A passion for fashion at APAHM's SKIN
The JUSTICE
by Rebecca Webber
Published on 3/15/05 in Arts

Skin 2005, an event including fashion exhibitions, art presentations, music performances, a poetry reading and a celebration of Asian Pacific American artists entertained its audience in Levin Ballroom last Saturday.

The show, part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, began with a presentation of last year's fashions and models. The evening then began with a showcase of the designer Shin Choi's flowing skirts and sharp-knit tops, catered toward a younger, metropolitan crowd.

After the Choi collection, models showed off clothing from courtneycourtney, a line by Courtney Chu. The designer chose the shapes of her pieces based on the contours of her fabrics, exhibiting blocks of bright color sewn together on straight diagonal seams.

The third line of clothing was Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons, who used pleated denim skirts and sparkled denim pants to accompany her more classy and simple tops.

The evening's final designer was Colleen Quen. The clothes featured in the act were mostly dresses-both springtime pieces and ball gowns. The French-inspired spring dresses were both flowing and flirtatious, while the gowns were made of rich, satin-like red and brown fabrics, and were tailored tightly.

Between the fashion acts, Skin showcased the talent of three Asian Pacific American performers. Singer Manisha Shahane was the first to perform. While her songs carried a modern pop structure, they incorporated aspects of her Indian heritage: She sang some verses in Marathi, a language spoken in the region around Bombay. Her use of Western instruments like bass and guitar contrasted well with Indian percussive instruments, such as the tabla, creating an eclectic style of her own.

The next performer, Chris Vu, managed to mix his Vietnamese heritage with a modern R&B sound. Performing as Vudoo Soul, Vu was a competitor on the second season of American Idol. While he sang mostly in a rich, soulful tone, he incorporated a higher pop-inspired sound. His piano percussion, evocative of Ben Folds, accentuated the energy of his words and voice. Although he often sounded similar to many of the other American Idol performers, the subjects of his lyrics were deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. In "Deeper," he expressed frustration over the portrayal of Vietnamese women in the musical Miss Saigon.

The poet Vinh Hua used his medium to express a modern American problem using Vietnamese subjects. The most touching piece he recited, "Empty Cafeteria," painted a vivid picture of a hard-working Vietnamese student. The energetic momentum of his piece came together with picturesque metaphors, creating an inspiring piece.

All in all, Skin 2005 was an enlightening addition to the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration.

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