Episode 1: Heaven on Earth follows internationally-renowned couturière Colleen Quen, LLC. on the journey of designing and creating a mixed media sculpture inspired by a performance of Debussy’s Danse sacrée et Danse profane.
Notes from Colleen Quen
I create through sound. I see shapes and colors and feel emotions which then come to life in my artwork. Every note that the musicians play fuels me to react with shapes and colors and a meditative story in my mind. I then capture my invisible consciousness and bring it into a sculpture and a colorful painting story of the inspiration they bring me. Therefore I can see the shapes of music and flow and expressions come into a sculptural form and silhouette on the landscape of the human form.
I create through my colors, also through sound. The passionate musical notes of each musician’s playing guide me to intuitively select and express my paint colors. I am a dancer but express myself through my hands. I feel with my hands and use to the colors of my paints to express my vision onto the canvas.
We are playing live together in synergy, which can never be replicated and will be savored forever in that moment. This was a magical euphoric collaboration together as one and I am so blessed to be in heaven on earth with New Century Chamber Orchestra. Thank you so much.
Photos: David Law
Shanghai socialites in the 1920’s and 30’s made the body hugging qipao and cheongsam dresses famous. Today, they are still a part of Chinese fashion houses who combine both tradition and contemporary artistry in their couture and casual designs. Colleen Quen, a couturier and artist living in San Francisco, and fashion designer Arkadiy Polezhaev from San Jose, California travel to Shanghai, China to discover how this fashion staple is more than just a dress. From the traditional bridal qipao with exquisite embroidery and buttons to modern casual designs, they discover the history, culture and story behind each piece and how they’re made. Along the way they visit the historical Paramount ballroom, eat at the infamous Canton Table and discover the metamorphosis of the silkworm. They meet designers who utilize modern technology in their bold designs to those who collect historical robes that influence their design process. What designer gave up her BMW X5 in order to obtain a 250 year old treasure? Discover this and more as the qipao journey begins. FILM DIRECTOR/PRODUCER DUFFY WANG-D3 PRODUCTIONS.
“TRANSFORMATION” by Colleen Quen VIDEOGRAPHY by Marc Estrada
VIDEOGRAPHY by Marc Estrada
"Your work moves like watercolour on a painting." Presenting the brilliant work of Colleen Quen, her in fashion and especially French couture is known across the globe and is among the most honoured fashion designers in San Francisco. Shot and edited by Warren Difranco with Android phone. Music "Por una Cabeza" by Carlos Gardel. Presented by ModaCine Films.
Colleen Quen “Interpreting Ancient Chinese Fashion” PBS Documentary. D3 Productions. Film Director: Duffy Wang. After my travels in China with the Chinese Minority Ethnic Groups, particularly the Miao and Buyi Villages are a series of short clips in the documentary explaining my honor, inspiration and interpretation of sustaining and preserving the old culture and modern culture of fashion. This dress I designed is call the "Butterfly". Fabric: Silk Gazar Batik Fabric. Jewelry: Miao Handmade Silver Jewelry. Gallery location: Mark Wolfe Art Gallery.
Colleen Quen “Interpreting Ancient Chinese Fashion” PBS Documentary. D3 Productions. Film Director: Duffy Wang. This dress I designed is called "The Dowry". Fabric: Black Linen and Handmade Miao appliqué. Jewelry: Miao Handmade Silver Jewelry. Gallery location: Mark Wolfe Art Gallery.
Colleen Quen “Interpreting Ancient Chinese Fashion” PBS Documentary. D3 Productions. Film Director: Duffy Wang. This dress I designed is called "The Huongguo Shu Waterfall". Fabric: White Silk Chiffon. Jewelry: Miao Handmade Silver Jewelry. Gallery location: Mark Wolfe Art Gallery.
Colleen Quen “Interpreting Ancient Chinese Fashion” PBS Documentary. D3 Productions. Film Director: Duffy Wang. This creation is called "Modern Miao" Fabric: Silk Gazar. Jewelry: Miao Handmade Silver Jewelry. Gallery location: Mark Wolfe Art Gallery.
America’s Next Top Model-CWTV. Cycle 9 episode 3. Colleen Quen Guest Designer/Fashion Show Judge. Los Angeles Train Station 2007. PART 1
America’s Next Top Model-CWTV. Cycle 9 episode 3. Colleen Quen Guest Designer/Fashion Show Judge. Los Angeles Train Station 2007. PART 2
America’s Next Top Model-CWTV. Cycle 9 episode 3. Colleen Quen Guest Designer/Fashion Show Judge. Los Angeles Train Station 2007. PART 3