Fashion Writing – SKINGRAFT

Creative Fashion Piece Done For Print Fashion Magazine – Min A. Lee

Story of a girl, story of a boy.

It’s a concrete jungle, a continual roll of nine to five, same people, same offices lining 23rd street and 6th avenue, and that epic flat iron building seen in every commercial across the United States… I was bored; bored of my pencil skirt, the same brown skirt from the department stores on 34th street, bored of my blazer and my plain, stiff cotton button-down blouse that felt like it was choking me, and looking at a sea of non-ending suits.  Damn this 8:55am rush of boredom, but…wait…wait! What is that I see weaving through the crowd ahead?

Spiked prints of high contrast, a butterfly with its elaborate wings, a form of art walking towards me, and confidence that pours forth that those going past seem to step off farther to the side.  Now, this was something to be desired, a step away from boredom—no, a leap, a giant leap away into a new stylistic world with no boundaries, no boring black pumps and no overly ironed workwear.

Dark hues? Yes, but with a structured perplexity done to attract eyes.  This is my chance to break way from my monotonous form, spread a pair of adorned wings, and catalyze my new SKINGRAFT.

Story of a boy.

I would frequent the same hipster bombarded coffee spot walking to work every morning.  By no means am I considered a hipster in any regard, so the question that flows to mind is “why?” Why would I continuously find my steps leading me in the direction of a place I would never stop?  Why would I purposely order this ridiculously slow-drip, artisanal brew even though I have about five minutes to get to my desk before the late points accumulate to a write-up?

For him.

For piercing blue eyes, and a quiet demeanor that would meet me every time from behind the counter.  From his mysterious aura to the outspoken way he dressed when he’d step out for a cigarette break after handing me my cup, and this silly infatuation that made me transition to a complete morning person.  He never asks me name, but I don’t mind.  In my shyness, it is enough to just have those too few minutes waiting for my drink every morning and wishing he wore a name tag.

(Interestingly, based on a friend from my old job!  She should stop being so shy and just ask the guy out!)Screen Shot 2016-03-31 at 11.16.50 AM.png

 

Audrey Magazine – Asia Street Style

Asia Street Style: Stylish Parents With EVEN MORE Stylish Children – Min A. Lee for Audrey Magazine

We’ve seen street style in Asia of couples or best friends sporting complementary looks in an effort to show their solidarity with each other, but while browsing through current street portrait photographs from Seoul, I was instantly drawn to these fashionable parents and their children. There isn’t a single trend shared between them; rather, the looks are a reflection of very different style personalities that are unbelievably cool and still completely embraceable by their mini-me’s.

Raising children can be demanding and hectic, so when I find parents who manage to keep great style in their lives, it becomes an instant inspiration!

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Matching leather biker jackets and aviator sunglasses already have a fab factor, but tossing up the trademark peace sign makes me smile at the cuteness overload from a future fashion-savvy mind.

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Men in Korea take fashion seriously with their neat styling and clean looks. Flawlessly paired accessories for both father and son make them an extremely eye-catching duo. Mixing blues and yellows are picture-perfect for long summer days. – See more at: http://audreymagazine.com/asia-street-style-stylish-parents-with-even-more-stylish-children/#sthash.42LICGAk.dpuf

Images Via Audrey Magazine, Feature Image Via Alex Finch, Full Credits Listed at Audrey

 

Audrey Magazine – Seoul Fashion Week Highlights

Seoul Fashion Week Highlights S/S 2015 Runway – Min A. Lee for Audrey Magazine

We’ve brought you some of our favorite street styles from the models and attendees of Seoul Fashion Week, but the runway has produced some stunning designs from on-trend contemporary looks to avant-garde cuts made to inspire the next generation of fashion designers that come out of Korea.

Main themes of spring and summer 2015 for Korea have taken form in monochromatic gradients with splashes of color, visual and textural floral patterns and sheer fabrics. Some trends continue from this past summer and current fall with leather biker jackets and slit hem skirts, but are reimagined by the individual designers.  We find contemporary fashion is still gravitating towards loose, boxy cuts, but mixed with fitted options for those who always feel drawn to classic, natural waistlines.  The sheer fabrics offer opportunities to layer up or stay cool when spring makes a warm turn for summer.

Below are some more covet-worthy looks from Seoul Fashion Week. – See more at: http://audreymagazine.com/author/min-a-lee/page/4/#sthash.vzDh6ni2.dpuf

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Feature Image BAKANGCHI and Image CARNET DU STYLE courtesy of Audrey Magazine

 

 

Fashion Writing – Catherine Litke

The Perfect Options For Those Summer Days & Nights!  Clothes That Make You Feel Lovely By Designer Catherine Litke – Min A. Lee (Print Magazine)

Litke provides the perfect designs for those summer date nights—think late night movies in the park, summer concerts, picnics on the waterfront, and of course our favorite, margaritas on a patio bar.  While we do adores the more hardened, dark designs of fall and winter sometimes a little bit of girlish charm goes a long way.  Classic, midi-length skirts are paired with vibrant tops, but the soft patterns and feminine trims prevent designs from feeling over-the-top.

Instead of a consistent color scheme, Litke makes great use of all the hues life has to offer.  From pale blues and beiges to statement plaids of various reds, greens and yellows, they give women the option to spice up their outfits even if they opt for a simple cream and ruffled top.  With a doll-like presentation, some of our favorites were the ivory dresses cut to interesting, unorthodox shapes.  It is truly like finding the perfect summer dress without getting fashion boredom.

Even better, Litke’s brand statement explains that her collections are created from “sustainable materials sourced from around the world.”  Not only will you feel quite lovely in her clothing, but you also can feel the impeccable textiles she picks for her lines.  So when the temperatures warm up and you are ready to enjoy those summer afternoons and evenings make sure you consider adding a bit of Catherine Litke’s work to your closet.

Audrey Magazine – Fashion For A Cause: LiNK

Fashion For A Cause: Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) – Min A. Lee

We’ve been bringing you on-going news regarding the cancellation of The Interview theater showings under the pressure of recent hacker attacks and the uproar it’s causing, but looking deeper into the terrifying realities of North Korea, one organization strives to aid North Korean refugees on the extremely hard and secret journey to freedom.  Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) takes on the complex, sensitive subject of non-existent human rights for North Koreans by educating others on the history and the underground movements of the country.  So much is shrouded in secrecy, but with changing technology and advocacy, there is a growing fight for a better life for the people under the current dictatorship.

LiNK created this page to help others more clearly understand the challenges and history of North Koreans. Many things that we may take for granted, such as freedom of speech and information, is not available to citizens under the dictatorship. In fact, they face constant famines, lack of public health systems, and even public executions and exploitation. It is a very emotional read, but examining hard truths always is.

What exactly does the LiNK organization do?

“We rescue refugees without cost or condition and ensure their safety and dignity on their journey to freedom…while hiding in China their illegal status forces them to work in invisible industries and leaves them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous employers and sex traffickers, as they have no recourse to any authorities.  Although many refugees try to escape many do not have the resources or connections to get themselves out of China.  That’s where we come in.” —via Liberyinnorthkorea.org

Below is the breakdown of the $3000 cost of a rescue and resettlement by LiNK, which can also be found here.

 

So what can we do and how does this tie into fashion right? Outside of the traditional donation methods, LiNK has their own shop full of statement making t-shirts.  We already know graphic tops and jackets are favorite trends each season in Asia, but you can own or gift eye-catching tees that carry a more meaningful purpose.  We talk about conversation starters in fashion continuously, but these could create a conversation that educates and can ultimately aid in the rescue process of a North Korean refugee.

LiNK’s graphic designers have created a variety of designs from simple text to pop art styles and with all proceeds funding LiNK’s work and mission. Below are some of their holiday shop designs with prices ranging from $10 to $40.  Also, if you explore their shop you’ll find more than just tops: there’s coffee, canvas prints and even phone covers all made for a great cause.  If you interested more about the traditional donation process click here.

While we settle in with our families for this Christmas holiday, we keep the lives of others nestled deeply within our hearts as well. – See more at: http://audreymagazine.com/fashion-for-a-cause-liberty-in-north-korea-link/#sthash.PjQEXKiz.dpuf

Images Courtesy Of Audrey Magazine Via LiNK