The Design of "Love at Mid-Autumn" 繼續《愛在中秋》

As 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.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 11, 2023design, art, chinese culture, midautumn, Mid-Autumn FestivalComment

Flower Power: Designing Delight 以花說故事

That 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.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseAugust 29, 2023flower, art, decorComment

MAD ABOUT MAHJONG 碰得起的手雕藝術

As 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.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseAugust 21, 2023mahjong, gamesComment

Transforming Vancouver's Chinatown 溫哥華唐人街的故事

Walking 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.

Design Dialogue, Community & PeopleFête ChinoiseAugust 3, 2023Chinese Canadian, Museum, History, Vancouver, Chinatown, Chinese ArtistComment

History in Full Circle: The Chinese Canadian Museum 永生號的前世今生

Newly 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.

The Age-Old Tradition of Rice Dumplings for Duan Wu Festival

It's time for the annual Duan Wu Festival 端午節! This special occasion falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Lunar calendar, around the Summer Solstice. It is also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, 龍舟節.⁠

Food and Lifestyle, Design DialogueGuest UserJune 13, 2023Food, Recipe, Chinese Food, taiwa, rice dumplings, Dragon Boat FestivalComment

Conquering Hate with Art + Love 2.0 用愛與藝術征服仇恨第二章

Art reflects our ever-changing culture and has the ability to shift society's values and views. Racism and injustice have been huge topics during the pandemic, especially in the Asian community, where the anti-Asian racism, discrimination and violence in North America became a harsh reminder that we must stand up against hate.

THE REINVENTION OF: CHEUK KWAN 關卓中：以生命影響生命

For 4 years, Cheuk crossed the globe, travelling to 13 countries, venturing behind kitchen doors to feature the journeys of 15 émigrés he found in each place. From Madagascar to Israel, from Brazil to South Africa, the real-life stories he uncovered along the way were more riveting than any work of fiction could ever be. Some were running from war, many from political oppression, a few from religious persecution; some were highly educated; some were farmers — yet all were forced to pick up a wok and a spatula — not because they loved Chinese food, but out of necessity.

Personal Stories, Design Dialogue, Film & BooksFête ChinoiseApril 24, 2023Art, artistsComment

The Fusion of Christmas Moments in Chinese Art & Design

A growing trend toward the use of Chinese culture in Christmas décor and design has inspired modern designers to create holiday-themed products that connect with the past. Modern design has the ability to revitalize existing cultural elements, connecting today’s dialogue with the past. This article introduces some interesting designs and products of Christmas that are inspired by or employ Chinese cultural elements, preserving and in some ways, innovating using heritage through design.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseDecember 21, 2022Christmas, Chinese Design, Chinese ArtComment

Designing Moments · Part 2: Style in Sport Culture, Stationery & Jewellery 從產品設計尋根【貳】

The second part of the series of Chinese-inspired design in North America, explores some distinct stationery and fashion items. Fête Chinoise also collaborated on some projects with partners in all three categories of stationery, sports and fashion. If you want to nominate products inspired by Chinese culture, that are well-designed, please share with us for a chance to be considered in the next design annual.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseOctober 26, 2022Chinese Style, Chinese Design, Calligraphy, Graphic Design, Packaging DesignComment

Designing Moments · Part 1: From Chic Chili Sauce to Festive Fashion 從產品設計尋根【壹】

The beauty of Chinese heritage is a fascinating source of inspiration for designers across disciplines. Modern design has the ability to rejuvenate cultural heritage and traditional handcrafts, connecting today’s dialogue with the past. In this editorial, we introduce some interesting designs and products that are inspired by Chinese cultural elements, preserving heritage with design.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseOctober 14, 2022Chinese Style, Chinese Design, Calligraphy, Graphic Design, Packaging DesignComment

An Icon Revisited: The Blue Mansion 世界文化遺產:住進南洋首富的「藍屋」

If you had to name one of the most memorable scenes from the 2018 rom-com Crazy Rich Asians, the fervent mahjong game between Eleanor Young and Rachel Chu (played by Michelle Yeoh and Constance Wu respectively), would be at the top of many people's lists. What looks like a beautiful mahjong club set in a traditional Chinese courtyard was, in actuality, the majestic UNESCO heritage site-turned-boutique hotel Cheong Fatt Tze, located in Penang, Malaysia.