Now that the pandemic is behind us, travel is at new heights of demand as families make up for lost time. Cathay Pacific is one of the most coveted carriers for long-haul travel to Asia, and for many of our readers, it is exciting to witness breakthroughs in the flying experience when they make a long trip home or to a place where their family is rooted, dotted with art and culture, and of course, increased comfort during the journey.
Read MoreCurated from diverse origins, our collection features 8 handpicked products showcased within the pages of Fête Chinoise Design Annual 2023. These selections, including works by Guo Pei, Ferris Wheel Press x Shangri-La, and others, spotlight cultural significance through innovative design, embracing the essence of Chinese culture.
Read MoreFête Chinoise invited our publication’s lead fashion stylist Ashley Galang to curate some highlights around the world of designers who are exploring Chinese cultural elements in their work. As an Asian-Canadian herself, Ashley enjoys seeing more diversity in both the industry’s creators and the garments that grace the runways.
Read MoreTik Ka Ng, otherwise known as Tik Ka from East, creates art that wakes the consciousness and transports the observer into a vivid, fantastical dreamscape of colliding cultures. The Hong Kong-born multimedia artist who now resides in the United Kingdom has an unbridled talent for bringing the historical mysticism of East Asian arts (particularly Chinese mythology) and blending it with modern pop culture iconography into his work.
Read MoreIf walls could talk, they might describe an idyllic Chinese landscape, animated by plumed birds, luscious flowers and undulating rice paddy grasses. Attention would also be lavished on the brilliance of the rich blue, green, red and gold colours as well as the intricacy of the hand-painted design, so exquisitely detailed as to seem life-like. But only those walls covered in panels of de Gournay wallpaper would possess the eloquence to do these scenes justice.
Read MoreThink of a bejeweled ring and your mind just might conjure an image of a circular band of gold set with sparkly gemstones. Such a visualization is to be expected given that round shape rings have been the norm in jewellery for many thousands of years. Now imagine that you’re a jewellery maker who is also a visual artist, and you want to make a difference in the rarified world of luxury goods. Do you continue to go round, or do you venture boldly into new design territory, using innovation to open up fresh pathways which you hope others will notice and want to follow?
Read MoreIt isn’t often that you hear a calligrapher cite Pablo Picasso as a major influence, but that’s exactly what Jameson Yap shared when we sat down to talk about his inspiration, process and journey. It turns out that Picasso was very much a fan of the ancient Chinese art, even going so far as to proclaim: “Had I been born Chinese, I would have been a calligrapher, not a painter.”
Read MoreAs a special spotlight on one of our committee members, Sue Tang is a special individual who has not only well-achieved in her professional career, she is also a role model when it comes to volunteering and building community. Recently, Sue was recognized as one of the Chinese-Canadian Legends, which celebrates many veterans in the community for their decades of achievement. Amongst other winners which included Dr. Chester Ho, David Leung, photographer James Lin, Jenny Pu, and Daniel Quan-Watson.
Read MoreThat sense of identity runs deep in his work. John brings to it an East Asian aesthetic, a result of where he has lived, and grown up, which is what makes his floristry practice, so rare and special. John actively explores notions of culture in his design approach. With a focus on the contemporary, he brings a distinct narrative and consistency of thought in every masterpiece that he and his team creates at their Singapore design studio — This Humid House.
Read MoreAs is the case with many things in life, the passage of time has transformed mahjong from a humble household pastime to an invaluable piece of East Asian and Southeast Asian cultural heritage. Popular in China in the 19th century, the tile-based game has recently found its way into the world of high fashion, with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada and Brunello Cucinelli now producing their own exquisitely crafted, limited-edition mahjong sets. One set from S.T. Dupont comes with a price tag of £800,000 (or C$1.3 million). It features exquisitely handcrafted tiles made of precious gemstones like Tanzanian rubies and diamonds — the ultimate in board game luxury.
Read MoreWalking the streets of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown on a sunny Sunday afternoon, spring tantalizingly around the corner, you see glimpses of the neighbourhood’s vibrant past — and promising future. Along the high street, Pender, there are bustling restaurants in century-old buildings bearing the names of family associations (the Wongs, the Chins) that were central to the lives of early Chinese settlers. Popular bakeries — with lines out the door for a taste of Chinese delicacies — compete for attention with boutique tea shops and curios shops.
Read MoreNewly settled into its permanent home, the Chinese Canadian Museum (CCM) opens its doors to the public this July in Vancouver Chinatown, with exceptional new gallery spaces to explore the rich and complex histories and culture of the Chinese Canadian community. The strong ‘sense of place’ of the museum is a story within a story within a story, and one that all urban design and history enthusiasts will love. Located in the historic Wing Sang Building at 51 E Pender Street, the museum venue is a remarkable heritage site that marks many Chinese experiences throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries and played a significant role in the social, economic, and cultural life of residents in Chinatown.
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