November 29, 2009 • 9:57 am
[Flickr/Dagg2008]
What comes to mind when you hear that something’s been made in China? Let me guess. You’d probably call it a cheaply made knockoff or you’d be very concerned about lead/melamine poisoning. Well, when it comes to suits, think again!
Over the past three months or so, I’ve seen an increase in impressive top-tier coverage of a relatively unknown Chinese clothing brand based in Dalian, China (an industrial/manufacturing port city in the northeast). This “brand” is hardly the next Shanghai Tang trying to establish itself as a global luxury brand, nor is it growing powerhouse retailer like Uniqlo. So what’s with all the media attention from CNN, Bloomberg News and The Wall Street Journal (see video below)?
Since it’s extremely unlikely that Trands has retained a public relations agency, the media buzz can only explained by their star customer, Warren Buffet. Yes, you heard right – Warren Buffett, the second richest man in the world who’s better known for his investment strategies than his sense of fashion and style.
Mr. Buffett loves Trands so much that he’s been quoted on the record that he only wears these “Made in China” suits and has thrown out everything else. While he’s hardly a fashion icon, I wouldn’t be surprised if this $700+ Chinese suit becomes the next symbol of wealth and power for businessmen around the world.
Filed under: Fashion, Marketing, Retail , Asian, China, Dayang Trands, Fashion, International Marketing, Made in China, Marketing, Suits, Trands
November 28, 2009 • 9:00 am
The China Bloggers Conference was held last week in the mountains of LianZhou (a city in the southern province of Guangzhou). Yes, you heard right. It was held in the sticks and looking at the WSJ video (above), the attending bloggers somehow had Wi-Fi access and electricity to power their laptops. I have no idea how they did it, but I’m impressed.
The location, nevertheless, seems very weird. I mean, could you even imagine Macworld being hosted in Golden Gate Park or CES in Death Valley? Strange as it seems, the location – according to the video testimonials - had a lot of symbolism. It represents the technology gap between the wealthier coastal cities in the east and the poverty-stricken regions in the west. On another level, it also represents the repercussions of Green Dam (i.e., China’s netizens are now forced underground because of increased censorship and on/off blockage of Facebook Twitter and Amazon).
What do you think? Would you go to a tech conference if it was held in the woods or on a farm? For sure, it would be a logistical nightmare, but it sure would be an “experience.”
China’s annual blogger conference was held
Filed under: Breaking News, Social Media, Web , Asian, Blogging, China, Conference, Green Dam, Social Media, Web 2.0
November 27, 2009 • 9:00 am
[Flickr/Ritapizza]
In honor of Black Friday – AKA national shopping day for crazy Americans who enjoy camping out in front of stores after eating their turkey dinners - I’m writing a five-part series dedicated to the cute stuff made by Asian/Asian American crafters that would make awesome gifts.
To kick off this series, this post is dedicated to my dear friend, Rita of Mochi Studios. I don’t know how she does it, but she comes up with the cutest plush (not to mention, green) toys. Case in point: check out the eco-friendly felt rice babies (e.g., they’re made from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles). If you’re still not convinced, then I dare you to not say awe at these cutie patuties…
So where can I get my own ninja bean, shroom and pea pod you ask? Check out the Mochi Studio Etsy Store. You can also meet Rita when she makes her craft show debut next month:
Bazaar Bizarre Holiday Craft Show
Sat., 12/12 to Sun., 12/13, from 12 to 6 p.m. daily
San Francisco County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park
Renegade Holiday Craft Show
Sat., 12/19 to Sun., 12/20, from 11 to 7 p.m. daily
Fort Mason Center Herbst Pavilion
Filed under: Crafts, Retail , Asian-American, Craft Fairs, Crafts, Designer, Event, Plush Toys, Retail, San Francisco Bay Area, Toys
November 26, 2009 • 9:00 am
[Flickr/PlushOff]
“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”
While you’re stuffing yourself with Turducken, candied yams and pie today, remember to say “thank you” to the person who cooked your meal. If you’re the cook, remember to say “thank you” to the person who taught you how to cook and boil water. If you’re a self-taught chef, then remember to say “thank you” to the dead bird on the table.
Basically, the point I’m trying to make is this — this Thanksgiving, don’t forget to say “thank you” to the people who helped you get where you are today, if you haven’t already done so ;)
Filed under: Crafts, Food , Holiday, Life, Thanksgiving
