By R!c, Sidewalk Runway,
Special to The Post 

Two weeks ago I was excited to write about four attractive fashionistas. However, during the show’s recent press conference I began to sense the event was larger than fashion, wealth and reality TV. I soon discovered issues of race, culture and gender were also present.
The Ultra Rich Asian Girls is Vancouver’s latest reality TV series. In each episode the camera will follow the daughters of four wealthy Chinese Canadians as they shop, dine and attend social functions. Cast members have dined at Black + Blue restaurant and gambled at River Rock Casino. Events like the Deighton Cup and the Luxury & Supercar Weekend took place in Vancouver. However, I’ve heard one episode involved a weekend European get-away.
As I waited my turn to interview each cast member I had an opportunity to listen to questions asked by mainstream media. Yes, reporters recorded the “Girls” names, ages and aspirations but they seemed transfixed on: 1) “Was the show was scripted?”, 2) “What example are you setting by flaunting your parent’s wealth?” and 3) “How rich is ultra rich?”. One social media interviewer pressed a cast member if she would date a non-wealthy guy like himself!
That evening I checked the mainstream media news blogs. The write-ups were reasonable but some contained hints of sarcasm. Reader comments ranged from supportive to mean spirited and sometimes blatantly racist. One reader said she would start a show called “The Real Rednecks of Vancouver”.
Negative comments were also posted by those within the Asian community. As Producer Kevin Li stated, there are those that prefer to keep a low profile. Our show is a catalyst for discussion. He continued if Justin Bieber created a reality show he wouldn’t be viewed as representing his entire race.
Criticism also implied the show would hinder women’s advances in equality. When it comes to sports, academics or office related professions women’s accomplishments are frequently celebrated on TV and radio. However, the same support is not extended to strong confident women that wear stilettos and designer dresses.
I have the opinion that not every woman prefers to find her voice while wearing sweats, a toque and rain boots. I would argue four pairs of heels will not turn the clock backwards on gender equality efforts.
I speculate some negative reactions are fueled by the show’s HBICtv hash tag and casting call clip. “Hot B***h In Charge” was an inside joke amongst the girls as they tried to “one up” each other Li said. It seemed like a light hearted name to use. He continued the same mindset was used for the clip to announce auditions in June. A couple of the clip’s more outrageous comments were made by girls that are not part of the show’s current cast.
So, what is the show about? In a TV interview Li mentioned he enjoyed “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous”.
Each week host Robin Leach (with a distinctive English accent) gave viewers a tour of homes, yachts, cars and vacation spots of multi-millionaires. I speculate the Ultra Rich Asian Girls is a modern day version of the popular 1980′s TV show. The two shows differ in the respect that the Ultra Rich Girls will feature highlights of each cast member’s background. The show will be one of entertainment and girls having fun during their daily lives. I’m sure drama and cattiness will be involved.

The series will air exclusively on You Tube. Search for HBICtv. The first show launches 10.26.14 at 7:00pm. New episodes will be released each week.

Chelsea

A 24 year old UBC Mathematics Honors graduate.

R!c’s nickname for Chelsea – Sassy, speaks her mind with a playful yet upfront manner. I imagine she’ll offer the most quotable sound bites.

R!c: What are your career goals?
Chelsea: I will start a clothing line called C3 which stands for Choice, Change and Challenge.

R!c: Please describe your clothing line.
Chelsea: It will be semi-formal dresses ladies can wear to high tea. I’m wearing one of my designs. It’s a transparent Qipao style dress worn over a body con dress.

R!c: What level of involvement will you have with your line?
Chelsea: I come up with the concept, pick the fabric then work with my designer. I currently have 7 pieces and it will take me 1 – 2 years before I’m ready to show my collection.

R!c: What’s the source of your confidence?
Chelsea: My education, personal experiences and my independence. I’m a survivor!

R!c: If you could invite anyone to appear on your show, who would you pick?
Chelsea: Oprah, it would be fun to talk with her. Plus she’s inspiring.

R!c: What’s your favorite reality TV series?
Chelsea: Real House Wives of Beverly Hills.

Florence (aka Flo.Z)

A 27 year old Istituto Marangoni Fashion Design Masters graduate (Milan, Italy).  She's lived in Montreal for 12 years and she’s fluent in English, Mandarin and French.

R!c’s nickname for Florence – Savvy, she’s self-reflective and thoughtful. As the oldest cast member I imagine she’ll offer a broader perspective.

R!c: What are your career goals?
Florence: I will start an active wear line called Flo.Z.  I've recently incorporated my company and will finance the project with my own money.

R!c: Please describe your active wear line.
Florence: I will use high fashion design techniques to create a luxury active wear line that emphasizes the female figure.

R!c: What level of involvement will you have with your line?
Florence: I’ll be involved with every aspect from branding and marketing to design. I’ll be travelling at the end of October to investigate import and export opportunities.

R!c: What’s the source of your confidence?
Florence: My parents, my education, my wide ranging work experience, my interest in self-improvement and my world travels. 

R!c: If you could invite anyone to appear on your show, who would you pick?
Florence: I would invite the various friends I've met during my world travels.

R!c: What’s your favorite reality TV series?
 Florence:  I used to watch the Bachelorette.

Coco (aka CocoParis)

A 19 year old who travels to five countries a year.
R!c’s nickname for CocoParis – Sweet, as the youngest member she’s kind and optimistic. At Vancouver Fashion Week she wore an outfit covered with stuffed animals!

R!c: What are your career goals?
CocoParis: I want to be an Entertainer (singing, dancing & acting). I’m taking dance and vocal lessons. I’ve recently recorded a demo tape and I’m looking for a suitable music company. I plan to record a CD.

R!c: What style of music do you sing? Do you write your own lyrics?
CocoParis: I like pop music. I’ve written lyrics for fun but I haven’t published anything.

R!c: What instruments do you play?
CocoParis: I’ve been playing instruments since I was 7. I know how to play the Guzheng, flute, drum and violin.

R!c: What’s the source of your confidence?
CocoParis: It’s something I was born with.

R!c: If you could invite anyone to appear on your show, who would you pick?
CocoParis: Selena Gomez and Jolin Tsai. They are my idols and my goal as an entertainer. Selena sings and acts. I like Jolin’s voice and dancing skills. I also like her personality and willpower.

R!c: What’s your favorite reality TV series?
 CocoParis:  I don’t have one, instead I prefer dramas (movies) that tell a story.

Joy

A 21 year old international student enrolled in a Fashion Marketing curriculum. She moved to Vancouver a year ago.

R!c’s nickname for Joy: Shy, a woman of few words. An old quote reads, “Silent waters run deep.” Meaning I’ll be curious to see what she has to say.

R!c: What are your career goals?
Joy: I want to be a model. In September I walked in my first runway show. I wore a dress by Designer Olya during the Opening Gala at Vancouver Fashion Week S/S2015. It was exciting and my dream would be to walk the runway during Paris Fashion Week (PFW).

R!c: Why PFW? What about NY, London or Milan?
Joy: I want to visit Paris but I have the idea it’s a fashionable and romantic city. Any amateur or professional model hopes to appear in PFW.

R!c: Which Designer would you like to walk for?
Joy: Zuhair Murad

R!c: What’s the source of your confidence?
Joy: My intelligence

R!c: If you could invite anyone to appear on your show, who would you pick?
Joy: I would invite my dad because I always want people to know I have the perfect father.

R!c: What’s your favorite reality TV series?
Joy: I don’t have a favorite show.

Visit R!c's website: www.SidewalkRunway.com or follow him on Instagram SidewalkRunway_com or Twitter @RunwaySidewalk

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