Photography - Streets of Chinatown

Greek Festival

Dan, Ed and I ventured to the Greek Festival a couple weekends ago. Food booths, Greek merchandise, and live music & dance entertainment were some of the highlights of the event. It was larger than I expected, well attended, and I enjoyed eating my gyros on the steps of the pond with contemporary Greek jazz playing in the background on a sunny weekend at Ala Moana Park.

Dragon Boat Race

What I like about this day is that the ocean was so calm I felt like I was at Lani Kai beach, rather than Ala Moana Beach Park.

Modern Twist on Chinese Chic - "Shanghai Tang"

What sets this line of clothing apart from US and European designers who mimic inspiration from Asian culture, is that the designers of Shanghai Tang are actually from Asia and hence first start with the ethnic pieces in mind followed by the task of giving their clothing a contemporary twist and appeal.

The line seems to celebrate ethnicity and culture in its authenticity, rather than capitalize upon the marketability of them in an imperialist manner. While I would wear the clothes for a lecture on Asian American Studies, celebrities such as Nicolas Cage wear Shanghai Tangs as dressy-casual attire for dinner engagements and public events.

Where to Get It:
Only 3 US locations including a Shanghai Tang store in Honolulu (808.942.9800)
Ala Moana Shopping Center (next to BCBG and across from Oakley)

Other US locations: New York and Miami
Worldwide: Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai and elsewhere

www.shanghaitang.com

Another "thanks" to my brother for introducing me to this store.