"Double Happiness": How the Discovery of a Head Tax Certificate Unlocked Two Families’ Stories

Chinatowns across North America are fighting for their survival. Long before the pandemic hit, Vancouver’s Chinatown was desperately trying to stave off gentrification. It seemed like there was no end to the condo developments and hipster bars that were slowly pushing longtime residents out, and erasing the rich cultural history of the area. When singer songwriters Robyn Jacob and Nancy Tam created Double Happiness: Detour This Way, a live music and theatre show that retraces the legacy of the Chinese diaspora in Vancouver, it only made sense to premiere it in the heart of Chinatown. But too quickly, the pandemic ordered the show to close early, and along with it, all of Chinatown’s businesses. It was a devastating blow.

Personal Stories, Community & PeopleFête ChinoiseApril 14, 2021Entertainment, ArtComment

Behind the Mystery of Art for New Collectors

For many people, the art market is mysterious and unfamiliar. At the same time, collecting art is a very attractive hobby, especially when factoring in the concept of investing in art that grows in value over time. The publicity and marketing of auction companies has opened the door to many new collectors, allowing them to get in touch with works of art one step at a time. So how does one begin collecting art and building a collection? What should you pay attention to when you start your personal collection? Let us explore the definition of collection and collections, and share some reference strategies for buying art.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseApril 14, 2021artComment

The 3 Essential Films by Wong Kar-wai on Language and (Mis)Communication [This article may contain spoilers]

In almost a full year devoid of going to the cinema and in times when we feel disconnected with the outside world, Carson Chow has been thinking about Wong Kar-wai’s films more than ever. Here is his pick for Wong Kar-wai’s 3 most essential films on language and (mis)communication. These three films depict the modern issue of lack of human connection and communication, it reaches through generations and histories and across harbours and cinematic traditions to better elucidate the here and especially the now. In times like now, there’s nothing that makes more sense than to watch or think about Wong Kar-wai’s films.

Fête ChinoiseApril 8, 2021Film, EntertainmentComment

A Role Within A Role – Exploring Anna May Wong Through Photography

Anna May Wong was born in Los Angeles in 1905 to second-generation immigrants and has quite an inspirational story. May found herself excluded from Chinese theatre, given her "Americanness" and similarly, Americans found her too Chinese for specific roles. May was no stranger to that universal feeling that many diasporas must confront – being stuck between multiple identities. Yinsey Wang explores her legacy through her primary art medium, self-portraiture photography, to feel connected with the diaspora experience in this unique way.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseApril 7, 2021Entertainment, film, art, film reviewComment

Identity in Uncertain Times

I think at some point, every 2nd Generation immigrant is questioned about their identity. No better example comes from the cliché, “Where do you come from?”. We are asked this from childhood and are often confused by the follow-up question, “No, where are you REALLY from?”. As we grew older, it became a complex emotional response that I, at least, almost never vocalized. This year, by some unintentional force of nature, is our moment where we embrace who we are.

Wellness Tips to Feel Good & Manage the ‘New Normal’

Bonnie Chan entered Miss Chinese Toronto Pageant and won first runner-up. She later moved to Hong Kong and competed in the Miss Hong Kong, winning second runner-up in 2016. Soon after earning her title, she became a television host in the fast-paced television industry. With everything that is happening today, she created a platform, MindBonnieSoul, to spread encouragement and support for others to be well, especially during these challenging times. We have invited her to share her expert tips on health and wellness for readers to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

Personal Stories, Food and LifestyleFête ChinoiseMarch 30, 2021Fashion, beauty, GiftsComment

Florasis: Beauty Steeped in Culture《花西子：懷少年初心，敬百年匠心》

Beauty is often thought of as being only skin deep, but the products we are inspired to use are often steeped in culture and craftsmanship. How are Chinese brands growing and expanding into the global market? In this article (link in bio), learn more about the inspiration, culture and business of Florasis, a relatively new and highly successful cosmetic brand. We will discover how it intersects tradition, culture, art and beauty in a way that has captured the hearts of many discerning consumers and the Chinese community globally.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseMarch 25, 2021Fashion, beauty, GiftsComment

A Cultural Children’s Book Becomes New York Times Best Seller: Joanna Ho’s “Eyes that Kiss in the Corners”

In this pivotal moment for change in the North American Asian community, it is a children's picture book written by Joanna Ho, Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, that has been an exceptional source for hope and positivity for readers of all ages. After reading the book meant for children, an Asian adult might share the collective revelation that the lack of self-love and quiet self-doubt linked to our physical features has been the result of racism. But these features should be recast as precious traits our ancestors gifted us, not to be ashamed of, and something to be proud of and to embrace like the little girl in the book.

Long Reads, Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseMarch 22, 2021Entertainment, Book ReviewComment

Statement on Our Collective Action Against Anti-Asian Racism

This week, the Asian community in North America is in shock, as the heightened xenophobic hate crimes driven by racism and hatred has torn into our hearts. The damage these acts cause is immeasurable. Racism against any group hurts the community, causing wounds and trauma that impact the entire generation and the next. We all need to stand up, speak up, get involved, and represent our culture such that it is strengthened by our individual voices and actions.

Current Affairs, Community & People, Long ReadsFête ChinoiseMarch 20, 2021Statement, Anti-RacismComment

Popo's Kitchen: Chinese Beauty Soup

Our Canadian winters are quite harsh and dry, which is hard on anyone’s skin, especially for those with eczema. To combat this, Billy Cheung shares a “beauty soup” recipe that applies some inherited knowledge of Chinese medicine and holistic wellness. There are many variations of this beauty soup, but all recipes typically include ingredients used in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to their detoxifying and immune-boosting effects.

Food and LifestyleFête ChinoiseMarch 16, 2021Food, RecipeComment

A Signature Style Called ‘Chinatown Pretty’

Authors Valerie Luu & Andria Lo of Chinatown Pretty walked us through their journey chasing after pòh pohs (grandmas) and gùng gungs (grandpas) that have pretty shoes or standout hats that fill the Chinatown streets across North America. In today's unfortunate climax of anti-Asian hate crimes, the book's significance has undoubtedly shifted and increased, especially in the last several weeks – where many cases were unprovoked, and victims were vulnerable elderly Asians.

Art and Fashion, Long ReadsFête ChinoiseMarch 11, 2021Fashion, Entertainment, Book ReviewComment

Awarded "Best Cultural Event" at the BizBash 2020 Event Style Awards

We are so honoured to be recently awarded "Best Cultural Event" by the authority on events in North America, BizBash! This is the 2nd Bizbash Event Style Award for Fête Chinoise, and the 6th time we have been nominated as a finalist in our categories. Our 2020 gala, Dreams Take Flight, was widely covered across different Canadian media outlets. We'll see you all at our signature event in 2022!