365 days of hope in Bhutan

Hobbits Gate :)

2012-10-31T01:33:00.000-07:00

In Lhuentse, was strolling around the village to find inspirations and details for illustrations for my children's book and look what I stumble upon, a gate to a hobbits home, right out of Grimms fairytale. This is so creative and is going right into my mood board :)

DNV goes east For fall 2012

2012-06-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

Dries’ Eastern Fall – For fall 2012, Dries Van Noten embraced an Asian inspired outing with lush coats, tailored suiting and patterned jackets influenced by designs in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. The Van Noten woman takes her trip to the East with streamlined silhouettes and dragon or floral prints matched with fur adorned parkas. The Belgian designer’s distinct menswear influence loosened at times, providing delicate dresses and skirts in kaleidoscopic hues of citrus orange, turquoise, jade and ivory. Despite using a well-established theme, Van Noten brought something fresh and distinctly modern to the upcoming autumn.

Asian Designers

2012-04-12T00:43:00.002-07:00

Asian designers that are the talk of the Fashion world

courtesy VOGUE China

America's GOT Talent ... Americas top young emerging designers :)

2012-04-02T04:29:00.001-07:00

Joan Smalls pictured with Designer Joseph Altuzarra

Benjamin Walker pictured with Designer Robert Geller

Alexa Chung pictured with Designer Pamela Love

Jessica Saund pictured with Designer Gregory Parkinson

Robert Francis and Charlie Mars with Designer Billy Reid

Diane Kruger pictured with Designer Prabal Gurung

Jourdan Dunn pictured with Designer Christian Cota

Joan Smalls, Lizzy Jagger, Benjamin Walker, Alexa Chung, Jessica Saund, Jessica Stam,Caroline Trentini, Robert Francis, Charlie Mars, Diane Kruger, Jourdan Dunn, Aaron Johnson and Nate Lowman featured in “America’s Got Talent” for Vogue US November 2010 photographed by Norman Jean Roy. “

Sonam Pachey .. it was about time :)

2012-03-16T00:52:00.005-07:00

Who would have though a sleepy little town in Sikkim, Rumtek would produce a glamour girl like Sonam Pachey. I have a soft corner for Sikkim , especially Rumtek because I have spent all my childhood summer vacations there.

Name: Sonam Pachey

Age: 22

Height: 5'7

Weight:

Vital statistics (in inches): 32-25-35

Crowned: Miss India East'12 1 stRunner Up

Place of birth: Sikkim

City: Gangtok

Profession: Student and model

Relationship Status: Single

College: Final year Arts student, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore

Interests: Travelling, swimming, horse-riding, reading and cooking

The last movie that made you cry?
The Pursuit of Happiness

If a star were to give a solo performance for you, whom would you prefer and why?
Jennifer Lopez, because she's an amazing performer, and I would like to see her perform live.

The weirdest thing you have ever tasted...
Octopus

What gives you a high?
My confidence and my ability to learn things

If you win Miss India, what would be your first big splurge?
A trip to a beautiful destination, maybe Europe, America or Tibet

One law you would like to break...
If I could, I'd love to break the time barrier on a day and extend it.

Your best kept secret...

A tune you cannot get out of your mind...
Love don't cost a thing by Jennifer Lopez

Coolest pick up line you have ever heard?
You must see a doctor quickly, because you got beauty all over you!

What is the craziest rumour you have heard about yourself? .
None..Really...

Do you have a tattoo or a piercing in a secret place? Where?
No

What is the sexiest single article of clothing a woman can wear?
Saree

Your craziest experience in life so far?
I am still waiting for one such experience

How sexy is intellect?
I'm attracted to the elusive blend of intellect, sex appeal and class

Is nude photography an art form or an entertainment? Or it can be both?
It is purely a form of art

With which celebrity would you like to go on a vacation...
Shah Rukh Khan

Do you think live-in is a good way to check out a relationship?
No, I firmly believe in the institution of marriage, and if I really want to know a person, it can easily be done without having to live with him/her.

Your body to you means...
My temple

A man's most attractive feature...
Shoulders and teeth

Success or riches?
Success would bring riches

One word in which you would like to be described to a guy...
Diva

Favorite Actor:
Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan

Favorite Sportsman:

Favorite Movies:
Basketball Diaries

Love is...
It is the natural connection between two beautiful souls

Food is...
Worship

Interview courtesy : http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/photoshow/10919011.cms?curpg=9

Trey Songz for GQ

2012-02-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

Spring is here and singer Trey shows you how to look soulful and dapper in a suit enjoy :)

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BEN WATTS AND TOM SCHIERLITZ
courtesy
March 2011 GQ Magazine

Losar Tashi Delek ^^

2012-02-20T00:34:00.001-08:00

Are you ready for Guthuk, the special Thukpa that we Tibetans eat on the 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar? This year it falls on February 20th.

Eating Guthuk on this particular night is very important as the tradition that accompanies it signifies our safe passage into the New Year. That we cleanse ourselves and our living spaces of all the obstacles and negativities of the past year, is an important part of observing that tradition.

The Tibetan word Guthuk constitutes two words, gu (Tibetan: nine) and thuk (Tibetan: pasta in soup) and their combination literally translates to thukpa of the ninth or nine. In Tibetan custom, the general belief that all odd numbers are auspicious, dates back to the pre-Buddhist era. The number 9, in particular, is associated with good luck. Therefore, when preparing and while savoring Guthuk you must remember that no less than nine ingredients are added to this dish. Although, there are several variations on what comprises these nine ingredients, here is my list:

1.Meat 2.Flour 3.Crushed barley 4.Radish 5.Dry or fresh peas 6.A dash of dry fenugreek leaves (shopsi) 7.Salt 8.Pepper 9.A dash of coarse dry Tibetan cheese flakes.

Except for some of these extra ingredients, Guthuk is prepared in the same way as Bakthuk, the Thukpa that is prepared and eaten on Ganden Ngamchoe, the death anniversary of Je-Tsongapa. As such, Bakthuk is always associated with mourning and it is not to be confused with Gutsi-Rithuk. The difference lies in the shape of the dough. Bakthuk is a small marble sized dough squeezed between your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger, whereas Gutsi-Rithuk is shell shaped.

The most outstanding characteristic of Guthuk and perhaps a unique practice that adds a flavor of playful fun to this occasion is the custom of adding dough-balls to the dish. One might think of them as a rendition of the modern day fortune cookie. These large dough balls that clearly stand out amongst the rest contains a small rolled up piece of paper at their center and on these pieces of paper are written certain words that stand as metaphors for certain human characteristic, both positive and negative. In most circumstances, having Guthuk is a family affair and as each family member sits around the steaming pot, a dough-ball is served along with the Guthuk. Each dough-ball revelation or “divination” (for the sake of sounding mystical) is said to represent the innate disposition of the person. Some of my friends in the West humorously refer to these dough-balls as “The Oracle Dough”. Of course we all take these predictions with great deal of fun and laughter, but if you really believe you possess that character, especially when it is negative, then it is an opportunity for you to reflect and leave that trait behind with the old year!

Following are the list of what is usually put in the “Oracle Dough” and their meanings (but one can get creative with this list):

Wool = gentle person

Charcoal = cold hearted person

Porcelain= person who avoids work

Paper= foolish person

Hot chilly= quick temper, sharp tongue

Pea= untrustworthy person

Salt= lazy person

Thorn= person who does not get along with other people

Inward woven thread= person who put his family welfare above others

Outward woven thread=person who does not put family welfare first

Stone= stingy person

Dama-ru (hand-drum)=person with double face

Glass- delicate person

Sun and moon= glory and fame

Mother carrying child= person carrying Karma from previous life

Square mat= easy going person

Lama Konchok (Tsok shape)= honest person

According to the custom associated with this day, each person must eat 9 servings of the Guthuk. This is possible only if you have a large appetite or if you take small servings. At the end of the 9th bowl, one should not finish it completely but rather leave a little leftover in the bowl. Everyone’s leftover is then emptied into a broken or a cracked container. Following this, each person is handed a piece of dough the size of a ping-pong ball called Pagchi, which literally means a dough-cleanser. The Pagchi is then squeezed in either one of your hands, while making sure that your fingers are imprinted on it. These imprints represent your whole body. The Pagchi, while still squeezed, is then skimmed over different parts of the body, particularly touching areas where you have pain or other discomforts due to sickness. It is believed that doing this takes away your pain and ailments and absorbs them into the Pagchi. When this is completed, the Pagchi, is thrown into the broken or cracked container. At the same time, you can throw a strand of your hair, a thread from your clothes etc., into this container. Finally, a small human effigy made out of dough called Lue (signifying an evil entity) is placed in the center of this container.

What comes next is the most dramatic part of Guthuk night. One member of the family carrying a lighted torch goes from room to room and around each nook and corner shouting “Dhonsho Ma” or “Come out!”, demanding that the spirits of the old year dwelling in these spaces to leave. He is followed by a person with a broom who begins to sweep the rooms the torchbearer just visited and empties the dusts into the container along with the Lue, leftover Guthuk, and the Pagchi. In this way, our body and spirit, and our living space are cleansed of the negativities of the old year and the Lue is taken out to a three-way intersection and left there. As the Lue leaves the house, firecrackers are set off after it and we demand it to take away with it, all the obstacles and negativities of the twelve months of the year and one hundred and thirty days of the year. In Tibetan it is said as follows:

Lo chig dawa chung-nyi

Shama sum-khya-drukchu

Gewang bachey thamchey dakpa gyu chi

Once this ritual is complete, no visitors should enter your house this night, nor should ladies wash their hair.

I know customs differ from region to region and even from household to household, if

you have something new to add, I’d love to learn, please let me know.

Enjoy Guthuk Night!

Jampa Yangchen courtesy https://www.facebook.com/kalimpong

Street Style: New York

2012-02-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

Our street-shooting man hunts through New York Fashion Week's sartorial shoot-'em-up

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TOMMY TON

February 11, 2012

Courtesy GQ magazine

Valentines day in Wangdue ..

2012-02-13T23:48:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this warm windy place .... perfect place to runaway for valentines day :)

The Wandering Eye: New York Fashion Week - pics by Gordon von Steiner

2012-02-13T06:33:00.000-08:00

ENJOY!!!

Courtesy GQ.com

Street Style with Gordon ( Courtesy GQ )

2012-02-08T01:45:00.000-08:00

Gordon von Steiner snaps the most stylish street roamers in the City of Light

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GORDON VON STEINER

The hunter gets hunted :P

2012-01-30T04:50:00.000-08:00

Interestingly enough I have a lot of pics of me in action courtesy my friends, who know that since I am always behind the camera I don't usually have much pictures. So when they do take my pics its always in action hahaha

Buddha Point ........... always deep :)

2012-01-27T05:03:00.000-08:00

"The fundamental fear we have to work with is the fear of losing ourselves. When the stronghold of ego is threatened, fear is one of our strongest defense mechanisms. Beginning to dismantle it is one of the greatest gift we can give ourselves and others". -Chogyam Trunpa Rinpoche

'We accomplish this not by supressing our desires, our aversions, our fixations, or trying to 'think differently,' but rather by turning our awareness inward, examining the thoughts, emotions, and sensations that trouble us, and beginning to notice them - and perhaps even appreciate them - as expressions of awareness itself.

Simply put, the cause of the various disease we experience is the cure.

The mind that grasps is the mind that sets us free."

- Mingyur Rinpoche

Godfrey Gao first Asian male supermodel

2012-01-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

Godfrey Gao is on the fast-track to becoming the first Asian male supermodel, the Guardian points out. The actor-turned-model bagged Louis Vuitton's latest menswear campaign...which means more runways, editorials and adverts are in his future.

What do we know about Godfrey? Cue Schema Magazine:

Gao was born in Vancouver but was raised by a Taiwanese father and Malaysian mother. The 26 year old's interests include basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, taekwondo, DJ, playing the drums, track-and-field and ice skating.

Gao graduated from Argyle Secondary School in North Vancouver and studied at Capilano University. At 6'4" (195 cm), he has modelled in local fashion shows for Mantique, Torino and Ecko (G-Unit) clothing. His early acting credits consist of small roles in Star-gate SG-1 and Still-Life -- both of which were produced in his hometown.

He decided to base his career in Taiwan and was immediately embraced by the industry. Godfrey has appeared in seven Taiwanese dramas, from "The Kid from Heaven" in 2006 to the most recent "Volleyball Lover." The paparazzi in Taiwan and Hong Kong has started to follow him everywhere, a sign of his increasing celebrity status. Even though this star is rising fast, Gao still remains a very humble, unassuming and soft-spoken guy known as 'G' among his closest friends.

Info courtesy : Google search :D

Your purpose in LIFE

2012-01-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

"We are what we imagine. Our very existence consists in our imagination of ourselves. The greatest tragedy that can befall us is to go unimagined." —N. Scott Momaday

‎"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." —Jim Rohn

Namgay Zam's OBSESSION

2012-01-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

My TV anchor fren Namgay Zam is obsessed with quirky rings . This one in particular ( the swarovski owl detailed ) she went crazy about but unfortunately the price was quite steep at Nu 10,000 .

SIGH!!

Capturing (capsule) I LOVE GQ magazine :D

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

The (capsule) menswear trade show just went down in NYC, and the designers behind the lines are just as cool as their clothes. So we made them all models for a day. See the photos here

Michael Saiger of MIANSAI

Add caption

Brandon Svarc of Naked & Famous

Jockum Hallin and Cristopher Nying of Our Legacy

Ariel and Shimon Ovadia of Ovadia & Sons

Ferdy Tumakaka of PRAJAA

Derek Buse and Greg Ullery of Riviera Club

Steven Cox and Daniel Silver of Florsheim by Duckie Brown

Hide Kataniwa of South 2 West 8

Ian Velardi

Twice a year in New York, Paris, and Berlin, the (capsule) trade show shines a light on some of the world's most exciting brands, and the people behind them are often as intriguing as their lines. GQ shot ten standouts from this season's show on site Monday.

Photography by Justin Chung
Model: Jacques @ Wilhelmina
Styling by Micah Johnson
Grooming by Julianne Laney

— Sean Hotchkiss

Tommy Ton's Street Style: Paris

2012-01-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

Our street-shooting man collects Paris's greatest sidewalk hits

I wait for Tommy Ton street style pics like an avid movie lover would wait for the sequel of their favorite movie :)

These are some of my fav picks :D

THATS ME in my 50ies ROCKING the street with my daughter hahaha :D

I WANT THISSSSS :P ( pic above )

COOL sneaks :D ( pic above )

NICE Cardigan n shirt :D ( pic above )

GREY TWEED PANTS !!! must have ( pic above )

PHOTOGRAPHS : Tommy Ton

courtesy GQ

NICOLA FORMICHETTI stylist with subtle style :)

2012-01-11T00:52:00.000-08:00

Not only is he my fav stylist I also find his sense of subtle style impeccable. I like his shoes or what :) Who would even think he is the man behind crazy Lady Gaga

Courtesy I'm Koo blog

My favorite stylist Nicola Formichetti

2012-01-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

Nicola Formichetti born 31 May 1977 is an internationally prolific fashion director and fashion editor of mixed Italian and Japanese heritage. He is most widely known as the new creative director for the French fashion house MUGLER, and for being a frequent collaborator with singer-songwriter and performance artist Lady Gaga. Formichetti is also known as fashion director of Vogue Hommes Japan, is a contributing editor of several other fashion magazines, and is fashion director for the clothing company Uniqlo. In November 2010 he was named one of the "most influential creative forces working in fashion today. The following month he was awarded the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator at the 2010 British Fashion Awards.

His most recent work for

L’UOMO VOGUE / LADY GAGA

DESIGNER n the MUSE

Courtesy : http://www.nicolaformichetti.com/2012/01/06/luomo-vogue-lady-gaga/

Dudley O'Shaughnessy Runway's new bad guy :)

2012-01-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

Dudley O’Shaughnessy is the lucky guy who won Rihanna’s heart on screen and off. He is the Chris Brown look-alike in her new video for her single, “We Found Love.” Dudley gets down and dirty with the always risqué Rihanna in numerous sex scenes, but he did not mind a bit. Dudley is enjoying his rise to fame as his modeling career continues to soar.

He recently opened up about those wonderful three days of shooting and says, “I loved it. I didn’t want it to end.” The amateur boxer insists, “Not just because it was “a certain person’s” video but just because I love being on set.” His notoriety since the video shoot has skyrocketed, and he is hoping it will translate into a lucrative acting career. He is setting the bar pretty high, “I don’t want to do anything like EastEnders. I want to do film, or proper gritty TV.”

In fact, his aspirations include a villain role, but he does not want to be the kind of villain who always loses. He says, “This time the villain would have to win!” He already has one person he would like to work with in mind, “I’d like to do something with Guy Ritchie.” Aim high, my friend.

For those who are wondering about his and Rihanna’s relationship, Dudley says he is single, and “It’s not that I’m looking for a girlfriend.” However, he points out if one fell in his lap he would not object. He talked a little about Rihanna and how it was working with her on the video. He explains, “I wasn’t starstruck at all … She’s just such a nice girl.” Despite Rihanna’s admitted attraction to her co-star, he says, “We just got along. We were just like mates.” Hmm, so Rihanna must be a mate with benefits.

Rihanna’s superstar status has not gone to her head according to Dudley. His opinion, “She’s such a humble, down-to-earth girl.” The Bajan beauty is a “nice” girl as Dudley explains, “It’s not like just because she’s achieved so much that she thinks her s*** don’t stink.”

The music video that catapulted him to stardom .. he is the new WHO THAT???

biography

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Hailing from Canning Town, Dudley has been a boxer since he was nine years old. With his Father, a Pro Boxing trainer, taking over the reins when Dudley was eleven, he has been working his way up through the ranks every since. A regular fixture at West Hams Amateur Boxing Club in Plaistow Dudley shares his gym with boxing greats such as Terry Spinks (Gold at the Olympics), Nigel Ben, Kevin Mitchell and Matthew Marsh. Now twenty one, Dudley had many wins under his belt, with the Senior ABA’s being a highlight, ranking him number one boxer in England in his Welter Weight category. No easy task, especially not for someone who is increasingly in demand as a high fashion model.

A favourite on the catwalk at London Fashion Week, and with clients like Stone Island, Oswald Boateng and Fred Perry, Dudley is a rising star in the world of fashion. His interests don’t stop there, with an acting agent also in tow; Dudley is set for big things, just don’t look for him in a nightclub unless they’re playing Dubstep!

The current star in Rihanna’s new video for ‘We Found Love’ in Fall 2011. (All info from Next London press release).

info courtesy : Google LOL

Hyun Bin and Tang Wei on the Cover of Vogue Korea

2012-01-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

There are very few Asian actors who's trend i like Hyun Bin happens to be one of the few whos style is impeccable . Hyun Bin and Tang Wei grace the cover of Vogue Korea’s March 2011 issue. The two star in the new movie, “Late Autumn,” and portray a loving couple in their new photo shoot for Vogue Korea.

Happy Birthday to me ^^

2011-12-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

Be the deciders with fire’cos I’m no longer looking in a reflection that I admire,
I paint a picture of a fire… But there’s no one looking back at me since I’m a liar,

If I should die before I wake.. The least that I could ever say,
I made mistakes but held on to my faith…

‘Cos when I look in a mirror…I don’t even recognize myself,
Got the heart of a winner… but looking back at me is someone else.

No Regrets
No point in crying over yesterday

Dappy

Happy Birthday to ME .. looking forward to another year filled with fun, laughter, friendships and RED BULL energy

Americans Wed in Bhutan

2011-12-17T23:16:00.000-08:00

Americans Patrick and Randi from Brooklyn were wed in Bhutan on November 13th, 2011 in a Buddhist ceremony. Patrick and Randi were part of a group on 10 Americans touring Bhutan. We were told at the start of the trip that the couple had planned to get married. As the day approached our group picked out local traditional wedding attire to wear at the ceremony. On the day of the wedding a 300 year old farm house was chosen as a wedding site. Local Buddhist monks officiated at the 2 hour ceremony where prayers were read and the couple was blessed. After the ceremony a local group of singers and dancers performed. Congratulations to Randi and Patrick of Brooklyn, New York.

PS : I was suppose to be hired as the photographer for the wedding but the timing did not workout but i am glad the wedding turned out fine and the pictures look beautiful . The couple look awesome . Here's wishing you a blissful marriage life for the years to come ^^

Photographer : L. Craig Smith
source http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-703693

I shaman you to dance

2011-12-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

While at the sleepy quite little village below Shemgang town last weekend. I was drawn by some songs coming out from the village temple. What I saw there was quite amazing at the ground floor of the temple there were group of men dancing in front of a man in a white gho and a white turban. On further inquiry i realized that he was the village shaman and they were performing the dance for the prosperity and better crop yield of the village or at least that what i understood for a loosely translation by a half drunk village dude. The Shaman , as i would like to call him , was also drunk he even stood up right in the middle of the ritual and posed for the camera and shook my hand . The Shaman's turban kept falling off and the ones not too intoxicated exp the kids had to put it back on his head. The men danced in mesmerizing short steps with hallucinating screams in between. All in all i would say it was an awesome experience like i was in a trance or something , a different world altogether.

PS : I would like to thank them for the butter tea (suja) and simple lunch offered to me ^^