Twinkle By Wenlan

I love celebrities. New York is the perfect city for me because if you’re paying attention you can always spot someone famous. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about all the cool girls coming out to our Twinkle Pop-Up Shop party at Cadillac’s Castle! Among the guests were Alexis Bledel, (who is so gorgeous!) Katrina Bowden from 30 Rock, Erin Lucas from the first season of The City, Yin Chang (Also known as Nelly Yuki from Gossip Girl) Kelly Bensimmon from Real Housewives, supermodel Veronica Webb and Shailene Woodley from Secret Life of the American Teenager. Erin and I chatted about her mint green mani (she said she hates dark nail colors because they always chip) and I was surprised at how friendly everyone was! Not bad for a day in the life of a lowly intern!

Katrina Bowden, Yin Chang and Erin Lucas Pose by Twinkle’s Christmas Tree.

Kelly Bensimmon shopping the Pop-Up Shop.

Katrina Bowden loves Twinkle’s Chunky Knits!

Veronica Webb trying on a Chunky Knit hoodie.

Erin Lucas picked up some flirty blouses.

Katrina Bowden and Alexis Bledel

Wenlan with Kelly Bensimmon

Wenlan with Shailene Woodley

by Lauren

My time at Twinkle thus far has been a compilation of so many different experiences— surviving the sample sale, design development, rendering flats, sketching design ideas…etc. When I started this internship I was unsure of what to expect, especially considering this is my first design internship. All I knew was that I wanted it to be a learning experience that went beyond the fundamentals of the classroom. That is exactly what this internship has become for me. I don’t think there has been one day when I haven’t learned something from the people here. It might not always pertain to fashion design, but I certainly value everything I have gained from this experience. Plus, who doesn’t love an internship where there are always snacks and you don’t have to run for coffee unless it is your own.

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by Chelsea

As a small town girl from Connecticut by way of Michigan, New York City is sort of magical, especially during the holidays. As the train rumbles and squeals beneath me on my way to the Twinkle office, the buzz of the morning rush is palpable.

During the winter months, the sun sets early, and as I walk back to Grand Central Terminal from Twinkle, the bright lights of the city are my holiday lights. I usually get home and eagerly tell my loved ones of the funny moments and wonderful experiences I had during the day and, sometimes, during my nightly slumber, I find my real life blurring into an enchanted dreamland. I am usually wearing one of my favorite Twinkle dresses, like the ‘Classically Stated’ dress from Fall ’09, and doing all the romantic touristy thing with some handsome mystery man who’s bound to sweep me off my Christian Louboutined feet— care for a carriage ride around Central Park?

When I awake, I realize it was all a dream. It doesn’t bother me, though, because soon enough I’ll be back in NYC, my real Prince Charming, and having a blast while interning at Twinkle HQ.

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by Madeleine

While interning with Twinkle by Wenlan, I’ve discovered an added bonus to working in the pulsating whirlwind of the garment district: walking on the street is like attending a never-ending fashion show. Okay, so not everyone can runway stomp like the pros but the looks are there. With magazine editors, stylists and fashion students adorning the sidewalks like accessories, I enjoy watching the seasons and trends take flight and wear out – each with the wearer’s personal touch. But with this excitement comes a bit of pressure: there’s no such thing as “casual Friday”!

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Ingredients:

1 package (16 oz) Oreo cookies (double stuffed not recommended)
1 container (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
8 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted

Directions:
1) Crush nine cookies into fine crumbs and set aside for later use.
2) Crush the remaining 36 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix the Oreo crumbs and the cream cheese until blended. Chill for about 15 minutes.
3) Shape cream cheese and Oreo mixture into about 40 one inch balls. Place on wax-covered baking sheet and refrigerate for about an hour or until firm.
4) Melt chocolate chips and then dip the Oreo cream cheese ball into the chocolate – this is best done by resting the ball on a fork and using a spoon to roll the ball around until completely covered in chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off while on the fork.
5) Place ball back on wax-covered baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs.
6) Refrigerate until firm, about one hour. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container.

If you are not the lead dog, your view will never change.

I like what I see. Do you?

Getting the Twinkle by Wenlan Fall 2009 make-up look is all about evoking the 50s. MAC make-up artist Gregory Arlt said, “I thought of a girl’s first date in the ’50s. It’s a younger version of what her mom did; Mom might have had a cat eye, but she has a kitten eye.” On the eyes, he brought the fifties flare to the modern day by using two frosted eye shadows, one in “Naked Lunch” and one in “Phloof!”. He finished the eyes using black eyeliner and mascara. The Cheeks were rouged with blush in “Well Dressed” and the cheekbones were highlighted in a bit of the “Phloof!” eye shadow as well. To finish the look Arlt applied a pop or red to the lips using “Lady Danger” lipstick. Recreate the entire Twinkle Fall 2009 look, by giving your hair a deep side part and popping in some loose waves. This look is perfect whether you’re actually going on your first date, or simply going to another fall gathering.

As a PR, I know every successful event involves lots of detail, communication, time, and energy to accomplish in order to make it work out smoothly. Therefore when I found out (at end May) that Wenlan is coming to Taiwan in July— to be honest, I was really stressed out since there’s only a month to plan and prepare. My biggest concern was how and what is the best way to introduce Twinkle By Wenlan to the media and the public during this short amount of time. After several meetings, we came up with the idea to hold a seminar at Xue Xue Institute (an institute in Taipei for creativity, culture, and aesthetic) which Wenlan can share her experience of become a fashion designer, and how she overcome difficulties to establish a fashion brand in New York to people who are interested in fashion in Taiwan. At that day, even under the condition of adjusting the jet lag, Welan still gave a really inspiring and meaningful speech.

During these 6 days working with Wenlan, I was amazed by her hardworking, professional attitudes and efficiency. No matter when she’s facing the press discussing her design concepts, or at the VIP trunk show suggesting different customers the best style for them, she always had her big smile on. Although with a series of media interviews and busy schedule, she never lost her patience and energy. Through working with Wenlan and discovering her great passion towards fashion and the never-give-up attitude, I realized all my concerns during the past month were just unnecessary. After all, we felt really honored to be able to introduce Wenlan and Twinkle by Wenlan to Taiwan’s fashion media. Moreover, the experience of having Wenlan here at Taiwan inspired Level 6ix in many different ways. We are looking forward to continue working with Wenlan again.

Thank You ~Wenlan !!!

Level 6ix Perry.

http://www.level6ix.com.tw/

This month’s Twinkle Spotlight is on one of my favorite artists, also considered one of the finest artists of our time, Tehching Hsieh.

I had heard of Tehching Hsieh when I was a sixth grader in Taiwan. His unique art takes shape in year long performances, synchronizing life with art: in Cage Piece, Hsieh explores a year of solitary confinement while locked in a cage; Outdoor Piece portrays life without shelter; and Jump Piece resulted in two broken ankles. Despite the fact that I viewed his art footage years later, the passion and mystery with which he creates reaches and inspires me on infinite levels.

I am very honored to have him answer a few questions to share with you all.

Wenlan: What was on your mind when you decided to jump boat and stay in New York?

Tehching: I was 23 years old, and at that time it was not easy for Taiwanese to get visas to come to America. It was very clear that I had to take action, to enter the USA illegally, to New York - the art center of the world - to progress my art. I was trained as a sailor for 3 months, worked on an oil tanker for 2 months, jumped ship in Philadelphia on July 13, 1974, and lived in New York as an illegal immigrant until I was granted amnesty in 1988.

W: What would you do if you were not an artist and why?

T: I decided to be an artist at about 17-18 years old and started my self-revolution then; the ordeal I experienced in my life didn’t change my path. I couldn’t think what I could do except for art. Now I don’t do art any more; I’m doing life and passing time; it is the same with or without the form of art. What I have is freethinking.

W: Which artist do you admire the most?

T: Sisyphus.

W: What do you think about the recent trend of the collaborative between artist and designer?

T: Interdisciplinary collaboration is interesting, but I cannot talk about something I don’t know much about.

W: What has recently inspired you?

T: I think my time after 2000 as extra time in my life; in this way I can think freely. I like to do things that are motivated by my pondering life and can respond to the questions I ask myself.

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Click here to read TehChing Hsieh’s bio