Virtual China Fashion Gala honoring Estée Lauder, Wendy Yu, Phillip Lim & Lucy Liu raises $600,000

    China Institute and Yue-Sai Kan China Beauty Charity Fund (CBCF) co-presented the China Fashion Gala 2020 virtually on Thursday, July 23, 2020. The annual celebration of Chinese design serves as a platform for Chinese talent emerging onto the international stage, as well as a forum for recognizing individuals whose contributions have helped position China at the forefront of global fashion and beauty.

    Hosted by Yue-Sai Kan, co-chair of China Institute and founder and chairwoman of CBCF, this year’s gala honored Estée Lauder with the Beauty Award. This inaugural award was accepted by Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Global Brand President, Estée Lauder Stephane de La Faverie, presented by Yang Mi. Chinese investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist Wendy Yu was honored with the Millennial Leadership Award, presented by Jason Wu. Chinese American designer Phillip Lim was honored with the Leadership Award, presented by Lisa Ling. Actress, director, artist and activist Lucy Liu was honored with the Icon Award, presented by Yue-Sai Kan. Each award was donated by Baccarat. Co-chairs were Elizabeth Segerstrom, co-managing partner and co-owner of South Coast Plaza; Mariko Miura, CEO of Meihodo New York; Julian Rizzuto, founder of Dreamlink Foundation; Mark Gong, emerging Chinese designer; and Jeannette Chang, former SVP of Hearst Magazines International.

    Highlights from the evening included a private 40-minute live cocktail party via Zoom with honorees immediately preceding the gala, a globe-spanning opening performance by Quincy Jones Productions; a special dance of the Thousand Hand Bodhisattva performed by members of the Chinese People’s Art Troupe of People with Disabilities; and a fashion presentation by Chinese couture designer Xiong Ying, who showcased her creations under the Heaven Gaia label.

    Prominent guests included: Christian Louboutin, Guo Pei, Grace Chen, Angelica Cheung, Bette Midler, Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, Xiaowen Ju, Karolina Kurkova, Maggie Q, Jordan Connor, Lang Lang, Anna Hu, Rain, Chen Man, Simon Collins, Didi Pei, Ban Ki-moon, Kenny G and Cai Guo-Qiang.

    To date, China Fashion Gala 2020 has raised $600,000. An online silent auction on 32auctions.com will be open until July 30. Proceeds benefit the many diverse programs of China Institute, the oldest independent, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.

    About Estée Lauder

    Estée Lauder is the flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Founded by Estée Lauder, one of the world’s first female entrepreneurs, the brand today continues her legacy of creating innovative, sophisticated, high-performance skincare and makeup products and iconic fragrances – all infused with a deep understanding of women’s needs and desires. Today, Estée Lauder engages with women in over 150 countries and territories around the world and at dozens of touch points – from in-store to digital. And each of these relationships consistently reflects Estée’s powerful and authentic woman-to-woman point of view.

    About Wendy Yu

    Wendy Yu is one of the world’s most influential millennial investors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to be shaping the creative and cultural landscape. Based in Shanghai, she is the Founder and CEO if Yu Holdings, the first China-centric group of its kind combining dedicated entities for strategic investment, business and brand creation and creative-cultural exchange. Yu was recently appointed an international ambassador for the French Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. She has been recognized as a pioneering industry “30 under 30” leader by Forbes China and patron of fashion by Vogue International.

    About Phillip Lim

    As Creative Director and Co-Founder of his eponymous label, Phillip Lim sits at the helm of his now 14-year-old pioneering modern luxury brand. Lim is recognized as one of the most talented and successful young American designers and is the recipient of several prestigious industry honors including the Fashion Group International’s Women’s Designer ‘Rising Star’ Award, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear and the CFDA Award for Accessories Designer of the Year.

    About Lucy Liu

    Lucy Liu is an award-winning actress who has appeared in both studio and independent films, on television and Broadway. She is also a director and an artist and continues to be a UNICEF Ambassador, advocating for children’s health and protection since 2004.

    About China Institute

    China Institute advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art and business. China Institute is the go-to resource on China – from ancient art to today’s business landscape and its rapidly shifting culture. Its programs, school and gallery exhibitions bring to life the depth, complexity and dynamism of China. Founded in 1926 by Chinese reformers Hu Shi and K.P. Wen and educators Paul Monroe and John Dewey, China Institute is the oldest independent, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.

    About Yue-Sai Kan Beauty Charity Fund

    Yue-Sai Kan China Beauty Charity Fund (“CBCF”) was established in 2011 in honor of Yue-Sai Kan by the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, one of the most important and trusted charitable foundations in China. The word “beauty” in Chinese embodies caring, giving, honesty, and beautification of the human spirit. True to this spirit, CBCF is dedicated to the betterment and advancement of women and children through education, health and cultural programs worldwide. Since its establishment, CBCF has raised a total of 3 million USD to fund cleft lip and palate surgeries, provide free medical supplies to underserved regions in China, and provide scholarships for Chinese students through the CBCF Scholarship Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Peking University and a number of other prestigious universities.

  • Asian,  food,  New York,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Maple Leaf Farms Brings Peking Duck Directly to Your Home

    Here’s some great news: you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to make a healthy choice! And did you know that duck fat has similar health benefits to olive oil and other unsaturated fats?

    Duck fat is only skin deep. Despite its rich, succulent taste, a skinless duck breast has fewer calories and less fat than a similar portion of chicken, beef or pork. Surprised? Just compare it to other types of meat and see the difference!

    Although duck is popular among America’s finest chefs, you don’t need culinary training to prepare it. Duck is easy to prepare for everyday meals and is perfect for special occasions, and can be incorporated into a wide range of flavor profiles and cuisines by culinary adventurers everywhere.

    What does duck taste like? Maple Leaf Farms farm-raised White Pekin duck has a delicious, red meat flavor that’s more similar to steak than to chicken or turkey, and substitutes equally well for both in recipes. Plus, duck is surprisingly healthy! By properly cooking duck, you can eliminate 70% of the fat, and duck is leaner and has less saturated fats than other meats.

    For me, I am a hundred percent duck lover. I lived in Beijing for 8 years, and one thing I miss so much about my life there is Peking Duck. Luckily, I found out Maple Leaf Farms, who produced very high quality duck products. I can get a whole duck from there to eat Peking Duck at home. I feel so spoiled, but more, I feel so happy.


    Whole Duck with Orange Sauce

    USDA Grade A whole duck comes with a convenient orange sauce packet. Lightly marinated to ensure the best cooking experience. Raised and cared for according to the strictest well-being guidelines.

    • Whole duck with giblets and a neck stuffed inside
    • Seasoned with up to 12% of a solution of water, salt and sodium phosphate
    • Gluten free (duck only)
    • Ready to cook
    • Frozen

    Cooking Instructions

    1. Thaw out duck in refrigerator.
    2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
    3. Strip bag off duck. Remove neck, giblets, and orange sauce packet from body cavity.
    4. Rinse duck under cool water. Season to taste.
    5. Roast uncovered, breast up, on rack in roasting pan. Cook 22 minutes per pound.
    6. Remove from oven when internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (82 degrees C), measured at the thigh joint. The legs move freely and juices run clear when duck is done.
    7. One duck serves 2 to 4 people.

    Product Information:

    Weight of Portions:  Approximately 5lb oz.

    Total Weight of Item:  Approximately 5lb

    Case Weight:  Approximately 30 lbs

    Ingredients:  Duck, water, salt, sodium phosphate.  Orange Sauce Ingredients: Orange juice from concentrate, water, sugar, modified corn starch, dextrose, citric acid, salt, natural flavor, torula yeast, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate added to retard spoilage, caramel color, spice, extractives of paprika, onion powder.

    Shelf Life:  2 Year Frozen

    About Maple Leaf Farms:

    Maple Leaf Farms, Inc. is America’s leading producer of quality duck products, supplying retail and foodservice markets throughout the world with innovative, value-added foods. Founded in 1958, Maple Leaf Farms is a fourth generation, family-owned company. For more information, contact Maple Leaf Farms at 1-800-348-2812 or visitwww.mapleleaffarms.com.

  • Art,  Asian,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Fuji Pigment Co., Ltd. Accelerates the Red Azo Organic Pigment and Color Inks Sale to Outside of Japan

    Fuji Pigment Co., Ltd has been the major red azo organic pigment manufacturing company in Japan for over 80 years.  They have been manufacturing organic mono azo red pigment such as Pigment Red C. I. No. (3,5, 7, 12, 17, 23, 31, 48:1-4, 49:2, 53:1, 57:1, 58,63, 112, 146, 150, 170, 238, orange 38 etc. and many others; the company can be contacted for more information).

    Organic Azo Red Pigment

     

    Organic Azo Red Pigment Color Testing Sheet

    Compared to other pigments, there are various types of red azo pigment; it is more complicated than other color pigments.  Therefore, the manufacturing company needs to modify the color hue and particle size to each customer request, and the quantity of each manufacturing lot is not large.  Additionally, pigment strength and its resistance against light, water, organic solvent, chemical reagent, etc. also needs to be suitably modified to each customer’s request.  Lastly, red azo organic pigment needs to be carefully chosen for individual usage such as for paint, printing inks, toner and inkjet ink, and so on. Pigment needs to be finely tuned for high quality, especially for inkjet ink and toner.

    Fuji Pigment has been meticulously making effort in this regard, and that is the major reason why they have been active in high-level research and manufacturing of red azo organic pigment over 80 years.  Fuji Pigment also has extensive knowledge in the manufacturing technology of color ink products such as ink for stationery, stamp and inkjet ink etc.

    perovskite quantum dots under UV light (PRNewsfoto/Fuji Pigment Co., Ltd.)

    With their pigment and color ink knowledge, they are now ready to accelerate the red azo organic pigment and color inks sale to outside of Japan.  Fuji Pigment is also planning to build a foreign branch office and manufacturing facility, pending increased demand for pigment and color ink.

  • Asian

    Shisiedo Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen

    SynchroShield™ Technology

     

    • WetForce: Negative ions in the formula combine with positive ions in perspiration and water to create an additional layer of invisible sun protection. As you continue to sweat and get wet, the product becomes more effective.

     

    • HeatForce: A heat-sensing essence in the formula becomes activated by external heat, forming a stronger barrier. Provides elevated sun protection when it in the presence of heat or warm temperatures.

     

    Ocean-Friendly

     

    • Oxybenzone and octinoxate-free
    • Complies with Hawaii’s sunscreen regulations.

     

    The SHISEIDO BLUE PROJECT has partnered with WSL PURE, the nonprofit arm of the World Surf League, and Kanoa Igarashi, one of the world’s top professional surfers, to promote respect for our oceans. This global initiative includes conducting beach cleanup efforts, planting sand dunes to safeguard shorelines from erosion, and promoting ocean- and sun-safe habits. 


    Product:
    It is actually a big, exciting year for Shiseido Sun. We are introducing NEW formulations of Sunscreen – The NEW Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+. It is powered by Shiseido’s popular WetForce Technology (in our current Sunscreen), with the new addition of HeatForce. Together they create a protective veil that becomes more effective in heat, water and sweat. ALSO in other exciting news – the new formula is Ocean-friendly, free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, Hawaii-Compliant and goes on clear on all skintones.  https://shiseidousa.box.com/s/zn111gjxdie4tysgokd2mohmbcs7b0o1 It is currently available online.

    Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

           Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+

          Peak Protection. Peak Performance.

    For use on all skin types.

    Dermatologist-tested. Opthalmologist-tested. Non-comedogenic.

    Water-Resistant 80 minutes

    Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

    $49 for 150mL

    Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50+

    $40 for 50 mL

    Available at Shiseido.com

  • Asian,  food,  WorldWide

    Chef Reina challenges popular meat-based Filipino foods in her new cookbook ‘Plant Based Filipino Comfort Foods’.

    Chef Reina, a Filipino chef, recipe creator, and ‘restauranteur’, has released a one-of-a-kind cookbook titled Plant Based Filipino Comfort Foods. Her recipes are a perfect blend of tradition that celebrates the Philippines, combined with contemporary vegan ingredients. Her recipes have even received the “Cultural Trailblazer” award from PETA for revolutionizing a meat-centered culture, transforming traditional Filipino dishes into amazing delicious vegan variations. Personal touches throughout the cookbook make readers feel as though they are in her family’s kitchen, including Chef Reina’s heartwarming dedication to her ‘Lola’.

    The self-taught chef was born and raised in Dumaguete City on the Philippine island of Negros, which is where the cultural inspiration of her recipes comes from. Reina Montenegro then moved to the Bay Area in 1997.

    Chef Reina’s career in the food industry began after she left ten years of the corporate world behind and decided to follow her passion for cooking in 2012. She began as a personal chef and caterer and then opened her first restaurant in 2016. Chef Reina and her business partner realized that the business was failing, so she changed the restaurant’s theme to include plant-based ingredients and a cruelty-free lifestyle. Her business increased from sales around $50.00 per day to over $2,000.00 per day and was even featured in Forbes. Today, she is the co-owner and chef of two successful Filipino vegan restaurants in the Bay Area, Nick’s On Grand and Nick’s On Mission.

    Montenegro’s passions go beyond a love for food and health. She strives for culinary activism to convince hardcore meat eaters to try her vegan recipes. The response she gets is consistently positive; her customers cannot believe the plant-based meals are as flavorful as real meat. Shockingly, 60 percent of her customers are not even vegan.

    Now, Chef Reina’s book will carry on her purpose to show the world that it is not difficult to eat a plant-based diet. Through her recipes, Chef Reina is able to teach families and everyday cooks in their own homes how easy cooking can be with the abundance and accessibility to vegan products today. She is very optimistic that this will only improve. Plant Based Filipino Comfort Classics will reach even more people beyond her restaurants, bringing vegan recipes to kitchens around the world.

    Chef Reina says, “I am passionate about food, but I also care deeply about our world that is dying, the animals that we are hurting, and the loved ones we’ve lost due to health problems.” She adds, “I believe that all this can be changed drastically if everyone jumps into the bandwagon of giving up what is harmful to all these things. My goal is to create amazing comfort food for everyone and reach people this way, and to teach them quick and easy ways to do it, so there’s absolutely no excuse. I am here to save lives, one dish at a time.”

    Reina Montenegro

    Reina Montenegro was born and raised in Dumaguete City on the Philippine island of Negros, and moved to the Bay Area in 1997. Montenegro prides herself as being self-taught in the kitchen, and started her restaurant career as a personal chef and caterer in 2012 when she decided, after 10 years at a corporate job, to follow her passion for food and cooking.

    Montenegro has created dishes for Mayors Jean Quan of Oakland, Tom Bates of Berkeley, and the late Ed Lee of San Francisco. She also catered events for Apple, NASA, UBER, Twitter, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock Investments, and more.

    In 2016, her catering business eventually led to opening a restaurant, ‘Nick’ Kitchen’ in Daly City. A year later her and her partner realized it was not going to survive, so Montenegro changed the concept to be aligned with her plant-based diet and cruelty-free lifestyle; as the first Filipino Vegan restaurant in the Peninsula.

    Now Montenegro owns two popular Filipino vegan restaurants in the Bay Area; ‘Nick’s On Grand’ (opened 2018 in South San Francisco), and ‘Nick’s On Mission’ (opened 2019 in San Francisco), the original Nick’s is no longer in operation. If Reina is not in the kitchen creating new dishes, she is spending time with her children or learning another passion, dance.

  • Asian,  Beauty,  Los Angeles,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    All Things Beautiful Come From Nature – WASO Superfoods for Super Skin

    Asian beauties seem to be more and more popular. As a girl originally come from Asia, I always trust the way how Asian take care of our skin. When I was growing up, I watched how my family do the skincare routine everyday. My mom, my cousin, my aunts, all of them love Japanese skincare brand, especially Shiseido, which is definitely the most popular and legendary Asian skincare brand well known internationally.

    I am so happy to announce the re-launch of Shiseido’s WASO line inspired by Japanese Superfoods. Originating from a combination of two Japanese words, “WA” meaning harmony, and “SO” meaning inspiration, the WASO line combines Japanese aesthetics with nature to create exclusively formulated skincare.

    Inspired by the holistic and natural Japanese food tradition of Washoku – or Japanese cuisine – WASO features key ingredients selectively chosen for their purity and celebrated in their simplest forms. Featuring a simple and minimalist line-up of products that take a unique approach, fusing nature and technology, to bring out natural beauty. This line is designed specifically for unstable, unbalanced skin in young adults, ages 18-25.

    Washoku respects the uniqueness of each ingredient and maximizes its natural flavor. Born based on this philosophy, WASO uses the power of foods and botanicals known to promote beauty and health in Japan, unveiling skin’s most unique, natural beauty. Shiseido’s PhytoResist System+ is designed for unstable young adult skin – plump and lush inside, yet sensitive to stress outside. This system uses the power of botanicals to heighten skins barrier and support its ability to self-renew.

    WASO’s moisturizers use Whole Cell Release System W – a revolutionary process in which nutrients are carefully extracted and delivered directly to the skin, infusing it with moisture. Each product is dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, paraben-free and mineral oil-free so skin can breathe easy. Good for all skin types.

    The key ingredients are Superfoods. Created with respect for nature, aesthetic, and culture, the product range is formulated with botanicals and includes superfoods like carrot, loquat, honey, tofu yuzu and red basil to help balance, hydrate and prevent the appearance of imperfections.

    Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream
    $38 for 50mI

    A clear cream that moisture-charges your skin for 24-hours and helps reduce the look of pores and prevent dryness. Formulated with whole Carrot Cells, the nutrients are carefully extracted to keep their wholeness harnessed and to help hydrate skin. Carrots are high in water and nutrients that keep skin looking healthy and moisturized.

    For dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Paraben-free. Mineral oil-free.

    • PhytoResist System+ uses the power of botanicals to help heighten skin’s resistance to internal and external stressors while infusing rich moisture.
    • Can be used under or over makeup.
    • Helps reduce the look of visible pores and improve dryness.

    Japanese carrot Quick Gentle Cleanser
    $28 for 150ml

    An alcohol-free, oil-free, honey-gel cleanser that foams without water to remove makeup while removing dirt and excess oil. Formulated with honey and royal jelly extracts, this gentle cleanser rinses off clean and nurtures skin by protecting its moisture. Skin feels soft, clean and healthy-looking to prevent the appearance of imperfections.

    For dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Paraben-free. Oil-free. Alcohol-free.

    • Formulated with Honey Extract to nurture the skin for a healthy look.
    • Contains Royal Jelly Extract to deliver amino acids, vitamins and minerals to skin’s surface for added moisture.
    • Helps reduce the appearance of skin troubles.

    Japanese Honey Color-Smart Day Moisturizer
    Oil-Free Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

    $38 for 50ml

    An oil-free, skin-brightening tinted day moisturizer that adapts to your skin color to enhance skin tone. Helps protect skin against UV rays with long-lasting, oil-free hydration. Blends into skin with freshness, leaving a non-sticky matte finish. Formulated with whole Loquat Leaf Cells, which are carefully extracted to keep their wholeness harnessed for an anti-oxidant effect and to help balance skin’s oil levels. Loquat leaf has an antioxidant effect that is known to help suppress sebum breakdown.

    For dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Paraben-free. Oil-free.

    • PhytoResist System+ uses the power of botanicals to help heighten skin’s resistance to internal and external stressors while also infusing rich moisture.
    • Helps reduce the look of pores.
    • Anti-Pollution Powder to help skin resist the effects of pollution.

    Beauty Sleeping Mask
    $40 for 80ml

    An intensive gel moisture wrap made with yuzu citrus, replenishes and recharges your skin overnight. Delivers dewy hydration to skin that has lost moisture and clarity due to stress and lack of sleep.

    Inspired by Washoku, a Japanese food tradition, WASO is formulated with Washoku ingredients to help balance and build skin’s resistance to problems, hydrate skin, and target oiliness and pores.

    Experience a total moisture wrap with a juicy, dewy gel cream. Capsules burst open and immerse skin in moisture until morning. The result is a radiant, healthy looking complexion that is energized from within. Features PhytoResist System+ which helps to clean up pores and removes impurities that cause roughness and breakouts. Clarifies and resets skin stressed by exposure to dirt and pollutants.

    Purifying Peel Off Mask
    $32 for 100ml

    A skin-resetting mask with the botanical power of red shiso that peels away dirt, pollutants and other sources of breakouts without stripping skin of moisture. Reveals pure, smooth looking skin glowing with renewed radiance.

    Inspired by Washoku, a Japanese food tradition, WASO is formulated with Washoku ingredients to help balance and build skin’s resistance to problems, hydrate skin, and target oiliness and pores.

    Contains Anti-Pollution Powder and features PhytoResist System+ which helps to clean up pores and removes impurities that cause roughness and breakouts. Clarifies and resets skin stressed by exposure to dirt, pollutants.

    Color-Smart Day Moisturizer
    Broad Spectrum SPF 30
    $38 for 50mI

    A skin-brightening, tinted day moisturizer that adapts to your skin color to enhance skin tone with long-lasting hydration. Helps protect skin against UV rays and environmental stressors while improving the look of pores. Formulated with whole Carrot Cells, the nutrients are carefully extracted to keep their wholeness harnessed and to help hydrate skin. Carrots are high in water content and nutrients that keep skin looking healthy.

    For dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested Non-comedogenic. Paraben-free. Mineral oil-free.

    • PhytoResist System+ uses the power of botanicals to help heighten skin’s resistance to internal and external stressors while also infusing rich moisture.
    • Blends into skin leaving a hydrated feel for a healthy glow or foundation kick-start.
    • Anti-Pollution Powder to help skin resist the effects of pollution.

    Soft+Cushy Polisher
    $32 for 75mI

    A gentle, skin-refining exfoliating polish that removes impurities in an environmentally friendly formula. Gently polishes and clears pores to help reduce skin imperfections with biodegradable, plant-based cellulose granules in a whipped, tofu-like formula. Leaves skin feeling silky and smooth. Formulated with tofu, made from soybeans to help smooth and support skin.

    For dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic.

    • Formulated with three different types of scrubbing agents to give skin a beautiful smooth look and feel.
    • Helps reduce the appearance of skin troubles.
    • Sebum Absorbing Powder helps absorb excess sebum for smooth, non-oily skin, while minimizing visible pores.

    Fresh Jelly Lotion
    $30 for 150ml

    This gel-to-liquid softening lotion is alcohol-free and helps restore skin’s moisture by locking in water for dewy, plump skin. Formulated with White Jelly Mushroom Extract to deliver rich moisture for healthy-looking skin. This refreshing gel formula helps reduce the appearance of visible pores and reduce shine. A perfect moisturizing solution for skin that has just been cleansed.

    For dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Paraben-free. Mineral oil-free. Alcohol-free.

    • Helps optimize skin’s pH balance for a beautiful appearance.

    Skincare inspired by the holistic and natural Japanese food tradition of Washoku. WASO Skincare uses key ingredients like carrot, loquat, honey, tofu yuzu and white jelly mushroom to help balance, hydrate and prevent the appearance of imperfections. The new WASO Collection perfect to bring with you on-the-go to school, work, gym…anywhere! WASO Collection is exclusively available at Sephora and Sephora.com from May 17th 2019.