Downtown Chinatown is a concept about dual-identity; epitomizing the ever-perpetual traditional Chinese culture and incoming contemporary, innovative culture that is Toronto, to represent my interpretation of Chinatown itself. I am a half-Chinese individual, an individual of full East-Asian descent, and was born in Downtown Toronto - specifically very close to Chinatown. The neighbourhood has seen me grow up and I've seen it grow up as well, still to this day as more and more changes are imposed on it. I view Chinatown as a vibrant hub for food, fashion, arts, music, family, and so much more - and all of these things matter very much to me as well; the neighbourhood included. To communicate this, I styled my model in a very street-reminiscent style with traditional Chinese elements, while also representing a strong feminine essence; almost princess-like - the princess of Chinatown. I also chose to take a less controlled, less conventional approach to the style of photography I chose to pursue - almost documentarian style - to help support the natural and autobiographical aspect of this story. With this editorial, I wanted to share my story and love for Chinatown while also providing an opportunity for others with similar associations and identities to relate and possibly reflect on their relations to their identities and what has helped create them as individuals. Identities that were created in such a diverse city like Toronto involve so many layers upon layers that many still have yet to unveil - myself included. Hopefully my viewers can unveil some of theirs and discover even more about who they were, who they are, and why.
Model: Andrea Lee
Art Direction/Photography/Styling: Mia Yaguchi-Chow
Art Direction/Photography/Styling: Mia Yaguchi-Chow
2019
