Twinkle By Wenlan

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

With the Spring 2010 fashion show and after party and the release of Wenlan’s newest book Twinkle Sews, the past month or so has been beyond crazy at Twinkle HQ. Luckily, I do my best work when most people would feel like their heads are spinning.

Among all the chaos there are a couple perfect moments of solace and pride.

The first moment, was seeing the lovely Janeil strut down the Bryant Park catwalk in the ending look of Twinkle’s Spring 2010 collection (wearing the black & white ‘Second Half’ dress). Seeing everything go according to plan and look amazing, I just knew the fashion gods must have been looking down at us with a giant grin and two thumbs up.

My other perfect Twinkle moment was walking into the after party, feeling the base of whatever the DJ was spinning in my chest, hearing everyone having a fantastic time, and being able to celebrate a job well done with everyone, who I know has worked so hard.

I’d love to say things are calmer, but here at the hive, we’re busy, busy bees and we never stop coming up with ideas on how to make your life “twinkle” just a bit more!

by Chelsea Rae Simmons