The Master of Traditional Handmade Silk Buttons 傳統花釦之工藝大師

In Hong Kong resides a traditional artisan of embroidered button fasteners for cheongsams (qipaos) and other garments. Master Po Ming-Wah is one of the few artisans of this craft still practicing in Hong Kong today, however, this art is becoming extinct. Fête Chinoise had an opportunity to sit down with Master Po and presidents of Cheongsam Connect, Anita Tsang and Donna Cheung in Hong Kong to better understand the history and current challenges of the practice. Each of Master Po’s intricate knots have auspicious names, an intentional meaning, and a corresponding design.

Art and FashionDeborah Lau-YuJune 3, 2021Hong Kong, hong kong week, cheongsam, qipao, silk button, craftmanshipComment

K BODY AND MIND: Subverting Cyberpunk

In K BODY AND MIND, you see two women on stage. They are Asian. Their hair and clothing are identical, but they are not twins. What happens when they open their mouths is probably not what you’d expect. Over the three episodes of K BODY AND MIND, you hear these two women voice a whole cast of characters, dozens of background voices, and a dog. Those two women are myself and actor Donna Soares.

Acting Like it’s the 1970s 演藝夢想: Eugene Tang 飾演70年代的譚詠麟

Acting in a movie — that was the dream. In particular, to be able to act in a Chinese film. Being Canadian-born with Chinese ethnicity, that was what I dreamed about as a kid. I wanted to be in the movies that my immigrant parents loved to watch, the ones they made me watch while growing up in Calgary. It was a family weekend ritual that my parents could enjoy to remind them of a home that they missed and that I never really knew. My parents were from Hong Kong and Guangzhou, and decided to move to Canada in hopes my sister and I would be able to go to university here. To be in a movie with actors in those very films we watched at home is still surreal and is something I'm very grateful for.

Making Rice Dumplings at Home with Ann

Food brings back fond cultural memories for all of us, no matter what age we are living in! Renowned culinary instructor Ann shares with us a childhood favourite of hers — rice dumplings (in Taiwanese style). Not only delicious, this traditional staple is also simple to make. This recipe is from history that dates back centuries ago, and is now rooted in our modern culture through the home kitchens of millions around the world.
暖心的食物是記載歷史的秘訣。知名烹飪老師Ann 與我們分享她與丈夫兒時最愛的台灣棕子食譜，不僅易做，還帶回了美好的回憶。

Food and Lifestyle, Design DialogueGuest UserJune 1, 2021Food, Recipe, Chinese Food, taiwa, rice dumplings, Dragon Boat FestivalComment

56+ Fabulous Father's Day Gifts for the Dad Who Has Everything 【2021父親節禮物指南】致爸爸的56+份超酷心思推介

In celebration of Father's Day right around the corner, we curated 56+ fabulous gifts for the amazing fathers in your life — whether it's your own dad, the father of your child, or a friend who has been an inspiring father figure, this is a special day to express appreciation to them. During this pandemic, we may not be able to see this special person, but a little gift will warm their hearts.

Objects of DesireGuest UserMay 27, 2021Gifts, Gifting, father's dayComment

Battling Two Pandemics: the Virus and Racism

In most news reports, we hear the ICU’s mentioned and used as a focal point in the coverage of the pandemic, and some mention of emergency rooms. But one department, a key player and stakeholder in pandemic management, has been left out of the spotlight. We invited General Internal Medicine doctor, Dr. Jessica Liu, to give us an inside view on her role and her hospital’s role in crisis management this past year, and a glimpse of what she sees as an Asian-Canadian on the frontlines.

Current AffairsDeborah Lau-YuMay 25, 2021COVID-19, Anti-Racism, CultureComment

Asian Representation at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards 2021

Canada celebrated its annual most fashionable night in, at the first virtual production of the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards gala on May 19th. Nominees, Honourees, Sponsors, and Guests all tuned in from home, work, or the backyard, to toast some of the nation’s most talented creators in the fashion industry. Several Asian artists and creatives were nominated and in some cases, took home the trophy! Because it’s Asian Heritage Month, it is even more important to highlight some of these individuals and their achievements.

Vincent Chin and a turning point in the Asian American Movement

Vincent’s name and story is one that isn’t told enough: a young Chinese man beaten to death in Detroit due to anti-Japanese sentiment in 1982, just days before his wedding. The killers apparently assumed Chin was of Japanese descent and are alleged to have used racial slurs as they attacked, as the Japanese were blamed for taking up jobs in the automotive sector at the time. He was chased down and beaten to death by Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz, both who were never brought to justice for this cruel and racially-driven murder. They never spent a single day in jail. His murder and the outrage became a pivotal moment in the Asian American Movement.

POPO'S KITCHEN 婆婆廚房 : Shanghai Braised Pork Belly 祖傳紅燒肉

Join Billy as he cooks with his Po Po (Grandma) and shares their family recipes and personal stories of culture, this time, let’s sample their special braised pork belly!

Food and LifestyleGuest UserMay 20, 2021Food, Recipe, Shanghai, Shanghainese Food, Pork Belly, Chinese FoodComment

7 most important Chinese porcelains in western collections 中國瓷器的魅力: 西方收藏的賞心七最

Chinese porcelain at large is admired by many of us, and used in home decor and sold by brands around the world. Ting Zhang shares some valuable history behind porcelain and ceramics that will help us appreciate them even more!

Art and FashionGuest UserMay 18, 2021Art, CultureComment

#Stop Asian Hate: "Eyes Open - an Asian heritage month PSA 2021"

Sharing the work of fellow Canadians at the NCCAAAR in honour of Asian Heritage Month. A powerful video that we all need to watch. We are proud to join the National Coalition of Canadians Against Anti-Asian Racism (NCCAAAR) in calling on all #Canadians to recognize and stand up against all forms of #antiAsian racism in our communities. #FaceRace #StopAsianHate #AsianHeritageMonth

#Stop Asian Hate: Indifference to Love And Compassion

Outrage and disappointment that at this point in our history in North America, this is happening, and sadness for our elder generation that has already gone through so much more racial discrimination in their lifetimes, while trying to pave a better life for us. The central tenet of my grandparents’ and parents’ generation of immigrant Chinese was to provide for family, often making clear personal and material sacrifices with complete dedication to provide for the next generation. They deserve better, and outrage is simply not enough. What can we do that is actionable and that will make a difference long-term?