Korean Wedding Madness
Korean marriages are a very serious business. They are incredibly expensive and often elaborate affairs. But these days tradition is sometimes shunned for the ease, convenience and pop-culture status of western ceremonies. However, even these tend to incorporate some fascinating traditional elements.
Asambai Samui's Rhythm Master
As Koh Samui draws more visitors from around the globe, international celebrities are becoming regular visitors and some artists and personalities have even made the island their home. Asambai is one such renowned performer who now lives and works on Samui as a musician, producer, DJ and educator.
Yoga Styles
Four Styles of Yoga Yoga is more than exercise, it's a holistic approach to living based on ancient Indian philosophy. Yoga practice is designed to create balance in your life, while also promoting greater flexibility of body and mind. Physical postures, breathing, and meditation are all key elements in yoga practice and there are many different styles.
Lao Tapestries weave their magic
The Lao weaving industry fell into a dark abyss after the war in the 1970’s but is now slowly being restored. The silks are multi-purpose and can be worn as scarves, shawls, used as table runners or displayed as wall hangings. The gradual opening of Communist-run Laos means that weaving is gaining more international exposure.
Art imitating life
Koh Samui is primarily known as a tourist island and the commercial paraphernalia that results has long taken centre stage in the main centres like Chaweng and Lamai. Copy products, mass-produced trinkets and factory made fabrics lure the tourists to part with their holiday cash as they browse in search of gifts and souveniers. But tastes are definitely changing.
Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World
Housed in the Ueno Royal Museum in Ueno, northeastern Tokyo, this exhibition receives widespread praise wherever it is shown, all around the world. Ueno is a suburb which boasts many of Tokyo’s greatest museums so while there make sure you also visit the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo National Museum and the National Science Museum.
Is Modern Italian Architecture Dead?
Antonio Citterio is perhaps the most well known of all the Italian designers. Throughout his 40 odd years in the business his designs have encompassed interiors to corporate design and architecture and his furniture designs can be seen in homes around the world. With so many prestigious awards to his name his contribution to design and architecture cannot be easily understated. He grew up surrounded by carpenters and furniture designers, but he says, "Above all, I am an architect".
WANG KEPING and the Stars Group
Wang Keping was one of the founding members of the Stars Group of Chinese artists in post-Mao China. The group, which is celebrating its 30th. Anniversary of its 1979 art exhibition, became the first protest movement to reject the communist regime's propaganda art and call for democracy and freedom of expression for all Chinese people.
Going Green
In architectural circles "Going Green" is no longer worn as a badge of honour, but a requirement. Globally architects are going out of their way to show green credentials in their designs and Zero Energy is the mantra.
Asian Must See TV - Atsu Hime JAPAN
Japanese Taiga Drama made by NHK is a lengthy 50 episodes and chronicles the life story of Atsu-Hime who at a very young age became the wife of Tokugawa Iesada, the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. She accedes to the highest rank in Ooku, the inner palace of the Edo castle where women related to the reigning shogun resided. Iesada dies childless soon after their marriage and Atsu-Hime remains in the shogun's castle.
Thai Fashion
If you consider Thai fashion to consist of fake Levi’s or hand-dyed sarongs, bought on the side of the road in Sukhumvit then think again. Thailand may not yet be fashion central, but with established and new designers starting to make waves internationally, the interest in Thailand regarding fashion is increasing every year.
"Shoot the beach babes first!"
At short notice I was told to pack my suntan lotion. I would be going to a tropical island to report on a day in the life of a successful fashion photographer. Lots of sun, sea and top models in bikinis crossed my mind...