Banned, Blocked, Barred, Boycotted/ Horrific Human Stampede

Well it’s official- I’ve been cut- off here in China; my little BLOG has been blocked! Not only my Blog but Facebook and Twitter account too! It’s funny because my Myspace account is fine- but I guess no one really cares about Myspace these days…. Sorry Tom! Just being honest. I know that the Chinese Government put a ban on Facebook about a month ago due to the human rights protesting in the North, but my Blog???? COME ON……. Am I really that big of an influence to the political world in China??? Does the youth in China REALLY care what a small time Los Angeles Fashion Designer thinks about bathroom habits and Chinese food preparation? Seriously, I only get like 2,000 hits per week, I would expect for bigger blogs to be banned like Trash Talker Perez Hilton. Well someone in China thinks I am talking too loud and needs to keep quiet. It’s just a bummer since my intentions have always been for the greater good of all human kind with this blog.

As I grow and learn, I want others to grow and learn from my experiences, hence the reason I blog. I’m not writing to write. Actually writing is not my favorite pastime, and I am not that good at it (not giving up my day job anytime soon), but I feel that I’ve had quite the Colorful life, and I would like to share it with the Customers that make my job/ life possible every day. I am soo thankful I get to live my dream every day, it is TRULY a blessing. So China, I know that Freedom of speech is not part of your program, and I will be in your country for a while longer like it or not. I always play by your rules and am very respectful of your people and cultures. But I stand by my honesty, and I will continue to be honest, now even more than ever since you have pissed me off. No holds barred!

Yesterday, I witnessed and was involved in the one of the most devastatingly scary events of my life. I have seen and read about people been trample to death on television but never thought that I would be put in one of those experiences myself.

I had just arrived at the train station to go back to my factory from shopping all day for fabrics and trims for my summer collections. My hand truck was overloaded with 80 pounds of goods and the heat inside the train station was topping 100 degrees. 4 trains were cancelled consecutively, including mine, leaving about 2,000 passengers standing like cattle in an area for almost 3 hours until more trains came. It was a nightmare, and smelly, and hot. Finally when the trains arrived, and the gate opened everyone started pushing and running it was a disaster. I am soo large in size compared to the Chinese people, I can hold my own, but I saw babies being knocked out of mothers arms and being stepped on, women falling to the ground, and being kicked, an old 80+ man was pushed to the ground and trampled to a bloody pulp, this nice German man and I helped him up and shielded him until a medic came, he went to the hospital. I pray that he is okay. I have NEVER seen anything like this. So much gore, and disrespect for human life. I was soo shaken up by the sight of this, it was life changing. I hope that never witness this again, or anyone that I know has to witness this in their lifetime. I can only imagine the number of people that were injured during this train station fiasco, which could have been completely avoided, with some self control.

The sad thing is that some local people that spoke English sitting on the train next to me said that this is not a rare occurrence when there are problems at the train or bus stations. Sad, sooo, soo sad, that at times like that you have no respect for human life, China.

Shrine Fabulous!!!

One aspect of the Chinese culture that I admire and am so fascinated by is the worship to Idols and Gods. The Buddhist Religion is alive and well in China and most of Asia. To see a real temple takes your breath away. You can’t help but to be moved by the greatness of it all. The size, ornateness, the Monks, and intense worship are incredible. I will always remember my first time at a temple; I was so moved I cried for hours. It really encouraged me to take a look at my own faith and realize, there are so many different beliefs in the world. I was raised a Methodist/ Liberal Christian and am so glad that I was give a path to follow. I am not religious but rather spiritual. I do believe in Karma and do-Gooding. I feel that religion is personal, and more a reflection of belief and humanity. Regardless of your religion, it is a belief in yourself or at least that is what it has become for me. I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. Religion has kept me centered, focused, and gives me purpose.

While working in my factories, I noticed that the temples and shrines were brought into the work place- to bring success, aid from harm, and bring positive energy into the office. Large or small, ornate or plain, every single one of my factories had a Shrine for worship. Different Idols, (statue figures) bring different energies and vibes. People bring offerings, burn incense, give money, say prayers, light candles, and do the unimaginable to the many office shrines and alters. It’s something I never saw growing up visiting my Dad’s office as a kid.

I think it’s so unique and inspiring. I love that work becomes so personal; co-workers become almost like family and everyone breaks bread together. Regardless of faith, everyone has the same spirituality, belief and common goal. It’s AWESOME, and the comradery is touching. It has moved me so much to put my own Shrine in my Studio and explore more faiths around the world. I have taken a closer look at Religion, and the vast quantity around the world!!!!! WOW!!!! So many! I really hope that there isn’t just one in the end, because we are all going to be screwed!!!

That is why I have collected almost every religion in my Shrine Fabulous- I am hoping to cover all my bases just in case. You just never know! The only thing I do know is what pair of shoes and handbag goes fabulously with every Meghan outfit….. In the meantime I will keep praying to Shrine Fabulous for all the answers…… and when the Gods, God, or Goddesses send me all the answers, I will be sure to Blog about it!!!!

PEACE, LOVE, AND Shrine Fabulously!!!!!! Meghan Fab

My Shrine Fabulous...I have over 150 idols & counting

This is Quanyin Mountain in ZhangMuTou Town...
one of the Largest Idols in China, it takes my Breath
Away every time I see it!

This is the Shrine in my factory. It is a common
factory shrine... small and straight to the point.
The factory just had an offering that morning
and I was lucky to be able to witness all the action.

This is a common Buddha in one of the Temples that
we visited... it has sooo many arms and is dipped in GOLD!

On the Boat ride to the Pagoda..... so relaxing.... see pics below for
Pagoda in Hangzhou

Shanghai Skyline at night time.... even the architecture is inspired

by the ancient temples!

Hangzhou Lakeside... couldn't get enough of the temple and Pagoda!

Shanghai Architecture is crazy and inspired by
Ancient Chinese Temples, the Famous Pearl Tower... With my Italian Manufacturer
Friend, Gigi

In the Lily pad farm at the Pagoda

With my Translator at the Lily pad farm on the grounds of the Pagoda

In Shanghai... It's the Eifel Tower of China-
Totally NUTZ!! I am OBSESSED with this Tree statue!

This place in Shanghai is the bomb, and so Tranquil!
That's a REAL Quail in the cage, in the tree!

In Hangzhou at the largest temple, with the Goddess

All these Idols are carved into a mountain by Monks thousands
of years ago!

The FAMOUS Pagoda in the center of the Lake!!!!!!

Toilets and Traffic

I really am lucky to have the opportunity to travel abroad for business- it has opened my eyes to how incredible other cultures are; not only are they unique, but completely different from my upbringing. AMAZING!!! With all the GREAT times I speak of my travels, there is also those “not so hot moments”…… Like everything, with every reward there is a sacrifice. I know, it totally sucks, but it’s true!!! You have to take the good with the bad. China DEFINITELY has its upsides and downsides.

(I hope this BLOG doesn’t get blocked/ vetooooed by the Chinese government…..Love you Mao!!!)

I always try to describe the craziness that is China… there are soo many people. Imagine FIVE times the amount of people in Los Angeles and New York City. It blows my mind to new heights. It’s like a sea of people coming and going- at every which direction at all times. Madness, shear MADNESS. It makes me realize just how vast and immense the Earth is.

Attached are some photos of the street CHAOS. I attached a video of the daily drive from my hotel to the factory… it is not the full 10 minutes, and not at the “height of rush hour, but you can see some of the goodies that I speak of…. Bicycles meshed with commuter buses, laced with pedestrian cars, combined with the daily foot traffic. People walking every which way…. It’s chaos!!!

Almost daily I witness someone being hit by a car or cyclist. I have even been struck by a Pedicab and Taxi!!!! The honking is soooo loud you can hear it from 20 stories above, with the windows closed. (I always have my IPod handy…) Many streets don’t have intersections or foot bridges, so you end up running across streets that compare to the 405 Freeway. It is VERY apparent that motorists have the right of way. I get soo frightened when I see Mothers running across the CHAOS with their infants….. which is beyond common (and disturbing). Words can’t describe it, really…Seriously, this makes me appreciate the SMALLEST things in my life, in Simple La La Land.

Another thing that is on my mind….. (no, not the food….. that is getting its own Blog page…) The TOILET situation… or rather the lack of them!!! Bummer… I was going to post a pic but I haven’t been in one recently…. I have mapped out all the actual American toilets in all of the country of China. This, I just don’t understand. For such a large country that prides it’s self on hygiene and cleanliness (they wear the surgical masks everywhere… probably invented them/ manufacture them…) China restrooms are the polar opposite! I guess for centuries now the Chinese have not evolved to the sitting position for the “Bano.” I sooo want this to change, but it probably won’t in my lifetime. Unless you are in an “international hotel” or a fancy restaurant, this “outlet” is the only option. I guess this is the norm… and people are accustomed to sqautting. I honestly think it is awful. I have had to be very “creative” during certain situations, and I find myself drinking fewer liquids in China. At times, I wish I were a Man, with Man parts; it would all be sooooo easy. It’s crazy- I really appreciate my bathroom, toilet and never in my wildest dreams thought I’d say that! It is difficult enough being away from home…… stepping outside your comfort unknown takes it to the MAX!

The W/C (which is their toilet)…. I wish it didn’t exist…. But my little opinion has no bearing when we are talking about the LARGEST continent on the Planet. Dammit!!! Thank god we are allies…. Sending Harmonious Vibes: Please adapt the toilet, China. It is good and sanitary.

China- my heart is with you or else I wouldn’t spend so much damn time!! Just get some of your certain situations in line, please….. at least for your customers- Me. Pot calling the Kettle black- it is time that we grow together.

OKAY……Enough already…….there are so many fantastic stories I could share from China. I grow every day. You (China) motivating me to grow, and discuss topics that are on my mind. This BLOG is definitely helping me to develop not only as an Artist, but as a Woman. New experiences, challenges… a tidbit that I can share here and there that could improve your/ my life somehow……. My sentiment for the next couple days… Appreciate what you’ve got. Things could be worse, or you couldn’t have IT at all.

Just have something to believe in… Like Yourself! The best investment you will ever make…. Yourself.

Peace, Love and Fashion For EVER!!!!!

OXOXOXOXO

Meghan Fabulous

Chaos in the Streets

Crazy Street Madness

Boarding the Train

Hong Kong / It’s been a while - oooohhhh how I have missed you!!!

It was a struggle, but I’m here. It’s always hard getting out the door with all the last minute shinanigans… but I have arrived!!! It’s been a while since I last spent some quality time here. I really love this city- not as much as I love Shanghai but it’s awesome.

A lot of cites in China try to emulate the “heyday” of Hong Kong… the bold lights, and practically every square inch of the city is built on top of itself. I feel like Hong Kong has hit its peak, and now needs a mini- facelift… a quicky to catch up to the level where some other parts of China have gone to. Much of the spirit that was Hong Kong has left for the Mainland in hopes of re-creating the magic. Prices were low, business was fantastic, and everything awesome was coming out of Hong Kong. When I first started manufacturing overseas 7 years ago- it was all about Hong Kong. Now to even stay competitive in price and quality, everything is manufactured in Mainland China…at least in my industry this is what I have experienced.

Here I am back in a place where I have spent so much time alone, learning the ropes of garment manufacturing. I was 23 the first time I visited, “fresh off the boat” never alone in a foreign country….. by myself. Smack dab during the SARS epidemic , it’s was frightening and exhilarating all at the same time. The feeling of uncertainty and solitude from the cultural and language barrier was insane, and one that I will never forget.

The shopping was incredible!!! SARS had scared off everyone from coming here, so retail took a major blow. No joke, everything in Hong Kong was like 90% off! I went mad with the credit cards. And in Hong Kong- they take Their designer very seriously…. There is a Gucci and LV every square mile. I scored some serious wardrobe staples then. The Peninsula Hotel was the place to be…. I discovered deep tissues foot baths at that time……

I am sitting on this park bench reminiscing of so many super awesome Hong Kong moments. I have a perma-smile. The skyline in front of me is breathtaking- 180 degrees of water and amazing architecture together harmoniously. It is so peaceful, and relaxing… a perfect way to spend the weekend. I could sit here taking it all in for hours, but the multitude of Tourists asking me to take their photo is sooo distracting!!!!

On to my next adventure!!!!!

My awesome afternoon at the park bench

Glamour

I am super jazzed to be out traveling, collecting inspiration and working on my new collections. This trip I will be gone for just under a month. I haven’t blogged all Spring- I’ve been loaded down with time and mentally consuming work, thankfully. Of any time to take a break this was ideal. The world is in economic upheaval, consumer moral is lower than low, and many are scratching their heads wondering what is next. I am hopeful to pick up where I left off with the Blog… We are in a New Year; with a new President and new vision. I feel very inspired to not only stay close to what works for me, but to also step out of the box this year. Both personally and professionally I seek to discover new outlets for my inspiration and ideas. I am unbelievably excited to grow, mature and learn this year.

So this takes me to the beginning…. What has always worked for me. Simple glamour. At the beginning and end of the day women including myself just want to look and feel glamourous and beautiful. They want to be radiant from the inside out. This photo is recent, shot by an amazing stylist friend, but the dress style has become a signature style in my collection. It continues to look timeless, glamourous, effortless, and sexy at the same time. This is the asthetic that I continue to achieve collection after collection, season after season.

With that said, in seeking “Glamour” season after season, my job and design process is FAR from glamourous!!!! People ask me all the time how I am inspired, what it is like when I am travelling in third world countries, and how I am able to design nine collections year after year. It is quite a challenge but one that I enjoy beyond belief, and am supported by a phenomenal Staff and design team - without them, my world would not exist. So over the next few weeks along my travels I plan on taking you with me to my far off destinations in Asia as I search for the next “most amazing,” and try to maintain a little of my own glamour, as difficult as it will be at times along the way. I will be posting blogs with photos, videos and blurps of my adventures that I hope you enjoy……. Peace, Love and Glamourous FASHION!!!!!!!! Meghan Fabulous

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