Bleached, feathered and striped

I've been feeling kinda dark lately and although I still love my foray into colorful outfits I thought it best to wear this ensembles for the opening of 'Clouds', the exhibit I curated in the Arts Lounge.

The stripe knit top with extra long sleeves is an Ann Demeulemeester. The jeans by A.P.C. with an interesting 'bleached stain' detail. Both given by my dear Eliz.

The cut of the jeans is slim and perfect for moi because it has extra long legs for my 'long legged legs". ;)

The feathered shoulder shrug is a special design for moi by my friend Jor-el Espina. He's one upcoming Filipino designer to watch out for. He's a talented chap.

Some of our guests asked me why I didn't wear white for the cloud theme and I said I'd rather be a bird flying in the sky among the clouds.

Barai Picnic

I spent one Sunday afternoon with my church group called Love Group (plus other friends) for a picnic at the barai.

I bought some Angkor Famous popcorn to share. Soooo addicting!

From left, it's Blady, Cielo and Betty. At the back is Solomon.

Everyone brought food. Some of us just ordered take-outs.

The barai is the ancient Angkor canal water system. There's a man-made island in the middle of it where it probably served as watch area. There's still some ruins left of a structure built there.

We rented out one of the huts and I instantly felt sleepy from the cool breeze. I took a short nap after lunch just to recharge.

If you fancy a swim you can do so.

Or borrow this little boat for a little paddle action.

There's a rest house if you wanted to sleep there overnight.

It's a nice place to escape when you wanted to go somewhere near and have that beach feel. I'd love to bring my friends for a picnic.

Clouds People

A few of the people who came: Moi with Kuya Blady.

Mao Soviet, an artist who I exhibited before.

Rachel, designer of Keok Jay and owner of Circle.

Howie, he's a scientist who works in preserving bird habitats and diversity. The bird print tee was a design of mine. He said it's his fave tee!

Jam, who looks chic in DP Easy Dress, works as a sales & marketing for a hotel here in SR.

Andy, of Wanderlust.

Lynette, my friend who works as the financial controller of Amansara.

Justin, who's interning for a resort and Shinta, party gal slash socialite numero uno of SR.

Moi, with my dearest Eliz, designer par excellence of Wandelust.

Lots more people came too beautiful to mention ;)

'Clouds' at the Arts Lounge

Curating an exhibition is a grueling task for me. It's extra nerve wrecking if you are showing the work of one of Cambodia's most popular artist who've exhibited all over the world. Srey Bandol, considered to be the mentor of many Cambodian contemporary artists, opened his latest works in the Arts Lounge of Hotel de la Paix last night.

This latest ouevre were quite a departure from his signature mixed media assemblages. The 26 pieces displayed in the gallery focuses on capturing the fleeting beauty of clouds through pencil and charcoal drawings. The kite installation added to the whimsical nature of the subject.

We decided to install fringe curtains on the center of the lounge and display the drawings back to back. To create ripples in the curtain we had to put fans inside the ceiling by removing some of the acrylic panels for the light. I have to thank Sutanaya, our chief engineer, and his team for always making our craziest concepts possible. Initially I asked them to do moving mechanical installations but that proved expensive so we scrapped it. LOL!

Loven was my partner in planning all the effects for this exhibit. He also did the invitations and collaterals for the show. We also borrowed the fringed curtains from him. Am I 'user friendly' or what? ;)

There's something quite dark about Bandol's new pieces. He did tell me he hoped that those who see his works would think about the environment and the alarming rate it's being destroyed.

Some of the pieces reminded me of tornadoes.

Or storm clouds...

The abtract nature of clouds rendered poetic in Bandol's hands.

I like this one.

We had a kid making paper planes and throwing it to fly. Next thing we know we had a swarm of kids joining him for the fun. Soon the gallery floor was filled with colored paper planes. It proved popular even with the adults.

We also had two glass vitrines filled constantly with smoke. It took like 10 men to install that huge thing. It doubles as a bar, too, at least for 2 months.

It's very Alexander McQueen-ish, non? Imagine that as a runway or a wall for a fashion show. Lovely!

We also had bubbles blowing in the air.

Bandol (in white) was happy with the outcome and support for his exhibit. With him is another artist, Sovann.

Oh, we also had poetry readings of cloud poems, spoken by Loven (I know! Totally exploiting this guy but, hey, that's what I do with my friends. As if you don't know!), Rachel and Faith. See what I'm saying about exploiting friends. LOL! Thank you guys!

I'm still exhausted now from all the preparation but I'm soooo glad it went great and I do think it was succesful because of the huge turn out of guests especially from the media. More press release, please, *wink, wink. I'm also immensely happy to see all my friends, Bandol's family and students, and the wonderful Siem Reapers. My huge thanks to my Hotel de la Paix family: front office, housekeeping, food&beverage, human resource and the management. I've never really said thank you enough this past two years but I'm so glad to be making more exhibits with you guys in the future.

From 20's to Pool Party

Apres the opening of Circle, we all trooped to the rooftop of Warehouse for the 1920's party.

The girls went all out with their flapper costumes, boas and pearls!

Even the guys looked dapper. Shinta is insane! She's the only one willing to do that and loving it!

Everyone looked chic and looking like extras from a period movie.

Here's moi with Leigh.

After the rooftop party we headed to the pool party of Philippe at his apartment.

Here's Karen with Philippe.

Some of my friends came from another party and we just decided that it was best to end that party day at the pool party. Some even brought their own drinks ;)

I seriously don't knbow who that guy is beside Nettie (she's Fil-Oz). He looks funny! Is that orange juice that Chirs was drinking? I haven't seen these guys in a long time.

Here's Thomas, Jessie, Philippe, Karen and Karl (from left).

I thought I was back in college.