Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at AsiaStore
AsiaStore rings in Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in style
Richard Tsao, a renowned Thai silk designer who debuted his collection at Asia Society in 2001, is returning to AsiaStore on May 5 to showcase his latest collection of bright jackets, vests and scarves, all made in his signature "cocoon" style. His visit is part of a month-long celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with many in-store appearances by Asian and Asian American designers.
"This is my tenth year anniversary [at Asia Society]," Tsao said. Tsao first came to Asia Society in 2001, and has gone on to become one of the most popular designers featured in the store.
"I actually have a following, so it's great to have this continuity," he said.
Ten years into his association with Asia Society, Tsao says that he still maintains a completely artisanal approach to his work.
"The process is still very elaborate, it's still tailor-made. So it's very customized in its approach," he said. Classically trained as an abstract painter, Tsao cultivated an appreciation for silks while growing up in Bangkok.
The annual month-long celebration is a unique way to introduce audiences to Asian culture, according to AsiaStore's Chief Merchandising Officer Anne Godshall.
"AsiaStore's efforts to offer a venue for the works of Asian and Asian American artisans goes hand-in-hand with the Museum's efforts to bring traditional and contemporary Asian and Asian American art to a broader audience," she said.
Other designers and artisans who will be appearing at AsiaStore include Japanese American Kokeshi doll maker Lisa Hodsdon on May 8, Vietnamese silk designer Dat Tran on May 9 and jade jewelry designer Rita Chung will also demonstrate the art of jade jewelry making on May 11 and 12. Finally, Indian designer Harshita Lohia appears on May 15.