MODEL
KUNNA LONG DIANA AMIROVA ISIS EMILY LU
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YAN GE CHINA’S YOUNG DANCING STAR IN NEW YORK CITY
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GOLDEN UNICORN RESTAURANT’S 25TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY
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MISTER HOTPOT THE NEW HOT SPOT
W A NG
COVER MODEL
PROUD TO BE THE FIRST ASIAN MEN’S MAGAZINE IN NYC
FEATURE
XIREN
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Golden Unicorn
麒麟金閣
GOLDEN UNICORN 18 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002 www.goldenunicornrestaurant.com 212.941.0911 / 212.941.0912 WWW. V N BMA G A Z INE.COM
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ELEVATE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Elevate Restaurant & Lounge 93 Bowery,((between Canal St & Hester St) New York, NY 10002 Phone:(646) 329-3416 WW W.V NBMAG AZINE .C OM
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Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Kevin Parker PRESIDENT / DESIGNER TEL: 347-644-6611 CEL: 646-625-9988 TOLL FREE: 1-866-899-5707 ADDRESS: 7 Bay 28th Street, Suite 2, Brooklyn, NY 11214
www.BeyondDesignsNY.com
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Editor in chief Le Quan Editorial Board Chairman: Le Quan Production Director David Prusko Le Quan / President
FROM THE EDITOR
Beauty Director Everlyn Ho
VNB MAGAZINE Le Quan is the creative director and photographer for VNB Magazine. He is also a visionary and a dreamer. What once seemed impossible and out of reach has now become day-to-day life for Le Quan.
Hair Style Director Steve Kong
I was so moved and intrigued by Le Quan during our meeting in Brooklyn, NY. He hasn’t had the easiest life, which makes his story all the more inspiring. He moved to the US from Vietnam with nothing to his name. At one of his lowest points, he was living out of a phone booth. A strong work ethic and relentless pursuit of his dreams led him to where he is today. The publication is an Asian glamour magazine devoted to new beauty and design. I like to think of it as a platform for fresh faces and new designers to showcase their talent. The concept in and of itself is quite charitable. Le Quan’s rough beginnings not only shaped his character but also set to tone for his career goals. Having worked as a photographer for several years, he was always in contact with talent that he felt was flying under the radar. He wanted to create an outlet for these undiscovered stars. Experiencing difficulty finding a job after completing graphic design school, he learned that didn’t want to rely on anyone for employment. Instead he wanted to be a position where he could do the hiring, specifically for his magazine. It’s with that give-back attitude the VNB Magazine was born. Le Quan shoots all the images found in his magazine and also features work from fellow photographers seeking exposure. If you’re an aspiring designer or model hoping to get your image or work out there, let Le Quan know. He’s ready to help. While you’re at it, help him out by spreading the word about his magazine.
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Public Relation Carmen Zhu Web Jason Jian Contributors: Peter Lam, Peter Cai, Fai Chen, Liang Kuang Judy C Yang, Frank Wu Advertising Sales 2112 85th Street, 1Fl Brooklyn, NY 11214 Le Quan CelPhone: 1.646.750.8970 ©VNB Magazine N.Y., 2010 All Rigths Reserved ISSN 2326-862X
P.20 CHINESE MULTIMILLIONAIRE FEEDS HOMELESS IN NEW YORK CITY
P.22 YAN GE - CHINA’S YOUNG DANCING STAR IN NEW YORK CITY
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COVER MODEL - XIREN WANG
FEATURE MODEL -KUNNA LONG
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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VNB MAGAZINE PRESENTS A STUNNING LINGERIE SHOW AT THE HEART OF WILLIAMSBURG
FEATURE MODEL - DIANA AMIROVA
FEATURE MODEL - ISIS
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FEATURE MODEL - EMILY LU
P.48 MISTER HOTPOT - THE NEW HOT SPOT
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EXCITING COUTURE FASHION WEEK IN NYC
P.50 GOLDEN UNICORN RESTAURANT’S 25 YEARS ANNIVERSARY
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VNB magazine CEO Le Quan with models: Erica, Andrea, Katy, Diana, Ann, Maria, Anya, Phiorella, Maggie
VNB MAGAZINE PRESENTS A STUNING LINGERIE SHOW AT THE HEART OF WILLIAMSBURG ON May 21, 2014, VNB magazine joined with Fushimi presenting a stunning lingerie fashion show. Fushimi’s newly opened Williamsburg modern Japanese cuisine & lounge; is known for it’s impeccable food, superior service and trendy ambiance. The guests were served extremely exquisite traditional Japanese food fused with inventive French inspired nouvelle cuisines. All quest enjoyed an excellent, rewarding dinner, prepared by talented chefs with years of experience. While dining the quest were entertained by well-known New York singers Manli Queen, and Andy. Each singer performed solo popular traditional and modern Chinese songs with excellence. In addition, to spice things up, VNB gave everyone a first peek of their up-coming lingerie collection. Which will be sold in their on-line store. Once the guest entered Fushimi, they were entertained with videos of VNB models wearing VNB’s up-coming sexy lingerie. The videos were playing on four huge screens to the delight of the quest. WW W.V NBMAG AZINE .C OM
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After dinner, VNB magazine opened the lingerie show introducing their first up-coming lingerie collection called “VNB Intimates” designed by Deborah LaPearl. This was Fushimi’s first fashion lingerie runway show. When asked about the opening collection LaPearl said “Sometimes men want to present their ladies with a sexy chemise or camisole.” “VNB gave me the opportunity to design an elegance sexy intimate collection which will hypnotize her partners instincts, and make her feel glamorous, sexy, and special.” LaPearl continued saying “The VNB intimate on-line store will entice women across the globe to purchase the right kind of lingerie, ranging from bras, panties, knickers, and corsets, to match their outerwear. Shopping in VNB magazine’s on-line store removes the uncomfortable experience, involved when men try to buy lingerie in a store for their ladies. “ “ The VBN intimates collection will focus on developing the perfect lingerie; bras and panties to help shape the desired look flattering women of all sizes. VBN’s intimate collection has a hint of the classic movie star glamour. The sheerness of silk chiffon teddies, baby doll camisoles, lace panties, bras, cover-ups, seamed hosiery, and of course, lace up corsets are what puts the word
sexy in the intimate wear.” “ What’s our goal? It is to create movie star Red Carpet appeal by combining classiness, sexiness and glamour on the runway.” -2There is a growing group of consumers that feel more comfortable buying online. They are looking for great products online from the comfort of their home or office. Seriously, isn’t that great? Modern technology has come up to the levels that consumers really want. Le Quan, Johnny Liu with VNB magazine models
In every course, the best is sometimes last. VNB showed the spice at the end of this exciting fashion show. VNB featured the stunning unique lingerie collection from ” House of Hot Cocoa” designed by Sasha Peters. Sasha designs fashion exclusively for the bedroom. When asked about her collection Sasha’s reply was “I create the clothes that will fit who each client’s inside secrets. I create clothes that will help them to overcome insecurities and focus on their very person who is in need.” “If she takes away her insecurities than the result left is happiness”. “The bedroom is supposed to be fun. Fun is alive, it’s variety”!!
Le Quan, William Su, Johnny Liu, Louis Wu withVNB magazine models
Sasha gives motivation lectures at a variety of women’s events. Topic (Putting Fun And Romance Back Into Your Bedroom). It is surely Sasha’s mission to help women feel wonderful from inside to outside. What this means is that when each woman realizes her own personality, she is able to open herself up to putting fun and romance in the bedroom. Sasha’s lingerie collection consisted of bright, lively, colored spandex, accented with embellishments and cutouts. Each breath-taking item was sexually charged, fitting a woman’s curves above and below the waist. Her collection displayed a winning combination of sex, fantasy and fashion. The last item to close the show was (All about Money). The audients and guest were amazed and satisfied by VNB joining with Fushimi to launch it’s first lingerie fashion show in Williamsburg. I give them both a standing ovation for their trendy opulent, décor, and atmosphere. The music, lights and stunning cat walking models truly contributed to this outstanding lingerie fashion show.
Sunny Yung, Le Quan with VNB magazine models
In addition, the entire event, could not have been a success, without the help of the Sponsors, Producer, Executive Chefs, Fashion Show Director, Fashion Show Coordinator, Models, Security, Stage Director, Stage manager, Back stage manager, Videographer, Production Tech Director, Associate Technicians, Make-up team, Hair team, Sound and DJ and of course both Fashion Designers. The names of this dynamic team was listed and displayed on the VIP wall, brochures and tables tops of each guest’s table. VNB has lingerie shows every two months. They will launch their new collection in their next lingerie fashion show on August 8, 2014. I am looking forward to attending their next show.
Peter Wong, Le Quan with VNB magazine models
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Kevin Parker and friend with VNB magazine models
Le Quan, Michael Luu and friend with VNB models Savio Chan andmagazine Andrew Turrin
Roger Li with VNB magazine models
Headquarterz hair director Steve Kong with VNB magazine models
Lapearl with VNB magazine models
Designer Hot Cocoa with VNB magazine models
Carmen Zhu with VNB magazine models
Huang Qiu singer with VNB magazine models
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Photography: Fai Chen, Liang Kuang, Jason Moy, Alvin
Lin Qun , Jenny William Su, Myanmar Singer, Johnny Liu
Lapearl with VNB magazine models
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FINANCE
CHINESE MULTIMILLIONAIRE FEEDS HOMELESS IN NEW YORK CITY Chen Guangbiao, a Chinese recycling tycoon listed among China’s top 400 richest people, has stunned many by traveling to New York in pursuit to be the first Chinese philanthropist, to feed the homeless, and give away some money to the poor, In New York City. According to Forbes Guangbiao was reportedly worth $810 million in 2013. He has pledged to give away most if not all of his wealth before his death, inspired by Bill Gates’ “Giving Pledge”. Guangbaio took out a full-page bilingual advertisement in the New York Times on Monday June 23, 2014. Guangbiao announced that he would host a charity luncheon at the New York Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse on June 25, 2014 for 1,000 down –on-their-luck New Yorkers. But it turned out he was only taking 250 people –picked by the rescue mission. Each participant believed they would also receive $300 after lunch. Those who wished to join the luncheon needed RSVP via a Hotmail email address. VNB magazine was there to cover the story. According to Guangbiao he was hoping the lunch would show the U.S. that there are Chinese Philanthropists. WW W.V NBMAG AZINE .C OM
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Standing near the front entrance of the boathouse restaurant were participants dressed in Red Army Uniforms. With the assistance of Craig Mayes, director of public relations at the New York City Rescue Mission; Guest were bused in. Mr. Joseph Djalei, was one of the first to receive an invitation from the mission. All of the diners headed for the luncheon. They expressed their appreciation for the high-cuisine handout. Inside the invited diners, were waited on by staff in suits and bows, and treated to a sitdown meal of sesame-seed-encrusted seared tuna, filet mignon, vegetables and seasonal berries. After dinner, Guangbiao introduced two badly burned disfigured women, which he is helping to get reconstruction plastic surgery. Each woman shared there story and spoke about their appreciation for Guangbiao’s help and kindness. Guangbiao had one of the women to assist him with his magic show , which ended with bag showing a lighted heart. Later Guangbiao sang Michael Jackson’s famed “We Are the World” to his guests. They wheeled out a tray filled with $100 bills, divided into clipped
Later we were informed that the mission’s officials took the $300 dollars back, telling the three men that they would get their $300 back at the rescue mission. Once the rescue mission officials urged Guangbiao, not to give the guest the $300. Guangbiao, did an about-face on his promise to give each guest $300. Instead he caved to pressure from the New York City Rescue Mission to donate to the rescue mission facility instead. In fact when some of the guest discovered that they would not be given any money, an uproar ensued, with some yelling. “We want it now!” A very disappointed Vietnam Veteran Mr. Brooks expressed “I would tell (Chen) this is a really nice surprise and I’m very grateful, however I needed that money” “I could use it to buy some clothes. The mission is not giving us the money they are keeping it for themselves.” “Some of us really need that money.“ Another man once known in 1971 as the fastest champion long distance swimmer told us that the lunch was nice. He added that he would like to have gotten the promised $300. He has family that he would have send a gift to. Once the luncheon was over. The mission informed their quest to return to the bus. As Chen Guangbiao was leaving, we asked, what is his real mission? His reply was “The important thing to me is not the money I’m donating, but to have people take notice of the poor people.” WWW. V N BMA G A Z INE.COM
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PROFILE
Yan Ge China’s Young Dancing Star in New York City.
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Yan Ge, a well-trained exceptional Chinese dancer arrived in New
York City four years ago, to further her dance study. According to Yan Ge, she was at the point of her life were she wanted to expand and open herself up to more creative western dancing. During her stay, Yan Ge has learned a variety of dances such as modern dance, ballet, salsa, ballroom, and club. Yan Ge has a deep love and passion for dancing. She noticed that most western cultures know about western dancing but few knew about Chinese dancing. She saw many dance schools for a variety of western dancing, Spanish dancing; however she did not see Chinese dance classes. This prompted her desire to start a non-profit foundation and dance school in New York City. Yan Ge saw a need to promote Chinese Dance culture. She plans to open her dance school this coming fall. Her school will teach traditional Chinese dances to interested students. When we asked Yan Ge, why does she want a non-profit foundation? Her reply was “ I feel, if a person is interested in studying dance, they should not worry how to pay for the classes. I want my own foundation to help pay for classes of students who want to learn Chinese dancing.” At the young age of 4, it was Yan Ge’s father an intellectual, who first introduced her to dance. He worked as a journalist who traveled around the world and was exposed to many things. She remembers watching “Swan Lake,” with her father and going to see “Sleeping Beauty”. Most kids at that age did know the difference between reality and fantasy. After watching both shows, Yan Ge, told her father that she wanted to be a fairy princess. At the age of 6, Yan Ge was admitted to Beijing Children’s Palace. She wore her first pair of dancing shoes, and began to dance to music. At 12 years old she won first prize, in major dancing events. In 2000, she won the highest achievement award expert professional dance Chinese “Tao Li Cup”; In 2005 gained enjoy Chinese Dance “Oscar” in the world “Lotus Award”. In 2006 8th Asia Arts Festival performances won the gold medal, the same year as Ten Players nationwide theatrical newcomers; 2007 obtained the Beijing Dance contest. She continued becoming a major choreographer for the “Centennial Dream Towards 2008 Beijing Olympics Gala”. For over 20 years Yan Ge has been one of China’s young dancing stars. In 2009 she was awarded the Outstanding Young Artist by the Chinese People’s Republic of China Ministry of Culture; 2010 was invited to the Fourth East China provinces and one-city professional dance competition judges.
Reporter: How do you think your dance school will contribute to the American people? Yan Ge: “I think that the creation of such a dance school is just a valuable role in the United States. To teach Chinese dance will help to promote Chinese culture, to the American people. American people can borrow a better understanding of traditional Chinese dance inner beauty of the Chinese people. So we are preparing this thing, I call it the construction of a road leading to the soul. We seem emotionally distant, but in fact very close, we just need a way to communicate to each other.” Reporter: in your opinion, do you think the audience will be able to understand the different kinds of dance culture? Yan Ge: Dance is an incredible way to communicate without language, or text. It is through dance that I express my feelings. Most dance performances are passionate with love, whether it is a Broadway musical, American tap dance, classical, or modern ballet, in China, the United States, and United Kingdom or in every piece of land; they are never short of such feelings Yan Ge: There is no difference in my dance among the audience. They will be able to understand what they see. Reporter: How does your family feel about all of your achievements? Yan Ge: “My father is the one who openly claps, yells and screams at all of my events. He is always saying how proud he is of me. My mother is very conservative and quite. She smiles but never says how proud she is in front of me. However I heard from others that my mother always praised my achievements in front of her friends and others but not in front of me. My mother’s friends assured me that she is very proud of me. That makes me happy to know this. “ My family taught me to be very cautious, very simple, not too much boasting.” Yan Ge explains: The Chinese folk dance is known as the soul of the dancer, her performance flows brilliantly, becoming the character in every part of the dance and play. In closing, we found Yan Ge to be very ambitious and focused on her plan to start a dance school in New York City. VBN magazine is honored to recognize and share the story of such a great dance star. We plan to keep you up dated, on Yan Ge’s new dancing school once it opens. Maybe I might take a Chinese dance class . . . . . .
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cover model
Xiren Wang
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Model: XIREN WANG Photographer: LE QUAN
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Q&A
1. Please tell us about yourself? Xiren is an internationally trained musician (performing artist and composer) from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She commenced her training in piano at the age of five in Newcastle, United Kingdom, and performed and competed in competitions across Europe, Asia, and North America. She is Chinese-born-Canadian, raised in England, studied in France, and lived the life of a nomad across 28 countries until making New York City her home. Twice-nominated Rhodes Scholar candidate, Xiren holds an Honours Degree in Political Studies and Music from Queen’s University, Canada. With the help of a talent scholarship, she then pursued further training at the New York Film Academy and the Juilliard School. Upon graduating, Xiren has been privileged to live her dream as an actress and composer, continuing to create, to love. Fusing two of Xiren’s best talents - acting and 20 years of music training, her strength as a composer lies in scoring to picture and sound-design. She proudly wears the hat of the in-house composer for White Night Films LLC. Xiren’s piano duo, 4 Hands X2C (www.4handsX2C.com), is a partnership conceived at the Juilliard School, where she was classmates with her piano partner Christine Ciuffreda. X2C has just been selected to be featured on the New Myspace platform, and the future looks promising, with concerts lined up at venues within New York City, New Jersey, and Upstate. When not rehearsing together, Xiren and Christine both work as freelance teachers and accompanists for musicians in the Tri-State area. Last but not least, Xiren is a firm believer and passionate advocate of music therapy. She has worked with war-traumatized children in the Balkans, with refugees in the Middle East, and with orphans in Tibet and Haiti. In her own words, “I’m a bit of a curious nomad. After having been immersed in 28 countries, my thirst and quest for adventure have only grown stronger, and more intense. My qualities, adaptability, resilience, boundless imagination, training, and yearning for the deeper truth form my presence, and make me the actress I am today. “Film is truth, 24 times a second”, the words of Monsieur Godard are words of gold. It’s a blessing to be abIe to Iive so truthfully, so multi-dimensionally, and to regain the lost innocence and vulnerability. Choose truth, choose love, choose YES. These are the choices I make every day, every second, 24 times a second. “ Bio taken from: http://www.reverbnation.com/xirenwang 2. What make you choose VNB magazine beside other magazine to be featured? It’s a magazine that’s provocative and classy at the same time. I think lingerie models don’t often get the space to be themselves - instead, they are made up to fulfill an image that is predetermined by society. It’s a fine line to walk on because the work produced could oftentimes end up trashy and skanky - I’m not cool with that. Class, taste, style, and standards are my essentials, and it’s not about how much clothes you have on. Grace and beauty cannot be stripped away, nor put on. VNB is a platform that gave me the space to present myself as who I am, and that’s a rare liberty. 3. What do you like about VNB magazine? These are the same qualities listed above - the ones that drew me to work with VNB. I like that the work is artistic and tastefully done. I like that it doesn’t sexualize you in a way that scandalizes you. Moreover, I have a lot of respect for the man who started this empire. I don’t take on projects without futures, and I’m inspired by the story behind the creation of VNB. To then become privy to all the exciting developments to come, I’m glad I caught this one on the rise... 4. What make you choose modeling beside other career? I’ve gone to elite arts schools and political institutes, worked in fashion design, global affairs, music, film, and travelled lots. I’ve chosen many other career paths before modeling, but modeling has been the path that really responded back and loved me back. I can play piano, write music, and continue to act for the rest of my life, but a very wise man made it clear to me that modeling is the career that happens right now. This career is short lived, with a “best-before” date, so with only one life to live, what’s time-sensitive should be prioritized. I’m all about chasing dreams and making them come true, but I’m also very realistic and grounded - choosing modeling is more so a result of choosing what responds back when I’m “knocking” on the castle of opportunity’s door. 5. Who is your favorite model? Tyra Banks, who started the ANTM empire. She inspired and taught a generation of girls to discover and embrace their beauty, and to constantly evolve, so to be on top of their game. Coco Chanel is an ultimate idol - whose name is synonymous with elegance and timeless chic. Ironically, for an industry that is proclaimed to be skin deep and superficial, I truly admire the entrepreneurial creatives - the multi-dimensional characters that really bring their A-game to the industry, and won’t settle for a spark, but lights up a fire instead. Beauty fades; it’s aspirational, but it doesn’t feed you. On top of it all, it’s a depreciating commodity, so you have to be something more. There’s always something more. 6. How did it feel when you first got signed? I was 16, in Toronto, and I was signed to Fulcher Agency, who remain my exclusive agents in Canada. It was the ultimate validation - that someone believes in me enough to invest in me and my future. My first acting coach was like a life coach, too, who then became my agent, so there’s mutual respect and trust - essential for an agent-talent relationship. Knowing that he has my best interests at heart makes me feel safe and supported in a risky industry. I’m very grateful to be with them.
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feature model
KUNNA LONG Model: KUNNA LONG Photographer: LE QUAN
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Q&A 1. Please tell us about yourself? My name is Kunna Long, I’m 20 years old and a current student in Buffalo, New York. I also do acting. I just started modeling 1 months ago. 2. What make you choose VNB magazine beside other magazine to be featured? I was chosen by Le Quan, it was a great pleasure to be in the magazine.VNB magazine is very special magazine compare with other. 3. What do you like about VNB magazine? It is a very attracted glamour magazine. I am very happy to be in it. It helped me to get more exposure. 4. What make you choose modeling beside other career? Every girl dreamed to be a barbie, and thats how I felt when I first modeling. I got to transform to a brand new of me and I liked it. 5. Who is your favorite model? Tyra Banks. I watched her in American Next Top Model, she is beautiful. 6. How did it feel when you first got signed? I am so exciting when I first got signed. I am very happy to work with VNB magzine and I hope get more exposure after being in the magazine. 7. Did you feel nervous for being the first time model? Of Course! But felt more and more relax later on. 8. Have you ever searched your name online? ehh... no, but i believe somebody will do 9. What is your daily schedule like? I don’t know it’s different everyday. depends on my work. 10. How do you maintain beauty? Make sure myself get enough sleep, I dont drink soda and alcohol, and do yoga. 11. Do you have any advice to give to new coming model? Modeling is a difficult industry because there are so many beautiful people. Always be true to yourself and have fun doing it! Best of luck! Thank you so much Le Quan and VNB Magazine for featuring me this month. I am really excited to be a part of the emerging Asian culture in NYC and beyond!:) WWW. V N BMA G A Z INE.COM WWW. V N BMA G A Z INE.COM
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watch
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
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CARTIER
RONDE LOUIS CARTIER COLLECTION
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Model: DIANA AMIROVA / Photographer: LE QUAN WWW. WWW.VVNNBMA BMAGGAAZZINE.COM INE.COM
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Q&A 1. Please tell us about yourself? I am originally From Uzbekistan, Tatar by birth, moved to the United States when I was 11 years old with my family. I went to Fashion Industries High and studied art and design. I started modeling 8 years ago and take pride in my work, my goal is to make the audience feel what I am trying to convey while looking at it, as the human body is art in itself. I am also entrepreneur, but we’ll leave that for another day. 2. What made you choose VNB magazine beside other magazine to be featured? VNB is the first Asian American magazine that focuses glamour and beauty, I was very excited to be a part of it. 3What do you like about VNB magazine? I love that they do fashion shows to promote the magazine, it’s a great way to get exposure and always beautiful models. 4. What make you choose modeling beside other career? Well, actually modeling is one of my two careers, I was in IT and surgical before, but modeling is something that can help me achieve my goals while doing what I love, I remeber posing in the mirror as a little girl in my mom’s heels, I think that’s where it all began. 5. Who is your favorite model? Karolina Kourkova hands down. 6. How did it feel when you first got signed? I couldn’t believe it, I got into modeling as a joke, a dare actually. And being discovered and recognized felt... amazing! 7. Did you feel nervous for being the first time model? Definitely in the beginning, but I had great mentors to advise me and I never really had stage fright, so I got a handle of it pretty quickly. 8. Have you ever searched your name online? Yes, don’t judge me, and I come up in images, haha. 9. What is your daily schedule like? Crazy, I never know where my day will take me, ah, the life of a model. 10. How do you maintain beauty? Hygiene is very important, always washing your face when you don’t need to be outside, letting your skin breathe, using creams and scrubs, natural masks, and of course regular exercise. 11. Do you have any advice to give to new coming model? Believe in yourself, because no one else will. Own your body, flaunt what you’ve got and BE PROFESSIONAL. Your personality will get you much further in the beauty industry than your looks. Thank you so much Le Quan and VNB Magazine for featuring me this month. I am really excited to be a part of the emerging Asian culture in NYC and beyond!:)
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ISIS Model: Isis/ Photographer: Le Quan
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Q&A 1. Please tell us about yourself? My name is Isis, and I am from the Shandong province in China. I am a dreamer by nature, and I love music, art, and life. 2. What make you choose VNB magazine beside other magazine to be featured? I want to get a chance to expand my horizons and make some new friends in the US, plus the editor is cute! 3. What do you like about VNB magazine? I like its focus on Asian women and its connection to New York, which is the fashion capital of the world 4. What make you choose modeling beside other career? I like to express myself artistically through photos, and I like the travel opportunities it brings 5. Who is your favorite model? My favorite model is Gisele Bßndchen, I love how she started as an model and built an empire 6. How did it feel when you first got signed? A huge sense of relief! It is so hard to make it as a model, which makes me cherish everything so much more 7. Did you feel nervous for being the first time model? Not really, I may look a bit shy around people, but I am an exhibitionist at heart, so when the camera is on, my instincts take over 8. Have you ever searched your name online? No, I think that is best left for others. I hope to make many new friends online though 9. What is your daily schedule like? I go to the gym to exercise in the morning, go to beauty school afterwards, and go to various photo shoots afterwards 10. How do you maintain beauty? I eat a vegetarian diet, sleep well, exercise regularly, use face masks regularly, and keep a happy attitude everyday! 11. Do you have any advice to give to new coming model? Be yourself, be confident in your abilities, and don’t take rejection personally. You need to believe that you are the right one before someone else will believe in you. Success comes to those who persevere.
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EMILY LU Model: EMILY LU / Photographer: LIANG KUANG
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Q&A 1 Please tell us about yourself? My name is Emi Lu. With a heart of passion about art and all the beautiful things in our lives, I’d like to appreciate, create and share every beautiful and valuable moments to my friends through the way of modeling and acting. 2 What make you choose VNB magazine beside other magazine to be featured? As a professional magazine, VNB magazine not only offers readers a good taste of aesthetic, but also create great opportunities for models to exposure themselves. 3 What do you like about VNB magazine? I love VNB magazine 4 What make you choose modeling beside other career? I love to express myself and modeling is something I used to dream about doing when I grow up. 5 Who is your favorite model? Gisele Bundchen 6 How did it feel when you first got signed? Excited 7Did you feel nervous for being the first time model? Rather than Nervous, I enjoyed it a lot. 8 Have you ever searched your name online? Yes 9 What is your daily schedule like? Working through 9am to 5pm, going to the gym, dinner, and then sleep. 10 How do you maintain beauty? Working out, eating healthy food, having adequate sleep. 11 Do you have any advice to give to new coming model? Love what you do, be aggressive. Thank you so much Le Quan and VNB Magazine for featuring me this month. I am really excited to be a part of the emerging Asian culture in NYC and beyond!
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RESTAURANT
MISTER HOTPOT
THE NEW HOT SPOT
It was a beautiful sunny Saturday summer day. A friend from VNB magazine called and invited me and my friend Emily for lunch. We met at Mister Hotpot located at 5306 8th Ave Borough Park in Chinatown Brooklyn NY. This was my first time seeing a Chinatown in Brooklyn. It was amazing. I was told that this Chinatown area in Brooklyn is expanding robustly. It is also well known as an extension of the original Chinatown in Manhattan. We entered Mister Hotpot around noon, and were greeted by a great staff, with smiles. We were seated and served by waiters Vince and Dee. They were cheerful, prompt to refill water, mindful, very nice, always addressing us with a smile and very polite. Pop music blared from the speakers, and the surrounding tables are populated by hip young kids, various sets of families both young and middle aged. I had never seen a hotpot restaurant like this before, so I asked the waiters many questions. VNB:“ How long has Mister Hotpot been here? Waiters: About three years. VNB: “Who is the owner?” Waiters: “ His name is Ken” WW W.V NBMAG AZINE .C OM
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VNB: “Does all of your tables have cooking sections on top?” Waiters: Yes, we have tables for smaller groups also. VNB: What kinds of dishes are good to order? Waiter: “It depends on your taste; all of them are good”. Waiter: “We have two special broths one spicy with herbs and the other creamy color not so spicy.” “They‘re both are made with fine Pork Bones. Some call it soup, this is the broth you cook your meats and vegetables in.” VNB: Thanks Mister Hotpot is known for their very flavorful signature broths. One is pork bone filled with spicy herbs, and the other is a pork bone creamy tomato broth. The Hotpot, is set up similar to fondue style- dipping meat, vegetables, and noodles into bubbling broth at the table, when the meat is cooked, you eat it. With the use of selected high quality ingredients dipped in a refined special soup base, it ensures the best of taste, smell, and presentation. The broth lends its flavor to the food that you cook in it.
by: ClarkNYC
We were very hungry; all of the food we ordered was fresh. We were given a decorative white tray with an array of condiments: scallions, dry garlic, cilantros, a mixture of spiced peppers, an herbal sauce mixture, a red sauce mixture, and onions. This tray of goodies was given to us before we received the hotpot of broths. What a great way to help spice up the great meal we were waiting for. We ordered a mixed of things such as Crystal Crab, Fish Roe Ball, Chicken, Vermicelli noodles, Beef Tendon Ball, Cuttlefish Ball, Shrimp ball paste, Fish Stomach, Garland Round Leaf, Sliced Pork Belly, a Wag-yu Beef grade A-4 platter, with gold leafs sprinkles. (For all of you beef lovers Wag-yu Beef grade A-6, is the highest number of quality beef in Japan. A-4 is the next high quality number.) In some Asian countries, when gold leaf sprinkles are added to food, it is a symbol for the highest quality. Mister Hotpot only serves grade A-4 Wag-yu Beef, a known top high quality beef.
Wag u Beef, is thinly sliced, very light, melts in your mouth, once cooked in the special broth it turns a pink color. The herbs and spices from the broth, flavors all of the selected ingredients, especially the meats. Our broth did not take long to boil; we divided each ingredient and placed each one into the two broths. As our food simmered, the aroma was amazing. The meal was juicy, flavorful and excellent. We ate well and left the restaurant filled but not stuffed. Mister Hotpot’s broth was surely a treasure. The next day I decided to look up some history about the hotpot. Did you know that the Chinese hot pot has a history of more than 1,000 years? It is still the most popular dish for social and family gatherings. If you want to try a new experience, than make a reservation at Mister Hotpot. Mister Hotpot will surely capture the hearts of all guests and will become their priority choice.
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GOLDEN UNICORN RESTAURANT’S On August 8th 2014, Golden Unicorn Restaurant is celebrating their 25th-year anniversary. This longtime Chinatown restaurant is tremendously popular due to its reputation for excellent steamed dim sum. Despite having two dining floors, it is constantly packed, especially on weekends. As part of the entertainment on this special day Golden Unicorn, will host their first VNB Magazine, Lingerie Fashion Show. The guest will be served dinner and entertained by popular singers including a live Lingerie Fashion Show. I entered the Golden Unicorn through a commercial building in a quiet part of Chinatown. With in seconds a smiling hostess wearing a uniform greeted me. “You can take the elevator to enter the second or third floor”. She said. It was noontime; I came up the elevator to the third floor. There were at lease 35 tables with delicious selections of dim sum on wheel carts passing between each table. Golden Unicorn offered many choices of very affordable priced dim sum on each cart. I was on time for our meeting; Andy, (head maître d), and Holly (office manager) met me within seconds of my arrival. They prepared a table for us on the second floor. VNB: “Hi Andy how long have you worked here?” Andy: “17 years, I worked my way up to this position”. VNB: Can you tell me something about Golden Unicorn Restaurant? Andy: “Both floors offer the same décor, of golden unicorns romping across the back wall. In the Chinese culture, unicorns are considered, good luck. They are imagination creatures similar to the popularity of the dragon.“ WW W.V NBMAG AZINE .C OM
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25th Year Anniversary
Owner of Golden Unicorn mr Johnny Liu Andy: “Golden Unicorn has at lease 35 family size tables in the large rooms. Just enough space for the wait staff to wheel carts of a wide assortment of dim sum, from table to table. Each cart has photos of the food to help the guest with their selections.” VNB: August is a number 8-month. “8” is considered a lucky number, Can you explain why this month and day, is important to Golden Unicorn? Andy: “Our restaurant opened in August 1989. The number 8 is a very popular lucky number in the Chinese culture. It is only natural for Golden Unicorn Restaurant, to celebrate on the same month that we opened 25 years ago. Our restaurant has been very successful, for over 25 years and we are very proud of our success. “
Innsbruck, Austria
“ During the daytime, Golden Unicorn presents up to one hundred different choices of fresh dim sum, including such favorite as steamed buns, taro cake, and shrimp dumplings. For those who desire the full meal, the core menu offers an extensive array of savory, classic Chinese Cantonese-style dishes such as Peking duck and lobster with ginger and scallions.” VNB: “Thanks Andy, you have helped us to understand how successful Golden Unicorn Restaurant is.” During the entire interview I admired Andy’s pleasant smile. Andy excused himself from our table, to get back to his area. Holly returned to our table, to continue answering all other questions. Holly: “The restaurant has been a particularly attractive location for those looking to host private dinners, corporate events, parties, or weddings. Interested guests can also request usage of the open bar, dance floor, or audio systems, For banquets, patrons can collaborate beforehand with the restaurant manager to prepare unique, customized menus. At dinner there is a menu of Cantonese and Hong Kong dishes.” After the interview, I was very thirsty. Within seconds I was given a cup of hot jasmine tea, and two shrimp dim sum dishes. I enjoyed both dishes the shrimp was firm and fresh. The essence of the jasmine tea was soothing and refreshing. In closing, Golden Unicorn’s quarters, with its elaborate chandeliers and lighting, lush red and gold décor, and expansive space, offers the perfect, memorable backdrop for any type of event of festivities.
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麒麟金阁 25周年宴会 VNB MAGA ZINE
HO T TES T MODEL SUMMER PARTY
08/08/2014 7PM TO 10PM
GOLDEN UNICORN RESTAURANT 18 EAST BROADWAY, NY 10002 Bottle of REMY X.O on each table, and Abalone REMY XO + 鮑魚
Table for 10 guests from $1200 to $1500 Contact Le Quan: 1 646 750 8970 SPONSOR:
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travel
MOST BEAUTIFUL WORLD HERITAGE ON THE PLANET Angkor, Cambodia It takes 20 minutes by tuk-tuk from the city of Siem Reap, Angkor is considered the biggest temples on the planet. The most crowded time to visit is February and November, when the weather is dry and the best temperature (25-20 degrees C).
Iguazu National Park, Argentina & Brazil Founded in 1934 (in Argentina), where it contains one of the largest natural beauty Argentina - Iguazu waterfalls. Over the Iguazu River is part of the territory of Brazil. Both national parks were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 & 1986. WW W.V NBMAG AZINE .C OM
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Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina Located in Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia Argentina, the national park has an area of ​​4,459 km2 and was recognized by UNESCO in 1981. Famed ice with pure blue Perito Moreno glacier.
Acropolis, Greece This is the most famous defense in the world, was built in the 5th century BC. In Greece there is a lot of defense, but the significance of this ancient and famous that people call it simply Acropolis without other identifiers.
Reef Great Barrier Reef, Australia As the largest coral reef in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Great Barrier Reef region covered an area of 380,000 km2.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador This is one of the first sites to be included in the UNESCO world heritage list, located in the southern region of the
Machu Picchu, Peru Machu Picchu is an Inca site pre-Columbian ruins in good conservation status at 2,430 m altitude on a mountain ridge ridge. Machu Picchu is both the world renowned archaeologist Hiram Bingham - who was re-discovered it in 1911, and wrote a bestselling book about it.
Pacific coast and 1,000 km south-west Ecuador.
Hampi. India Taj Mahal is perhaps more famous heritage is best known in India, but few can deny the miraculous, beautiful and attractive to hard to resist when once set foot in Hampi. Known as the capital of the Vijayanagara empire located in south India, Hampi though much destroyed but what remains today is enough for people to imagine a golden age and ancient splendor.
Mont - Saint -Miche l, France Mont-Saint-Michel is an island, known for its line of Benedict’s Monastery, one of the typical French medieval architecture.v WWW. V N BMA G A Z INE.COM 55
event
Exciting Couture Fashion Week in NYC
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by Dorothy NYC
outure Fashion Week in New York is a very busy and exciting month in February. On Sunday night, February 16th we had the pleasure to see a great fashion production located at the New Yorker Hotel. As the lights dimmed, the music played, we were dazzled with, Deborah LaPearl’s amazing, glamorous fashion show. Stunning sequenced, Hand painted gown and beautifully beaded jackets, accented with strands of pearls graced the runway. Deborah LaPearl‘s, “Godly Women Collection”, stands for elegant and extravagant designer fashion. “Women are made in God’s image. We are pearls, and precious jewels. Pearls come in all shapes, sizes and colors. My collections are classic and can be worn, by all women.” “Each of my creative designs is a unique pearl, timeless and elegant.” Says LaPearl. Apart from the exclusive haute couture lines, her label offers wearable art and formidable high-end contemporary collections.
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LaPearl puts great emphasis on the high quality finest materials, while giving attention to every detail with passionate affection for timeless, elegant, unmistakable and unique designs. We asked LaPearl, what inspired her. “I am always inspired by the unexpected, and by everything that surrounds me. My styles reflect a world of cultures; there is beauty in all cultures. This is the Chinese lunar year of the horse. When I saw Mr. Lu’s calligraphy I was amazed and asked him to personally hand write on some of my designs. As he personally handwritten his famous one minute calligraphy of a white horse, black horse, red horse and yellow horse. He explained that each horse symbolizes the fusion of different cultures and ethnic ultimate pursuit of world peace concept. ¬“ We spoke to the many of the people who attended the show. Indeed LaPearl’s collection was refreshing and amazing. They were delighted to have been part of the audience.
LaPearl has expressed that she is seeking and investor. What makes her different is that she represents women of all sizes. She feels that every woman is a beautiful pearl, no matter what size or shape. Who best to understand this but LaPearl? Her motto is “ Like The Pearl, Beauty comes in all Shapes and Sizes, She is Beautiful Plus More.� We certainly feel whom ever invests in Deborah LaPearl will be very happy and successful. Her collection displayed timeless elegance WWW. V N BMA G A Z INE.COM
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model
WANTED lingerie, beauty, runway.. Think you have what it takes to be the next VNB magazine top model. Submit your photo and info to: le@vnbmagazine.com
Pay $150 to $300
Looking for models in Boston, Connecticut. Must be between the age of 18-- 26.
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The best way to describe Mister Hotpot is gourmet hotpot
5306 8th Ave (Between 53rd & 54th Street) Brooklyn, NY 11220 tel: 718.633.5197 www.misterhotpotnyc.com info@misterhotpotnyc.com WW W.V NBMAG AZINE .C OM
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