Perfect Perfumes Holiday Gift Guide Houston ... - Yellow Magazine

DECEMBER 2012FREEPerfectPerfumesHoliday GiftGuideHoustonFashion WeekTime forGenevayellowmags.com

f r o m t h e e d i t o r i n c h i e fAs December 21, 2012, approaches, I suspect that people across cultures and continents will be watching,waiting, and experiencing a time of prophecy. Some believe that life as we know it will be interrupted; othersbelieve that it will simply be a day remembered as another one upon which a prophecy thankfully failed tomaterialize. I fall into the latter category and, accordingly, have taken the positive step of planning the layout ofnext month’s issue!I am a “half glass full” kind of person. It’s all a matter of perspective and when your perspective is from thevantage point of being the editor of Yellow Magazine, flush with the positive energy that fills the sails of culture,art, entertainment and fashion, well, there is simply no place for gloom and doom.People are, by nature, drawn to happy thoughts and happy circumstances. During tough times, people may haveto eat rice and beans instead of steak and truffle cheese risotto, but they always find a way to go to the movies.Whereas, I do not advocate that one ignore the challenges that face them, I do encourage, emphatically, periodsof escape that take you away from the drudgery of it all. Yellow Magazine seeks to bring a smile to the faces andjoy to the hearts of all who peer through its pages. We want to recharge your batteries, excite your senses andignite your dreams. If we are successful in accomplishing this, we are satisfied. And we will continue along thatpath well beyond the prophecies of the Mayans.Photo by Collin KellyAll of us at Yellow Magazine extend our best wishes for a happy and safe holidays, gift wrapped in positive energyand tied with a yellow ribbon, of course!V. Hoang

The color yellow has played a recurrent symbolic role throughoutthe history of Asian culture. It symbolizes the earth that sustains alllife, yet has been embraced by Buddhist monks as an expression ofunchallenged power. Such is the role of yellow: always revered but indifferent ways under different circumstances.The mission of Yellow Magazine is to introduce our readers to theartistic , fashion, lifestyle and entertainment contributions made byAsian Americans. It is our hope that the depth and breadth of thetopics and events we cover do justice to the pride that the color yellowhas represented throughout the millennia. As the editor in chief ofYellow Magazine, my last name is Hoang, which also means yellow.Just as I am proud of my name, I am proud of my heritage, and proudof Yellow Magazine.Editor in ChiefV. Van Hoang, President of MV MediaEditorHenri MerceronCultural EditorsVuthy KuonTricia VoloreHealth EditorIvy YangTravel EditorMatt SimsWine EditorPhilip CuisimanoMusic EditorTyler MerceronLifestyle EditorChau Nguyen-ToddBeauty EditorTree VaelloFashion EditorVi HuaContributing WritersDeanne NguyenLeo SiprasAshley VuMarc NguyenCreative DirectorJeff MartinWebsiteLeo SiprasAssistant to the Editor in ChiefAshley VuContributing PhotographersMitchell AlexanderThang Nguyenkevinvideo1@yahoo.comTimothy Fredericktimothyfrederick.comShehla Z. Shahshehlazshahphotography.comPeter ThamFashion PhotographerDebbie PorterFashion StylistsKimberly DelapeEnid AlmanzaHairDavid Bamfordfor Therapy Hair StudioMakeupTree VaelloBusiness ManagerKarla MontejoPublisherMV MediaPublisher/Managing DirectorFrank PerezAdvertising713.528.6000 x103sales@yellowmags.comYellow Magazine1990 Post Oak Blvd.Suite 815Houston, TX 77056p 713.528.6000f 713.228.3186yellowmags.comYellow Magazine is published monthly. All rights reserved. Reproduction inwhole or part of the magazine is strictly prohibited without the permission ofthe publisher. Yellow Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited materialssubmitted. Subscriptions to Yellow Magazine may be purchased for $36/10issues. Mail check to: Yellow Magazine, 1990 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 815, Houston,TX 77056. © 2012 MV MediaOn the coverAll clothes from Saks FifthAvenueDress by Carolina Herrera-Priceupon requestGloves by Portalano, $230Headpiece by EnidOhLaLa, $450ModelMisha Nguyen from Page ParkesDecember 2012

T R A V E LBeyond the Alpsand Luxury WatchesGeneva is Timelessby m att simsLondon, Paris, Madrid, and Rome all have their charms, but one city in Europetops them all when it comes to being sleek, slick, cosmopolitan, and for lackof a better word—international. After all, the whole world is here: the UN,International Red Cross, International Labour Organization, and World HealthOrganization. If it’s prestigious and worldwide, it’s in Geneva.Images courtesy of Switzerland TourismFour Seasons Hoteldes BerguesQuai des Bergues 33 1201Geneva, Switzerland022 908 70 00fourseasons.com/genevaHotel d’AngleterreQuai du Mont-Blanc 17 1201Geneva, Switzerland022 906 55 14dangleterrehotel.comBut don’t get the idea that this progressive city of fewer than 200,000is filled with nothing but stuffy businessmen and world leaders. Genevais a fashionable lakeside city with some of the world’s best high-endshopping and dining—a place where you would be just as likely to findJames Bond as you would anyone else. Lake Geneva, which stretches outand divides the city into two parts, is Europe’s largest alpine lake. It is thesetting for scenic boat rides in view of majestic mountains that providea romantic and slow-paced alternative to the fast-paced mountain sportsthat take place close by.And who can resist buying a fine Swiss watch in Switzerland? Rolexhas their headquarters here (as does Piaget, Patek Philippe, and FrankMuller) and it is not uncommon for some people to travel here fromtheir distant homelands just to buy one. Watch making in Geneva datesback to the mid 1600’s, and other luxury Swiss watchmakers like Rado,Tag Heuer, Piaget, Movado, Raymond Weil, Oris, Tissot, and Breitling alsomake their presence known here.Geneva’s main shopping street, the Rue du Rhône, is the place to start.Countless watch stores line the nearby streets, but I recommend you stopby Chopard, one of my favorite shops where the sales lady may smile slylyand tell you, “If you pay cash, we can perhaps offer a bigger discount.”But shopping in Geneva is not just about fine watches. Even if you havea fine Swiss timepiece on your wrist, you won’t find yourself looking atit very often as you lose track of time wandering the myriad of shopsthat sell unique home décor items like bubble-glass wine coolers, resinpicture frames with coconut-shell marquetry, terra-cotta cooking vessels,camphorwood trunks with brass hardware, hand-blocked bedspreads,Iranian glass, pottery from the south of France, horn serving pieces fromMadagascar, and Greek church candles.Of course, if you have an interest in high fashion, the world’s topdesigners are well-represented in hundreds of shops in the Rue duRhône area as well as in major department stores like Globus. Also wellrepresented is a new breed of cutting edge boutiques and galleries likeSeptième étage on the Rue du Perron, which showcases the work ofavant-garde international designers. Histoire de Plaire is a women’s shoeboutique shaped like a hatbox where the hottest items are actually AnneFontaine shirts. For the unusual and the unique, Geneva’s Old Town hasart, antiques, and some surprisingly trendy clothing shops, too. Don’t beafraid to wander and get lost on the side streets. The people are friendly,and since Switzerland has three official languages (French, German,and Italian) the locals are used to changing dialects. Here, in the mainlyFrench-speaking part of Switzerland a large number of Geneva’s citizensspeak English, but out of politeness, start off with a phrase in French(“Parlez-vous anglais?”) before transitioning to English.If you are the museum-loving type like me, you’ll want to visitLe Musée d’Art et d’Histoire which houses world-class collections ofEtruscan vases, bronzes from the Roman era in Geneva, medieval ivories,Byzantine silver, as well as works by Courbet, Corot, Renoir, Monet,Cézanne and Picasso. If you want to take a glimpse back into the historyof the region, check out the Maison Tavel, the oldest private house inGeneva, rebuilt in 1334 following a fire.For those in the mood to spend time outdoors, stop by the Jet d’Eau,one of the world’s largest fountains, which thrusts 8,000 gallons of waterper minute into a giant 500-foot high plume. You can also watch a gameof outdoor chess with giant pieces on the beautiful grounds of the Parcdes Bastions. For a fun and easy alternative to buses and taxis, a socialorganization called Genèveroule lends bicycles free of charge for up tofour hours from the end of April through the end of October. Just showyour passport and hand over a small refundable deposit at one of the sixstations located along the lake, and start pedaling.For the more adventurous, stop by Bike Switzerland (near the trainstation) to rent a mountain bike upon which you can challenge yourselfas you negotiate the ups and downs that lead to the Alps. If biking isn’tyour thing, Switzerland is possibly the easiest and best place for hiking onthe planet. Ask for suggestions from any local tourist information office.You can choose anything from easy strolls through flower-filled meadowsand lakeside promenades to overnight treks where you sleep in mountainhotels among the peaks. The trail network extends throughout the country,and the trails are all well marked with yellow signs that tell how much timeit will take to get from one place to another. Plus, with about 45 ski resortswithin an hour of Geneva, wintertime is also a great time to visit.French influenced food and culture combined with meticulous Swissservice makes Geneva the perfect place to enjoy some of the world’sbest luxury hotels and unforgettable restaurants. The Four Seasons Hoteldes Bergues (fourseasons.com/geneva) is an historic luxurious five-starhotel with stunning views of the lake and a great restaurant, Il Lago, thatserves memorable northern Italian dishes and spectacular wines. Almost aquarter of the neo-classical rooms are suites with lake views. For more ofa boutique experience with ultra-modern amenities and regal style, Hoteld’Angleterre (dangleterrehotel.com) is also right on the lake. It has what isperhaps Geneva’s most stylish nightspot, the Leopard Bar, and is definitelya place where you can imagine running into James Bond. In reality, youcan’t go wrong staying at almost any hotel in Geneva because the Swissare so particular about the level of service they provide.For the unusual and the unique,Geneva’s Old Town has art,antiques, and some surprisinglytrendy clothing shops.For one of the best meals of your life, make sure you set asideat least one evening for dinner at Le Chat-Botte inside the BeauRivage hotel. Chef Dominique Gauthier earned a coveted Michelinstar for his contemporary and inventive French cuisine that uses localproduce to create sophisticated works of culinary art. Surrounded bytapestries, sculpture, and rich upholstery, the restaurant’s well-trained andknowledgeable staff serves some of the best food in the country, if not allof Europe. Weather permitting, you can dine on the terrace surroundedby flowers and overlooking the towering plumes of the Jet d’Eau fountain.Begin with the zucchini flowers stuffed with vegetables and essence oftomato and the lobster salad with eggplant “caviar,” olive oil, and freshherbs. For an entree, I highly recommend the oven-roasted Sisteron lambwith stuffed vegetables or the delicate filet of perch from Lake Geneva.Restaurant Roberto is well-known and has been a favorite fortraditional northern Italian food since the 1950’s. It is Geneva’s mainpower-lunch spot brimming with tradition and wonderful food. A fewsteps from the Cathédrale St.-Pierre in the heart of the Old Town, LaFavola is considered by some to be the best restaurant in Geneva. Try theirfamously tender tortellini filled with sweet creamy ricotta in a lusciousreduction of red wine, meat juices, and butter. You will savor every bite.Whereas, the French are internationally recognized for theircontributions to the art of living including fine food, high fashion,and beautiful architecture, the Swiss are most certainly known fortheir unrivaled efficiency and ability to make things work. Genevais a masterfully balanced city of high finance, high fashion, politicalintrigue, intriguing food, manmade structures and natural beauty. It offerssomething for everyone which certainly explains why it such a populardestination for visitors from around the world.4 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

f a s h i o nThe Second Lifeof a DesignerGemma Kahngby M ARC NGUYENDesigner Gemma Kahng has slowly and effectively anchored her collection in theoutlets of major fashion retailers. She has dressed stars like Sharon Stone in herVogue photo shoot and Madonna’s infamous Vanity Fair photo shoot in 1992. Herdebut of women suits changed the way women dressed in the work place, breathingnew life into the ubiquitous conservative suits; they were now more playful yet stillreserved. Kahng’s quick success was accompanied by unexpected costs that requiredher to regroup. Now, in her second round, she is more prepared and ready to tacklethe business side of being a successful designer.For more information visitgemmakahng.comWhat is the inspiration for your collection?The inspiration for the collection comes from all the things that natureoffers ... flowers, butterflies, rain and blue skies. Although I live in thecountry on the weekend, I love Manhattan. It’s a good place to work andmake friends but sometimes it gets too intense. You have to wait in linefor everything and and congested traffic makes driving so frustrating.I needed more space so I found a farm two hours north of Manhattan.When I am there I turn everything off and think about my work and mylife. It’s so quiet and peaceful there and I am surrounded by nature.When I first saw your Spring/Summer 2013 collection on the runwaythe dominant thought in my mind was that I was seeing exposedundergarments which reminded me of Marie Antoinette wearing corsetdresses. I saw flowers and butterflies but couldn’t figure out the cages.Oh no. That was rain. The strips originally came from rain. Using thestrips, I could space the butterflies perfectly. That’s why I spend a lot oftime in my studio trying different ideas without sketching them out.Although sketching is important, a lot of things comes from mistakes; Ilike to touch, feel and play around with the design.Your collection seems very youthful.Young at heart. It’s not about chronological age as much as it is aboutyour state of mind. We have to be young. We always have to be young.What kind of woman did you have in mind when you designed thiscollection?First of all, they have to like fashion. If they don’t, it does not meananything to them. They have to love fashion and not be afraid to lookdifferent. They must be open-minded about trying something thatis new, different and unusual. But my collection is not that crazy andeverything is wearable.Your collections are more feminine than they were in the 90’s.At that time, it was about suits. That’s when women were starting towork and they needed to look strong because they were competingwith men. Women were wearing suits that looked like men’s suits andI came out with ones that were fun, feminine and exciting but seriousenough to wear to work. They became instant hits. Today, womenhave moved beyond that point. We no longer have to wear suit andprove ourselves. We can be sexy and pretty at work and that is why mycollections have changed and are more feminine.Let’s go back to the 90’s when your clothes were on the cover of Vogueand Vanity Fair. Your collections seemed to have a lot of buttons. Canyou tell us about the buttons?It’s one way to show a sense of humor because the suits wereimpeccably tailored and serious suits; the buttons made them morefun. It was exciting and I think people were looking for something freshand exciting. And since it seemed to work, I continued to make buttonsand they got bigger and bigger.The buttons were so beautiful and the stores had a hard time keepingthem on the jackets because people were stealing them to makeearrings. I decided to make earrings so people would stop cutting thebuttons off the jackets.So you also make accessories?Although my main focus is clothes, I do make some fun things tocomplement them.Do you think one can can overdress?You can never be overdressed. You have to dress up everyday. Don’t beafraid to put in more effort than other people. It’s always about the wayyou look because that is the way you present yourself to the public.What would you advise young designers?It’s a very tough business. There is so much competition. It’s almostimpossible to succeed in the business but there’s room for somebodywho is unique, talented and devoted. They must be able to offersomething fresh and different. Design is only part of the formula. Youmust also have a great team to follow through and get everythingdone to have everything done reliably and efficiently 100% of the time.Especially if you have your own company, never underestimate otherparts of the business process that are required to make you successful.It goes without saying that the designs have to be unique and original.That is what defines you.Yes, exactly. My team and I try so hard to be perfectionists. We are nota big team and I am there all the time to make sure they don’t makemistakes. I work from 8am to 10pm. The only way you will succeed isto be completely devoted. Although the design is what is seen by thepublic, what happens behind the scenes is just as important. That is whyyou need a good team and you have to have people who believe in you.Although sketching is important,a lot of things comes frommistakes; I like to touch, feel andplay around with the design.Do you feel like the public believes in you?I am getting there. It’s just the tip of the iceberg. My designs are not in alot of stores but I am in some of the best and I am very happy about that.Are you in New York?I am in Neiman Marcus and I am trying to get in Bergdorf Goodman.What happened in the mid and late 90’s when we didn’t see or hear ofyour collections anymore? Did you stop designing?I never stopped designing. I became so successful so fast and my firstcollection was in Vogue magazine. After that, my second collectionwas all over the place. I opened a boutique in Hong Kong and soonthereafter, I was on the cover of Vogue dressing Madonna. It was a littletoo fast and too much. Everyone was placing orders and I had so manydemands on my time and little experience in how to get organized. Itwas too much and I was burned.I noticed that you have not been picked up by retailers until recently.Why is that?I have been trying to relaunch but it has been a slow process. Neiman’sand Tootsies have really made others realize that if they like mycollections maybe they should give them another look. And they areselling really well, thank god!During the time that your clothes were not being picked up by stores,were you having a lot of problems getting things going by yourself?I have been running the studio and doing everything that I normally dobut financing by myself without store support was a little tough. Also,emotionally, it was very disappointing because I am so used to havingpeople line up at my door trying to get in. Now, I can’t get anyone in.Looking back, I believed in myself and in not giving up. Getting a littlesupport has given me the courage to continue to design beautiful things.6 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

g i f t sNo Matter What Her StyleWe Have a ScentSeasonal ScentsEvery woman has a style, and every style has a scent. Whether it’s femininefloral or sexy spice, the options are practically unlimited—which can geta bit confusing for the holiday gift-giver. So we’ve come to the rescue thisseason with some of the newest perfumes available. We’ve even thrown ina guy’s cologne just to make sure everyone is covered. Still undecided? Checkout our Holiday Gift Guide on pages 18-19 for the Sephora 12-piece samplercollection that includes a voucher for a full-size bottle, making it the perfectpresent for indecisive buyers or receivers.Balenciaga FlorabotanicaFlorabotanica is the new fragrance from the botanical gardens of Balenciaga, inspiredby the woman who is beautiful but dangerous like many rare botanical flowers. Abewitching fragrance, this new scent twists Turkish rose with hemp and vetiver rootsfor an addictive trail.1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $95Neiman MarcusStella McCartney L.I.L.Y.L.I.L.Y. begins with the smell of a springmorning, dappled sunlight through thetrees, a vision of delicate lily of the valley. Itis the passage of time across a forest floor.The touch of moss and the darker intensityof truffles. More masculine and earthy, butstill seductive and sensual.1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $80SephoraDonna Karan WomanA fragrance created for women, by women,to celebrate the inspirational, multifacetedwomen among us. The creamy, key notesof orange blossom, sandalwood, andHaitian vetiver express the softness andstrength of a woman.1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $85SephoraMarchesa Parfum d’ExtaseMarchesa Parfum d’Extase opens withlight florals, giving way to a combinationof fresh and woody notes that createcomplexity and beauty. Iris is the secretto the fragrance’s richness, capturing thedelicate essence of its flower petals andthe dark sensuality of its precious roots.1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $85SephoraMarc Jacobs DOTSurprising and effervescent, energeticand alive—DOT by Marc Jacobs capturesa charming, upbeat spirit with timelesssophistication. Simple and straightforward,exuberant and feminine, DOT is a colorfulMarc Jacobs creation that comes full circlewith a balance of modernity and elegance.1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $69SephoraLancôme La vie est belle Eau de Parfum“La vie est belle”, a French expressionmeaning “Life is beautiful”. La vie est bellefrom Lancome introduces a new olfactivestory, the first ever iris gourmand, forthe fragrance of joyful femininity andhappiness. The fragrance that makes lifemore beautiful.1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $80Macy’sGuerlain La Petite Robe NoirInspired by the elegance and eternity ofa little black dress, the perfume exudesParisian chic and gracefulness. It openswith playful and sparkling aromas of blackcherry, bergamot, red berries and almond.1.6 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $80SephoraTom Ford NoirFor the man in your life, this oriental,sensual fragrance captures the dualfacets of the Tom Ford man—therefined, urbane sophisticate who theworld gets to see, and the intriguinglysensuous, private man they don’t.1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $90SephoraHello Kitty Wild Thing Roller GirlHello Kitty proves she is anything but tamewith this wild collection of fierce favorites.Let your inner Kitty roar with this sparklingroller ball fragrance, bright with notes ofsweet apple, orange flower, and vanillamusk. The glitzy animal-print tube isadorned with swirling sparkles and toppedwith an iconic Hello Kitty head..33 oz, $22Sephora8 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

PhotographerDebbie PorterStylistsCo-Styled by Kimberly DeLapeand Enid AlmanzaMakeupTree VaelloHairDavid Bamford for Therapy HairStudioModelMisha Nguyen from Page ParkesAll clothes from Saks Fifth AvenueDress by Carolina Herrera,price upon requestGloves by Portalano, $23010 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

All clothes from Saks Fifth AvenueDress by ABS, $340Leather jacket by Diane Von Furstenberg, $1,200Shoes by Jimmy Choo, $995Necklace from thevintagecontessa.comYellow Magazine D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 11

All clothes by Saks Fifth AvenueDress by Rebeca Taylor, $450Fur by Carmen Marc Valvo, $10,000Stingray cuff fromShamaine Klein Design@skleindesign.com12 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

All clothes by Saks Fifth AvenueDress by Parker, $385Ostrich vest by Trilogy.Michael McCollom, $297Bracelet from thevintagecontessa.comRing from Shamaine Klein Designs@skleindesign.comYellow Magazine D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 13

All clothes from Saks Fifth AvenueDress by Michael Kors, $2,595Coat by Michael Kors, $2,295Necklace from thevintagecontessa.comChanel bag from thevintagecontessa.comYellow MagazineD e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 15

f a s h i o nThe Design StarsCome Out to PlayPhotos by Mitchell AlexanderHouston FashionThe 3rd Annual Fashion Houston extravaganza enthralled Houstonians with four daysof fashion shows at the Wortham Center. It was an occasion that gave everyone inthe audience the license and opportunity to reach deep into their closets to projecttheir personal sense of fashion. It seemed that everyone relished exposing their innerfashionista and fashionisto. Designers such as Max & Lubov Azria, Zac Posen andMonique Lhuillier, as well as local designers David Peck, Chloe Dao and Jerry Mooreshowcased their Spring/Summer 2013 collections. The show opened with a localdesigner and closed with an international one. This year, Fashion Houston honoredDiane Lokey Farb as the Fashion Houston 2012 Style Icon. In previous years, FashionHouston honored Lynn Wyatt for 2010 and Becca Cason Thrash for 2011.Zac PosenNeal Hamil, Diane Lokey Farb, Jared Lang founder of Fashion Houston Herve Leger CROP David Peck Fotini Monique LhuillierGemma KahngMaison Rabih KayrouzChloe DaoKevan HallBCBG16 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

h o l i d a y g i f t g u i d eWe Leave You WithNo Excuses for No PresentsGifts GaloreThere’s always that special someone on your list who seems to beimpossible to buy for every holiday season. We’ve put together somegift suggestions that should solve that problem. Now it’s all up to you!A Better Kind of Holiday ReturnThis is one gift that definitely won’t be goingback to the store the day after Christmas. TheReturn to Tiffany heart tag in RUBEDO metalon a sterling silver bracelet chain is perfect forjust about anyone.Return to Tiffany Bracelet, $475Tiffany & Co. Galleria and The Woodlandstiffany.comIt’s Time for a ManA powerful balance of modernity and tradition, The Britainblends innovative British design with Swiss craftsmanshipand timeless quality. Sapphire crystal face and matte blacksunray dial, three-hand LumiNova movement, roundedoctagonal brushed stainless steel case with polishedbevelled edge.Burberry Britain Automatic Steel Watch, $1,795Burberry Galleria5015 Westheimer Rd., Suite 2460713.629.6900, us.burberry.comCreative CarvingWhy have just a boring block of wood when you can enjoya sleek holder that’s just asking for it. The included chef’sknife, bread knife, carver, utility knife, and parer slidethrough the most resistant foods into protective casingsthat keep the sharp edges safely enclosed.EX Knife Set, $80raffaeleiannello.comThe Gift that Makes ScentsThis 12-piece collection of Sephora’s most sought-afterwomen’s scents includes a range of enchanting, stylish,and luxurious fragrances, and a stylish beauty bag for safekeeping. Also included is a voucher for a full-size bottle,making it the perfect gift. A men’s sampler is also available.Sephora Fragrance Sampler for Her, $50Sephora locations and sephora.comBest of LuckLadurée created a perfumed candles collectionreminiscent of their flagship locations: Paris, Tokyo,London and New York, the four lucky charms ofLadurée. Each scent is a telling story with thememories of travels and journeys taken all over theworld.Lucky Charms Candles of Ladurée, $69 eachLadurée New York, 864 Madison Avenue646.558.3157, laduree.frBeautiful from All AnglesThe days of hiding your bulky black stereo are over. The A9 from Bang & Olufson is designed and crafted like a beautifulpiece of furniture—with a careful selection of materials and great attention to detail. Great sound is a given.B&O A9 Wireless Speaker, $2,699Bang & Olufsen, 2800 Kirby Drive, Suite B-112713.664.1188, beoplay.com18 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

Drive ElectricRecently named Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year, and Motor Trend 2013 Car of the Year, the TeslaModel S has been impressing both critics and drivers with its combination of gorgeous design and futuristictechnology. Efficiency-obsessed, innovative battery engineering delivers range for the real world, with up to 300miles per charge, 5.6 seconds from 0-60 miles per hour, and 0 tailpipe emissions.Tesla Motors Model S, starting at $49,900teslamotors.comHere Kitty KittyGood fortune will come your way if you buy this JapaneseLucky Cat pillow for your loved ones. Created by SuponPhornirunlit, one of the world’s most awarded designers,the pillow measures 18” x 18” and is hand silkscreened.Japanese Lucky Cat Pillow, $49.95nakeddecor.comSing Along SongsRabbit Days and Dumplings features folk and children’ssongs from East Asia. The album collects mostly traditionalsongs from China, Tibet, Taiwan, Japan and Korea, and isthe creation of Elena Moon Park, a Korean-American bornand raised in East Tennessee with immigrant parents fromSouth Korea.Rabbit Days and Dumplings CD, $9.99itunes.apple.comDecisions, DecisionsTo each his (or her) own. The new iPad Mini from Apple slims down the extremelypopular iPad, making it smaller and lighter. The Nook HD from Barnes & Noble is alsolight, thin, and super portable. Maybe give both? Give one, keep one?Apple iPad Mini, from $329 Nook HD, from $199Apple locations and apple.com Barnes & Noble locations and bn.comGame On!Wii U is the next great gamingconsole from Nintendo and itredefines how you will play next.With its innovative new Wii UGamePad controller, it not onlyintroduces entirely new ways toplay games, it also transformshow you connect with friendsand enjoy entertainment.Wii U Basic Set Console, $299.99target.comA Sound ChoiceShare your musicanywhere, anytime!Libratone Zipp is aneasy-to-use, wirelesssound system wrapped inchangeable Italian wool.Stream your favouritetunes with PlayDirect andAirPlay technology, directlyfrom your music device.Speaker covers are soldseparately with eight vividcolors to choose from.Libratone Zipp WirelessSpeaker, $449libratone.comIn the BagTom Ford can make anything sexy, and hesucceeds again with this sleek, stamped leatherbag, featuring a removable, adjustable shoulderstrap and large golden turnlock center with logoengraving.Tom Ford Natalia Bag, $3,690Nieman Marcus Galleria and neimanmarcus.comYou Are Running Out of Time...With just a few days left until gifts are due, the pressure is definitely on. So why take a risk when there’s aguaranteed “Oh my gosh! I LOVE IT!” present right here in front of you? This exquisite watch comes in 18k white goldwith 165 diamonds, black dial, black satin-finish strap and diamond clasp. A trip to the actual Fifth Avenue might becheaper, but it won’t last as long.Tiffany Fifth Avenue Watch, $18,700Tiffany & Co. Galleria and The Woodlandstiffany.comYellow MagazineD e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 19

Le Dragon d’Or 2012 Private Trunk Show benefitting Operation SmileHeld at the Montage Hotel Beverly Hills, CALe Dragon d’Or sparkled at theMontage Hotel while showcasing theirlatest collection of amazing jewelryat a private invitation only event.The extensive collection ranged fromsimple diamond earrings to the mostelaborate necklaces, rings and earringsencrusted with white, pink, yellow,or black diamonds set in 18kt yellow,white or rose gold. Guests weretreated to the inimitable first classservice that only the Montage Hotelcould provide. More than $20,000was raised for Operation Smile from aportion of the evening’s sales donatedby Le Dragon d’Or.Henry Salke Ali Wong Event table Simon IsenSandrine Rattan,Georgeann CarrasDana Walden, Jennifer Salke Herman Elger, Thanh Hoang, Luis Nunez Patricia Malka, Karen BassViet Hoang, Dane Hoang, Thanh Hoang, Duyen Huyhn, Marc NguyenDane Hoang, Kate Walsh Dr. Noel Santini, Matt Holley Dr. Roberto de la Cruz,Paul PolancoShellie Dang,Nancie PhamWhitney Cummings20th Annual U.S Korea Ambassadors’ DialogueHeld at the Asia Society Texas Center20th Annual U.S Korea Ambassadors’ Dialogue held at the Asia Society Texas CenterThe Korea Economic Institute annually hosts the U.S. Ambassador to Korea and theKorean Ambassador to the U.S. to embark on a series of public and private outreachprograms on U.S.-Korea relations. This year, Ambassador Y.J. Choi and AmbassadorSung Kim visited four cities: Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego and Honolulu. Thetwo ambassadors addressed audiences of civic leaders, business representatives,students, veterans, local media, and state/local political leaders. Over the years,the Ambassadors’ Dialogue has become one of most successful public educationand outreach programs on Korea in the United States. The programs have served toinform public opinion leaders in cities around the country of current developments inKorea and U.S.-Korea relations, as well as to raise the level of interest in Korea aroundthe country. The Ambassadors’ Dialogue provides a concrete symbol of the closenessof the relationship between these two allies. The joint participation of the twoambassadors is unique to this bilateral partnership.Ambassador Y.J. Choi, Alexander ChaeViet Hoang, Glen Gondo, Japan Vice Consul General Avako KoidePhotos by Jeff FantichAbraham Kim, Charles Foster, Ambassador Sung Kim, Ambassador Y.J. Choi, Edward Allen IIIDr. Bandula Wijay, Deputy Consul General of RussiaSergey A. AzizovVictor Song, Martha Blackwelder, Ambassador Y.J. Choi, Randy Sim20 |D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

Jennifer Hudson Celebrates Hearst’s125th Anniversary in HoustonHeld at Asia Society Texas CenterIt was all treats and no tricks for the hundreds of guests attending a celebration of Hearst’s 125th anniversary in Houston at theAsia Society Texas Center on Halloween. The incomparable Jennifer Hudson performed a special set of songs that included amedley of Whitney Houston hits and ended with her own showstopper “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”The night also included a private screening of the new documentary “Citizen Hearst”, directed by Academy Award® nominatedfilmmaker Leslie Iwerks and narrated by Academy Award nominee William H. Macy. It traces the 125-year history of the Hearstmedia empire, from William Randolph Hearst’s pioneering and controversial days of headline-grabbing yellow journalism, to theglobal impact of the company’s many successful media brands. The film recently had its world premiere at the 2012 HamptonsInternational Film Festival and is now on the festival circuit.Hearst CEO Frank A. Bennack, Jr. made remarks to start the night alongside Mayor Annise Parker and “Citizen Hearst” director LeslieIwerks.Other guests included Mayor’s Assistant for Cultural Affairs Minnette Boesel, Former Mayor of Houston Bill White andphilanthropist Andrea White, City Council Members Helena Brown, Melissa Noriega, James Rodriguez, Mike Sullivan, President/CEO John Daugherty Realtors John Daugherty, President of H-E-B Scott McClelland and President/CEO of the Texas Medical CenterRichard Wainerdi.Gene McDavid, Frank Bennack, Dr. Mary Lake Bennack, Jack SweeneyPhotos by Bob Levey/Wire ImageHouston Mayor Annise ParkerBill BallezaLinda Lorelle,Lou GregoryJennifer Hudson performing

t r a v e lLayers of HistoryPreserved and UncoveredDiscovering Jordanby m arc nguyenAs we were approaching the city of Amman, our driver, Asim, asked, “So, whatdo you think about the American government getting rid of Sadam Husseinand what it did to Iraq?” He spoke with a heavy Middle Eastern accent andseemed to speak with a menacing undertone. Instantly, my mind revisitedwhat we had communicated from the time we entered the car to the pointwhere Amir asked this question. We told him that we flew in from Texas.I cannot recall if we told him that we were American citizens but I did tell himwe were there for a week of vacation.We had been talking about visiting the Middle East for as long asI could remember. We were particularly interested in going to Petra,where Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail in his last crusade. Beyond theallure of a Hollywood connection, the arid terrain, caravans of camels,colorful rugs and tents and the veiled women and turbaned Bedouinmen, all suggested a land of many mysteries.When we bid everyone goodbye and boarded the plane, I didn’twant to acknowledge the nagging feeling, that tangled knot in my gut.Twenty hours later, we found ourselves riding in the car with Asim.The security outside of the Four Seasons Amman did not help mefeel more at ease. Our car was stopped at a check point by several menin military fatigues carrying semi-automatic rifles, and double rowsof barricades with long sharp metal spears protruded in all directions.Upon reaching the entrance of the hotel, we were required to passthrough a metal detector. Our journey through Jordan had begun.The next day, we set out to explore Amman. The first thing I noticedwas that there was new construction everywhere. With three millionpeople in a 270 square mile area, Amman was bursting with growthand energy. Ancient ruins were harmoniously located next to modernbuildings; absent was the graffiti commonly found in other publicspaces. We noticed that the Jordanians appeared to be amiable andaffectionate, self-respectful and culturally aware.Jebel al-Qal’a, or the Citadel Hill, presented itself like open heartsurgery, displaying 18,000 years of history in bits and pieces. Here andthere, we found tumbled Roman columns, a giant hand of Hercules, thefoundation of the Byzantine church, and a partially restored mosque.Down the hill we found the Roman forum, or what was left of it, anintact colonnade and an almost pristine amphitheater built intothe hillside. A former waterway now ran beneath the modern streetbustling with cars and pedestrians.The next day, we drove north to Jerash, an ancient city establishedaround 3,000 BC that had repeatedly been subjected to earthquakesand warfare. Fortunately, the whole city was buried beneath arid soil formore than a thousand years and is considered to be the best preservedRoman city in the Near East.Beneath the foundation of some ruins, relics of civilizations thatpredated the Romans were found. At one location, a Byzantine churchwas buried underneath a Greek church which, in turn, was underneatha Roman church. Three stories of three eras piled atop one another,vaguely telling the bloody story of conquests and defeats.Jerash was vast and only twenty five percent of the city wasexcavated. At the time of our visit, we found the Temple of Zeusmajestically overlooking the Oval Plaza. From here we could see theCardo Maximus, a north-south oriented street that was completelyexposed while the east-west, South Decumanus, was still beingunearthed. The pave stones of the Cardo were deeply carved by ancientchariot wheels in an area that was once busy with commerce and nowlined with only the skeletons of shops.On the fourth day of our trip, we traveled south to the city ofMadaba and visited the famous Church of St. George which housedthe ancient mosaic map from the Byzantine era. This Umayyad map, orwhat remained of it, recorded roughly 156 biblical landmarks which aidin locating various excavation sites. From there, we drove to Mt. Nebo,known as the place where Moses was granted the view of the promisedland, as well as where he was buried by God, though the whereaboutsof the burial site remains unknown.Perched on top of a barren hill in a remote location, we spottedShobak Castle against the evening sun as we made our way to Petra.Despite its dilapidated condition, wandering aimlessly through manylarge empty rooms one after another gave me a sense of how grandthe castle once was. Built in 1115 AD by the Crusader King Baldwin I toguard the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, it endured almost threequarters of a century before it fell to the armies of Saladin.Petra was built to be a major trading center. When most peoplethink of Petra, they think of the pink stone façade of the Treasury,thanks to the popular Hollywood movie. In fact, other structures in thisimmense historical place were equally, if not more, amazing. Walkingalong the old pilgrimage route known as the Siq fills you with wonderwhen you contemplate the ingenuity of the Nabataean people, whoengineered the aquifer and duct system that allowed Petra to be a placeof prosperity. Three miles past the Treasury and nine hundred stepsup the mountain (here, riding a donkey could be the experience of alifetime), the Monastery is a “must see”. Standing on the steps of thishand-carved building and looking back down the mountain is simplybreathtaking.Unlike most ancient ruins elsewhere in the world, in Jordan,we could wander into any palace or temple, lean against the timesmoothed stones that frame many doorways and look out at thelandscape. You cannot help but ponder about the generations of peoplewho may have leaned against the very same stone wall, looked at thevery same landscape, thought of the past and wondered about thefuture in the same way that I had done.Here and there, we foundtumbled Roman columns, a gianthand of Hercules, the foundationof the Byzantine church, anda partially restored mosque.Exhausted after the climb, we found a Bedouin room tucked into acave across the Monastery. Fresh mint lemonade (green with mint withalmost no sugar) served by a relocated New Yorker, instantly revitalizedour adventurous spirit.After a long day of trekking and riding, we chose to stay in and relaxon the roof-top bar of Hotel Mövenpick where Palestinian cuisine wasserved with French champagne and Cabernet-Sauvignon. With colddrinks in hand, we watched the sun set behind the jagged mountainrange and listened to the famous Fairuz crooning her many favorites asthe wind picked up the heat of the day and blew it away.22 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2Yellow Magazine

w i n eChampagne, Spumante, Prosecco,Cava and Sparkling WinesEffervescent Enjoymentby ph i li p cu isim anoDecember is undoubtedly the “Party Month”, with morecelebrations held than in any other period as the festive spiritof the Yuletide season takes hold. The sheer number of partieswill reach a crescendo on December 31st when most of thecountry will revel in New Year celebrations.The hands-down beverage of choice for adult partiersis sparkling wine, and for good reasons; these cuvees aredelicious, elegant and pair well with most every type offood. Further evidence of the correlation between sparklingwine and seasonal celebrations is observed in the increasedconsumer demand for these wines during the month ofDecember, by far the most voluminous sales period ofthe year. The growing popularity of sparkling wine is alsofueled by the multitude of quality offerings available withan array of pricing to accommodate any budget. Let’s learnmore about a few of the more popular categories:Spain is also a player in thesparkling wine category andproduces outstanding products.Champagne These wines are named for the regionin which they are produced, an area located in the northeast of France, around ninety miles from Paris. Here, thebar is set for sparkling wines and where the intricate“Methode Champenoise” process of production wasfirst developed. Champagne is a place of grand traditionand storied excellence; home to some of the legendarybrands of bubbly including the mythical Dom Perignon, abrand synonymous with luxury and decadence (especiallyduring the 1980s). Other magical labels of note include:Veuve Clicquot (1772) and the house of Bollinger (1829).The former supplies one of the best selling premiumChampagnes in today’s market with their Yellow Labeloffering, while Bollinger is renowned for producing thefavorite sparkling wine of James Bond (aka 007) namely, theBollinger R.D. These wines are expensive but worth it.California At one time, American sparkling wines werelabeled as Champagne but around 1996 it was determinedthat, with few exceptions, only wines produced in theChampagne region of France should be so designated. Thus,our bottles are classified simply as “Sparkling”. However,as Shakespeare so eloquently noted “A rose by any othername would smell as sweet” and California makes wonderfulwines, taking a backseat to no other region. Some of the topwineries includ Schramsberg, Mumm-Napa, Charles Krug,Iron Horse and the French-owned proprieties of DomaineChandon, Domaine Carneros and Roederer Estates.Spumante The best Italian Spumante (Sparkling) isFranciacorta, named for the region in which it is produced.These are some of the world’s best wines; unfortunately,their availability is limited. On the other hand, ItalianProsecco is storming the world’s markets and growingexponentially in popularity. These are from the Venetoregion and utilize a vinification technique known asMetodo Italiano or the Charmat Process. This process is inwide use, producing high quality wines at lower costs.Cava Spain is also a player in the sparkling winecategory and produces outstanding products, called Cava,that provide great quality at very attractive pricing. Theshare of the market that Spanish Cava enjoys today is theresult, in no small part, to efforts put forth by the respectedbrand Frexinet.Salute! Much health and prosperity for 2013!Wine of the MonthEfix, Brut SpumanteThis is Italian sparkling wine at its best, producedwith the Vermentino Grape, sourced from the Islandof Sardinia. A most interesting place, the island couldbe described as a tropical paradise that is home topeople that live long and where the vines are someof the world’s oldest. This Spumante is crisp and dry,presenting to the palate fruit flavors of apple and peachin a medium, toasty-body and finishing with a subtleecho of cream. $23.00Wines available at Spec’s Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods,various locations. Visit specsonline.com for the storenearest you.Dining GuideYellow Magazine’s featured restaurantsJ A PA N E S ETokyo One7465 W. Greens Rd., 281.955.88982938 W. Sam Houston S., 713.785.8899Tokyo One is a sushi buffet restaurant, situatedin a fancy boat house with an outside deck.The food is fresh and is constantly replenished.Selections include: salads such as sea weed,beef, squid, salmon and watercress. Sushiincludes a variety of rolls and sashimi.Zushi Japanese Cuisine5900 Memorial Dr., 713.861.5588Zushi serves extremely fresh and high qualitysushi. Stand out items are the sashimiappetizers served with perfectly paired saucesor any one of the many house specialty rolls.Uptown Sushi1131 Uptown Park Blvd. #14 713.871.1200Uptown Sushi personifies an upscale sushirestaurant located near the Galleria in the swankyUptown Park Plaza. The menu offers Japanesefusion dishes and a great selection of high-endsashimi and sushi. Side note: Uptown Sushi has“off-the-menu” specialty rolls served daily!C H I N E S EAuntie Chang’s2621 South Shepherd #290, 713.524.8410Auntie Chang’s offers the most flavorful homestyleChinese cuisine around. Although knownfor their dumplings, any of your favorite classicChinese dishes are done extremely well.Hong Kong Food Street9750 Bellaire Blvd., 713.981.9888Peking duck and roasted pork hang fromcleavers in a front window display giving aHong Kong street market feel. In addition,the menu is divided into sections includingSeafood, Hot Pot, Special Stir Fry, Sizzling andChef Specials.San Dong Noodle House9938-F Bellaire Blvd., 713.271.3945Authentic hand pulled Chinese noodle dishesare served at a reasonable price. A few favoritesinclude the Roast Beef Noodle soup served ina beef broth accented by ginger and soy, or theoh so addicting pan fried dumplings.Sinh Sinh9788 Bellaire Blvd., 713.541.0888The seafood at Sinh Sinh is quite excitingbecause everything served comes from livetanks. Prawns, Australian king lobster, Kingcrabs, Coral Leopard trout, Surf clams, Geoduckclams, Trunk clams, Elephant clams, etc…are allfeatured as live seafood.T H A IThai Spice8282 Bellaire Blvd. 713.777.4888Thai Spice on Bellaire is a foodies dream. It’s acasual place that serves Thai dishes you won’tfind anywhere else in Houston, with a hugeselection of interesting, rare, tasty dishes atexcellent prices. A must have is the whole friedtilapia with hot and sour dipping sauce andpapaya salad and Tom Yum soup.Nit Noi6700 Woodway Pkwy., Suite 580 281.597.8200Nit Noi means “a little bit” and Thai food loverspack Nit Noi restaurants and cafes all aroundHouston. Nit Noi will always be known for theirPad Thai, but other must try dishes includePadThai Korat (flat noodles stir-fried withchicken, pork or shrimp with vegetables) andTom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup).Tony Thai10613 Bellaire Blvd., 281.495.1711A sophisticated approach to traditional Thaicuisine, Tony’s executes with perfect balanceand pizzazz. Tony’s Wings, wet or dry, and theSteamed Mussels are popular appetizers. Forthe main course try the Basil Lamb, GarlicSalmon or the Steamed Fish with Chili.I N D I A NKiran’s Restaurant4100 Westheimer Rd. #151, 713.960.8472This northern Indian style restaurant embodiesa fusion approach to its cuisine. With a focuson well balanced flavors rather than spice,the Flaky Halibut Swimming in WatermelonCurry sauce and the Tandoori Platter typify thisperfectly.V I E T N A M E S EKim Son Restaurants2001 Jefferson (and other locations),713.222.2461The menu is the most imposing part of thiscasual, highly regarded landmark Vietnameserestaurant. There are no poor choices amongthe 100 or so options. Enjoy finely prepareddelicacies as well as the expected fare, such asthe pork vermicelli and fried eggroll. Must try istheir black pepper softshell crab. Special eventfacilities available.Vietopia5176 Buffalo Speedway, 713.664.7303Trendy yet elegant, Vietopia delivers top notchVietnamese cuisine at reasonable lunch pricesand a stellar dinner menu. The lounge worksperfectly for those who want a less formaldining experience but still want to enjoyquality food.Mo Mong1201 Westheimer Rd. #B, 713.524.5664This Trendy Montrose establishment has agreat lunch crowd as well as a packed martininight on Wednesdays. But the real draw is thefood- traditional family recipes mixed in withsome tasty modern dishes. Must try itemsinclude the Mango Spring Rolls, Shrimp andAvocado Spring Roll, Volcano Chicken, and theBo Luc Lac.C O N T I N E N TA LVoice Restaurant & LoungeHotel Icon, 220 Main, 832.667.4470The impressive décor has thoughtfullytransformed the space of an old bank lobbyinto a warm cozy and elegant dining area. Trythe Mushroom Soup “Cappucino”, reduction ofgarlic, onion, crimini mushrooms topped withfrothy truffle foam, and the Bryan Farms RoastChicken, a free range and 100% corn fed chicken.Colombe d’Or Restaurant and Hotel3410 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.7999Built in 1923 and originally the mansion ofWalter Fondren, one of the founders of HumbleOil, Colombe d’Or Hotel is considered a Texashistorical landmark. Featuring French andContinental fare, we recommend the Carred’Agneau, individual rack of baby lamb grilledwith natural herbs and red wine sauce.To have your restaurant featured in Yellow Magazine, or to recommend a restaurantthat you enjoy, please email the information to dining@yellowmags.com.