Credit ‘Wear’ Credit is Due (and even where not) – Michelle Yeoh

Robin Maryland, president, ActSensuous

OK, I know you’re used to seeing this column titled, Credit ‘Wear’ Credit is Due, so what’s up with this (and even where not) thing?

It means, while this column recognizes and praises those special celebrities who almost always can be counted on to wear pantyhose in all the right situations and venues, when it comes to Michelle Yeoh, well, she can do whatever she wants and I’ll still always love her.

There is a very special place in my heart for Michelle Yeoh.  As a huge Bruce Lee fan, I had stopped watching martial arts movies in the 1990s because they just didn’t measure up in any way, especially in realism when it came to fight scenes.  It had been more than 15 years since I watched a kung fu movie, when in 2007 I stumbled across an old Jackie Chan movie, I hadn’t seen before, “Police Story III, Supercop” (1992), and couldn’t resist its co-star, Michelle Yeoh, whom I had never heard of before.  I thought she was very charming and a great fighter, too.  Turns out she actually studied Wing Chun, the first style Bruce Lee learned.  Hmmmmm.

A great movie for showcasing her beautiful legs in sheer nude pantyhose, Michelle Yeoh poses as the title character in "Silver Hawk."

Not long after that, I watched a James Bond movie I had not seen before, “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997), starring Pierce Brosnan, whom I love, and one Michelle Yeoh.  OK, now this was getting interesting.  I searched my DVR for movies she’s in.  Of course, I found “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000), and “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005), but it wasn’t until I saw “Silver Hawk” (2004) that I became a full-fledged Michelle Yeoh fan.  She’s done some great movies, but “Silver Hawk” remains my favorite because, silly as it is, it’s the one that best features her personality, her sense of humor, her glamorous side, and was the first one I saw that showed off her legs in sheer pantyhose a lot.  And, wow, did she look amazing.

Michelle Yeoh during premiere of "Tomorrow Never Dies."

While I started ActSensuous back in 2001, it wasn’t until 2009 that I began The ActSensuous Blog, and in only my second post, June 16, 2009, “Calling out Professional Entertainers,” after I had just learned how to post a photo in the blog, the first-ever picture I used was this one, at left, of Michelle Yeoh.

I was using it as an example of the beauty and elegance she displayed during her appearance at the premiere event for “Tomorrow Never Dies,” in contrast to all the other celebrities who were appearing at similar events, wearing spectacular dresses and high heels, but with bear legs.

How gorgeous Michelle Yeoh looked in that dress with the slit up the side and sheer nude pantyhose.

Since that time, I was able to find (and post in this blog) other pics of her in pantyhose, particularly, at the premiere of “Supercop,” wearing a short dress and sheer nude pantyhose.

At the time, I wasn’t thinking that the event likely took place in 1992, before the “bear” legs movement had its origin.

Michelle Yeoh attending the "Supercop" premiere.

I never dreamed in 2009 that those pics from the 1990s would be about the last time we’d see Michelle Yeoh wearing pantyhose in public.

I never dreamed she would be someone who would follow a fashion trend instigated by Hollywood, but that’s exactly what happened.

No, I imagined that someone of her professionalism, class, elegance and sheer beauty – to say nothing of the fact that she’s Malaysian of Chinese ethnicity – would have the conviction to do her own thing, especially when it comes to how she presents herself in the public eye.

For years now, I’ve been keeping a close eye on Michelle Yeoh, and time after time after time, she’s done the bear legs thing no matter how formal the occasion.

Director Luc Besson and a bare-legged Michelle Yeoh attend a press conference about their new movie, "The Lady," on Oct. 12, 2011 during the Berlin International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany.

Seeing this was very disheartening to me.  This was my new hero after all.

How could Michelle Yeoh be a devoted bear-legger?
Fortunately, in her movie roles that weren’t period pieces set in ancient China, she does wear pantyhose whenever she’s in a dress.

Of course, this made me love her even more, but I couldn’t justify the disconnect between her being so professional in her movies, but way too casual during awards shows or other public appearances.

I grew so frustrated that I actually considered making her the next recipient of The ActSensuous Grizzly Awards.  But I just couldn’t pull the trigger on that, as evidenced by the title of this post, and its subject.

I find Michelle Yeoh to be so professional and classy that she just can’t do any wrong by me.  I decided I could live with it if she never wore pantyhose again because she is such a wonderful person in real life.  She sponsors several global charities, speaks out against social injustices but always with a positive and uplifting slant, and apparently is nothing but kind, caring and extremely gracious.   Of course, secretly, I held out hope that one day she’d glam it up again the next time a situation or venue called for it.  And that time has come.

The Lady

Michelle Yeoh stars as Aung San Suu Kyi in "The Lady," the true story of the Burmese pro-democracy leader's life, opening in select theaters in the U.S. April 13, 2012.

While she’s made a great many popular and successful martial arts movies, dramas and documentaries, ultimately, nothing may be more compelling and more significant than her latest work, which opens in select U.S. theaters on Friday.

In the role she was born to play, Michelle Yeoh stars in “The Lady” – the true story about the life of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who, in reality, just last week hailed a “new era” for Myanmar (Burma) after her National League for Democracy (NLD) party claimed a major victory in landmark by-elections.

The movie’s limited U.S. release comes not even two weeks after the vote in Burma that will fill just 45 vacant seats in the country’s 664-seat Parliament, yet, took on historic significance because of Suu Kyi’s presence.  After 20 years as a political prisoner, Suu Kyi won a victory that marked a turn in her political career and for the country, as it emerges from a half-century of military rule.

Even bare-legged, Michelle Yeoh still can turn some heads, as she does during the 63rd annual Cannes Film Festival in 2010 in Cannes, France.

Michelle Yeoh looks perfect in this outfit with sheer nude pantyhose during the premiere of "The Lady" on Feb. 12, 2012 in Berlin, Germany.

Of course, this movie is so meaningful and historically important, I don’t really care if Michelle Yeoh wears pantyhose or not in her role as Suu Kyi, especially because it might not be an accurate portrayal from a costume design point of view.

Nevertheless, it never stops surprising me that someone who looks so amazing in pantyhose would settle for looking – OK, in Michelle Yeoh’s case,  still pretty awesome bear-legged – during awards ceremonies and publicity appearances.  Still, the difference when she is wearing pantyhose is astounding.

I’m so happy to see any situation today in which Michelle Yeoh shows up in public, dressed professionally and formally again, wearing sheer pantyhose with her outfits.  Perhaps, it’s the significance of the role she’s playing that has made her more aware of how she presents herself to the media, her peers and the public.

Michelle Yeoh and director Luc Besson speak durig a special screening of "The Lady" recently at an Asia Society event.

“The Lady” tells the stuggle of Burmese opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi, who had been detained by the government of Myanmar and held under house arrest for 15 of the past 21 years (ending on Nov. 13, 2010), and the tragedy of her 10-year separation from her Western husband, who remained in England, rearing their two sons and campaigning behind the scenes for her release.

The story’s heart-wrenching reality is felt as Suu Kyi’s husband is diagnosed with terminal cancer and the Burmese authorities refuse permission for him to visit her – offering instead that she could leave and return to Oxford, but would never be allowed back into Burma. Suu Kyi is confronted with a terrible choice – the consequences of which are irrevocable – her husband and children, or her country.

Said one of the film’s producers, Andy Harries:

“It’s not just a political story – it’s a tragic love story. This is a woman educated at Oxford, married to an Englishman, and who has two sons. She goes to her homeland to help for a few months and it turns into a 20-year house arrest.

“It’s a love triangle. She is torn between her love of her country, which looks to her as a symbol of hope, and her family … We are talking about someone who is the Nelson Mandela of Asia.”

At the helm of “The Lady” is French director Luc Besson who gave us “The Professional” (the assassin movie starring Jean Reno and Natalie Portman), and “The Fifth Element” (starring Milla Jovovich and Bruce Willis.)

While she is a veteran of action films, in which she has received much praise and fame for performing her own stunts, Michelle Yeoh has said the lead role in “The Lady” was very challenging, as she had to learn to speak Burmese to play Suu Kyi, and had to lose nearly 20 pounds (quite a sacrifice for someone who probably didn’t weigh a buck-twenty to begin with) to make herself look more like her character.

And during the months leading up to the filming of “The Lady,” Michelle Yeoh got a taste of Burma’s tight military/government control, as she was deported several times by the government when she tried to meet Suu Kyi in person for research.

Michelle Yeoh said she considers “The Lady” one of her most important works to date, calling Suu Kyi “an extraordinary role model for every woman in Asia.”

I’m not a film critic, and this blog post isn’t about my reviewing “The Lady” for you.  There have been and will continue to be many great articles that will do that.  All I know is that it’s based on a true story that needed to be told, and it stars Michelle Yeoh.  Of course it’s going to be great.

So far, I haven’t found a theater in my area that is showing “The Lady,”  but I will see it at my first opportunity.  I hope you see it, too, and, if you haven’t already, will fall in love with Michelle Yeoh.

Here are some reactions from film industry and other dignitaries who’ve seen the premiere of “The Lady:”

Michelle and director Ang Lee.

“I always thought Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was the pinnacle of Michelle’s career.  In fact, it is The Lady.” – Director Ang Lee

“I watched the movie several times and I could not hold back my tears. She scarified so much for democracy in her country.” – Sanlih TV host Isabella Chen

“I can feel the pain in her heart. But she continued to do what she needed to do.” – Jui-Ling Chang, Formosa TV News anchorwoman

“She is emaciated, but she is brave. She is soft, yet very strong. I am really touched.” – Lin Cheng-sheng, movie director

Michelle Yeoh and Aung San Suu Kyi together during their meeting Dec. 7, 2010 at Yangon International Airport for Michelle's role research.

“Michelle Yeoh looks almost identical to the real (Aung San Suu Kyi) character from body to soul. The several sad scenes are extremely touching.” – Director Nelson Yeh

“This is a film which stirs the deepest desire in your heart.” – Tammy Darshana Lai, singer and TV host

“She brought us the glory of humanity.” – Lee Yong-ping, chair of Taipei Culture Foundation

“This is the best movie I have seen in recent years. It has a very deep meaning for me.” – Tsai Ing-wen, former leader of the Democratic Progressive Party

“This is a very touching movie and I strongly recommend it!” – Director Feng Kai

“This is a movie that no one should miss!” – Jason Hu, Taichung City Mayoriss!” – Jason

Historical facts

In 1988, Aung San Suu Kyi returned to her native Burma from Oxford, where she had lived for many years. Her visit was prompted by news of her mother’s deteriorating health, but the country was in an uproar. Burma’s military leader, General Ne Win, stepped down, and protestors quickly filled the streets of Naypyidaw to demand democratic reform. Those protestors were beaten and their message suppressed. The charismatic and politically engaged Suu Kyi, whose father was a martyr for Burmese independence, found herself called upon to lead Burma out from under the shadow of military dictatorship as the General Secretary of the newly formed National League for Democracy. In 1990, a general election was held and the NLD won, but Suu Kyi was held under house arrest by the military junta. She remained a prisoner in her own home for most of the next 15 years.

Suu Kyi is the first Asian woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On Dec. 10, 1991, Suu Kyi’s two sons, Alexander Aris and Kim Aris (ages 18 and 14 at the time), accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf in Oslo, Norway, while she was serving a house arrest term in Rangoon (Yangon), Burma (Myanmar).

The title of the movie, “The Lady,” is the name by which Aung San Suu Kiy is known to the people of Burma, who see her as a beacon of grace and courage against the odds, and who risk incurring the wrath of the authorities for publicly uttering her name.

Li Na – Beauty and the Best

Robin Maryland, president, ActSensuous

Congratulations to Li Na of Wuhan, China, who has become the first Chinese player (man or woman) in history to win a Grand Slam singles tennis title, capturing the 2011 French Open today on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros inParis. 

Li, 29, defeated defending champion Francesca Schiavone, 30, of Italy in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7-0). 

While the second set was more of a challenge, Li’s performance was amazing, serving at 76 percent, winning 69 percent of points on her second serve, and smacking 31 winners, dictating play throughout and pinning Schiavone back and neutralizing her impressive court coverage and net game. 

I love Li Na, and I could not be happier for her.  To me, she is the most elegant, classy and gracious player on the WTA, and I love her game.  She can make every shot, hits the ball hard and flat, moves extremely well and has a good serve.  

Li Na of China reacts after capturing the 2011 French Open women's singles title Saturday in Paris.

 While she is happiest camping on the base line, hitting the ball with great pace and extreme precision –  teasing all the lines, finding each corner and producing amazing angles – she plays the net well, too.  She is fast, graceful, powerful and a thrill to watch.

Strong is Beautiful  

The timing is great for Li Na and many of her fellow players, who are featured in a Women’s Tennis Association new ad campaign:  “Strong is Beautiful,” which launched last month, ostensibly aimed at trying to attract more male fans. 

Li Na is featured in the WTA's new "Strong is Beautiful" advertising campaign.

The movie quality videos feature dry ice and wind machines blowing done-up hair and dresses over svelte figures of WTA stars, while they blast serves or drive ground strokes toward the camera.  

While the videos have sparked a little controversy, I like the idea of glamourizing the WTA stars.  These women are amazing athletes, so it’s nice that they have a chance to show the world their feminine side.  But let’s not miss an opportunity here.  As long as the women are sporting makeup, have their hair done, and are wearing dresses or skirts, why not put them in pantyhose and high heels?  So far, the videos I’ve seen have them decked out, but still wearing tennis shoes. 

I’m reminded that one of my polls a couple of years ago on this blog asked: “Which Celebrity do you most want to see in Pantyhose?”  We got some great answers – all the usual suspects, but one name  was added by a voter under the “Other” category – he or she wrote in Jelena Jankovic.  I thought that was cute, but I had to agree.  

Jelena is one of the most feminine players on the WTA, and she does like to do “girly” when she’s off the court.  She particularly loves high heels.  I’d love to see Jelena in pantyhose. 

Li Na prepares to serve during a match.

While Li Na has a lovely figure, you can see she is strong, with muscles that have been honed during a long career. 

And you can’t help but notice Na has great legs.  

When I decided to make this blog post about Li Na, I did a Google search for images of Na, hoping to find at least one pic of her in which she was dressed formally, figuring I could show her to you in pantyhose and high heels.  No such luck.  

Athletes and Pantyhose

Elena Dimentieva

As cool as it is to see photos of actresses and other celebrities wearing pantyhose when they don’t have to, such as when they’re out and about, making promotional appearances or attending a special event, it might be even neater to see professional athletes lose the tennis shoes once in a while in favor of high heels and pantyhose. 

I love this photo of recently retired WTA star Elena Dimentieva.  I always thought she was one of the more feminine-looking WTA players, but I had no idea she could look this amazing. 

 

Then, there are the professional athletes who wear pantyhose as an integral part of their outfit.  One such group is professional figure skaters. 

Miki Ando

Figure skating is a beautiful and graceful sport.  Similar to tennis, the combination of  the power, grace and beauty of the athletes makes the sport a pleasure to watch.

More than with any other sport, figure skating costumes are decidedly delicate and ultra feminine, and pantyhose are so important to the look of figure skaters.

It is my hope that since female figure skaters are introduced to the positive and glamorous aspects of pantyhose at an early age, they will go on to wear more often in their personal lives.

Another group of professional athletes who wear pantyhose as an integral part of their outfits is the cheerleaders of the NFL and NBA?  

 

Miami Dolphins cheerleaders are hot-hot-hot!

In the case of cheerleaders for NFL teams in hot weather climates, such as Florida, I greatly respect those ladies who understand that pantyhose are so essential to their look, even though they have to perform in near-100 degree temperatures. 

By contrast, so many women gripe that it’s too hot to wear pantyhose, even though they are spending the majority of their time in air-conditioned office buildings, usually sitting.  How sad.

Back to Li Na

I was always a Jelena Jankovic fan, until I saw my first Li Na match in January of this year.  It was just prior to the Australian Open.  Li faced Kim Clijsters of Belgium in a tuneup event in Sydney, Australia before the Australia Open in Melbourne the following week.  Na was down 5-0 in the first set, but came back to win that set and the next, capturing her first major title, on the way to becoming the first-ever Asian player to make it to a Grand Slam event – the Australian Open. 

Li Na drives a backhand during the 2011 Australian Open against Kim Clijsters.

I loved everything about her:  The way she strikes the ball, her confidence and courage in constructing points, and her beautiful movement on the court.  Seeing her play a few times, I was won over.  I officially became a Li Na fan (sorry, Jelena), and have been cheering for her ever since.  I was sorry to see her lose in the Australian Open, but was thrilled in the process to learn, along with the entire tennis world, much about Li Na.  (I still love Jelena and want her to win, but not if she comes up against Li Na.)

As Li was making tennis history, the pre- and post-match interviews came, and we all got to see another side of the totally focused and intense player Li is on the court.  That’s when I came to love Na.  What a sweet, cute and funny personality she is!  We learned that she is very popular in the locker room and a favorite among other players.

During a postgame interview after Li’s semifinal win in Sydney, an interviewer asked Li what it was like having her husband as her coach (at that time), and what he gave her that was motivational?  Li’s answer:  “Credit card.”  She said that with a big smile to a roar of laughter from the crowd.  Apparently, Na gets to go shopping after each match she wins.  Then, the interviewer asked her if she was going to watch tape of her next opponent.  Li’s answer: “I think that husband’s job.  I’m going to lie in bed and watch TV.”  Again, the crowd roared with laughter.  During another interview, Li was asked about how rested she was for an upcoming match, and again, Li cracked everyone up by imitating her husband’s snoring.

Already a hero in China, Li Na likely will enjoy rockstar status now.

If Na weren’t so lovely, graceful and an absolute powerhouse on the court, her cute personality and sense of humor would have gained her legions of new fans.  But it’s even more than all that.  Na is a very kind and caring person.  I’ve read that there have been many cases in which she donated all her prize money from a winning a match to earthquake victims, or for orphanages in China. 

One thing I admire about Na is she never loses her temper, throws a racket or argues about bad calls.  At times, she gets a bit flustered (at herself), but she doesn’t let it cost her a match. 

 

Li Na's serve is becoming more of a weapon with each match she plays.

And when her forehand deserts her or she disappears during a few games, she trusts and believes in herself, and she continues to play her style of high-risk/high-reward, all-out tennis. 

Leading up to the final, Li played brilliantly against three powerhouses, who none of the “experts” gave her a chance to beat.  First, she overcame dropping a first set (I think 6-1) to Petra Kvitova, who has a monster serve and booming ground strokes.  I was so proud of Li for coming back and winning the next two sets convincingly.  Then, it was Victoria Azarenka, who everyone said had too much power for Li.  But Na took her down in straight sets.  Finally, no one gave Li much of a chance against Maria Sharapova, with her power, serve and experience, but Na dispatched her in straight sets, too.  

I kept talking to the TV, telling Li: “If you come back (from down one set to Kvitova), and win this match, your legend in China will be off the charts.”  And I said the same types of things during the Azarenka and Sharapova matches.  

Still, I think everyone expected Schiavone to win the French Open.  They thought Schiavone’s experience, her scrambling ability, variety of shots with topspin and slices and net play, not to mention that she had won the event last year, would frustrate Li.  But Li was cool, calm and focused, and she seemed from the outset like she was on a mission. 

Because of the excellent coverage on Tennis Channel on DirecTV, I was able to take advantage of the French Open Mix, in which viewers can choose to watch up to six matches at a time.  I got up each morning at 5 a.m. the past 10 days so that I could see each of Li’s matches.  

Li Na appears poised for many more wins and records.

 I am so proud of Na.  I was standing, cheering, applauding and holding my breath during many rallies.  I’ve never been so engaged as a tennis fan.  It was like watching NFL games.  

Having won the French Open, Li Na will now be ranked Number 4 in the world – yet another record for China. 

Congratulations, Li Na.  You deserve this win.  You are a true champion, not just in China, but throughout the tennis world. 

I am absolutely thrilled for you.

A Treat when Pantyhose show up unexpectedly

Robin Maryland, president, ActSensuous

Frequent readers of this blog know that I  think pantyhose should be worn for the right reasons, during the right occasions and at the right places.  OK, so pretty much, always.  

Obviously, I want pantyhose at the office, the courthouse, the wedding, the funeral, the party, the stage, the TV studio, the movie set ….. you get the idea.  When this happens, I am so proud and very happy.

Today, it’s hard enough to see pantyhose worn in movies where the occasion and venues would seem to warrant it.   I like it a lot when it does happen.  So imagine the thrill I get when pantyhose show up on an actress in a role and a venue where one not only wouldn’t expect them, but in which one would actually forgive the character/actress for not wearing them.

This weekend, I watched one such movie, “Blood: The Last Vampire.”  

Beauty and the beasts

Now, I like a good vampire-killer movie, but throw in a Japanese setting, karate fights and samurai swords, and I’m all in, baby! 

So, I was excited to watch “Blood: The Last Vampire,” but I certainly didn’t expect to see the young heroine, Saya, wearing a traditional Japanese schoolgirl uniform, complete with pantyhose so sheer, even I didn’t realize she was wearing until almost halfway through the film. 

One-girl wrecking crew

I just wanted to check out the martial arts action sequences more closely, and when I put the DVR in slow motion to enjoy Saya’s beautiful spinning wheel kicks, I realized she was wearing pantyhose.  Wow! 

I was digging the movie anyway, but the fact that the actress, or the costume designer, chose to put the actress in pantyhose, even for the samurai sword and karate fight sequences, well, you had me at Japanese vampire.  

Dishing out demon destruction

Like the “Resident Evil” movies being based on a video game, “Blood: The Last Vampire” movie is based on the wildly popular and multiple award-winning Japanese anime cult classic series.  

I’ve read different accounts of the timeframe in which the live action movie version takes place, but most say it’s around 1966, during a period when the U.S.military is preparing to enter the Vietnam War.  The setting is an American Air Force base in Tokyo.  But while the base is on edge about the war, there’s already an unseen battle going on; a 400 years long fight waged by vampires and their monstrous bat-like creatures who feed on human blood.  

Soaring into action

Enter Saya, the lone execution arm of a covert government agency that has been hunting  demons for centuries.  She is installed as a would-be student at a military school on the base to discover which of her classmates are demons in disguise, and to force a confrontation against the most powerful demon of them all, Onigen, who murdered Saya’s father when she was a young girl.  

Sad soul

While Saya has the appearance of a 17-year-old student, she really is a 400-year-old samurai of extraordinary ability.  Saya is a half-human, half-vampire, who preys on the demons who feast on human blood.  

Joining forces with a secret government agency known as the Council, Saya is tormented at being a half-breed creature with the soul of her human father and the powers (and need of blood to survive) of her vampire mother.  

She is obsessed about finally facing the most powerful of demons – the one that killed her father – and, en route to the confrontation she seeks with Onigen, Saya wages a one-girl series of battles in which she dispatches with her samurai sword hundreds of lower level demons. 

Not so dark

Saya is played by beautiful Korean model/actress Jeon Ji-hyeon. (Remember, traditionally, Asian people say and write their family names first, and their given names second.  Because she’s young, I am going to call her by her first name here.)   By the way, don’t be confused: For an English audience, Ji-hyeon changed her named to Gianna Jun, and the film credits list her as only Gianna.   To complicate things further, some Internet sources list her name as Jeon Ji Hyun and Jun Ji-hyun.  I thought Jun Ji-hyun was accurate, but a  Korean movie data base site that I trust has her name listed exclusively as Jeon Ji-hyeon.  My feelings about these things is that one should always believe the way the country of origin spells and pronounces a name.   You’d have to think the Koreans know how one of their own spells and says her name. 

Whoever cast her in “Blood: The Last Vampire” is brilliant.  Ji-hyeon is one of Korea’s most popular young actresses, beloved for her starring roles in romantic comedies.  Who could have imagined she could pull off such an impressive performance in an action thriller, relying on martial arts fight sequences throughout?  In an interview, Ji-hyeon said she never imagined she’d play a part in an action movie, but that she had a lot of fun doing it and is hooked. 

While I haven’t seen any of Ji-hyeon other movies, I am extremely impressed at the transformation she makes of herself from a romantic comedy legend to a role in which her very dark character doesn’t smile once throughout the movie.

Always lovely

I am so glad I saw ‘Blood: The Last Vampire” because I am now a Jeon Ji-hyeon fan. 

I am so extremely impressed with her.   For a 27-year-old, she is very professional and classy, almost always wearing dresses, high heels and pantyhose during public appearances and in fashion photo shoots. 

It is so heartwarming to see a young professional displaying good taste and showing such grace and elegance in her young career.  I am looking forward to seeing more of  her. 

“Blood: The Last Vampire” is done by one of the producers of “Hero” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”   An extremely good story with wonderful acting and martial arts fights, “Hero” stars Jet Li, Maggie Cheung and Zhang Ziyi.  It is one of my favorite martial arts movies because the story is so beautifully told (and I love Maggie Cheung and Zhang Ziyi).  And, of course, you know all about “Crouching Tiger …”    

While “Blood: The Last Vampire” might not win any prestigious film awards, it is definitely worth checking out.  It often runs on the Encore channels.   

Pantyhose in other Action Settings

In some of my earlier blog posts, I’ve gloated over how often pantyhose are  worn by some of the female contestants and most of the female audience members at the site of the hit Japanese game show, “Ninja Warrior,” known as “the world’s toughest obstacle course.”    

Talk about pantyhose in unexpected places!    I so love the Japanese.   How many female athletes competing in a brutal obstacle course would be wearing pantyhose in Western countries?  And how many spectators sitting on bleachers at such a venue would be dressed in skirts, high heels and pantyhose anywhere except in Japan or other Asian countries? 

Resident goddess

Back to pantyhose showing up in movies in which you wouldn’t expect them,  I’ve often praised Milla Jovovich (and/or the costume designer) of the “Resident Evil” movies for dressing Milla’s character, Alice, in pantyhose for many of the scenes in which  she’s shooting and kicking the crud out of zombies. 

These rare cases are so impressive to me.   While today, so many movies that are set in business or formal scenes feature lead characters who dress up, except for the awful bare legs look, it’s so rewarding to see that some actresses (and/or costume designers) have so much class that they dress their star characters in pantyhose.   They truly get what so many others don’t – legs look so much better in pantyhose.

Delicate beauty, but ...

A couple of my other favorite action movies are “Beyond Hypothermia,” about a beautiful Chinese professional hit woman, who dispatches countless dudes, while dressed in lovely outfits, including high heels and pantyhose.  There’s just something about a delicately beautiful and petite woman (Wu Chen-Lien at right) dressed all femininely, while toting a high-power rifle that’s bigger than she is, and wielding assorted semi-automatic handguns.  Maybe it’s the juxtapositioning of the whole thing – pretty but deadly women, kicking butt, while wearing the most feminine thing in the world – pantyhose.  

And, you’ve read before how much I love “Princess Aurora.”  Don’t let the title fool you.  This is a Korean movie, starring the immensely popular Korean singer/actress Uhm Jung-hwa, who plays a heartbroken mother out to avenge the kidnap/murder of her young daughter (who loved the character, Princess Aurora.)  

Taking a stand

Despite the fact that this movie is pretty violent, it is a heart-wrenching, beautiful story, incredibly well-written and superbly acted.   I love Uhm Jung-hwa and will buy anything I can find that she’s done. 

Unfortunately, “Princess Aurora” is not available on DVD, but it is shown on IFC (Independent Film Channel) from time to time. 

Besides that I love this actress and this movie, one of the reasons I am recommending you see this is because Jung-hwa wears stunningly beautiful outfits, complete with high heels and pantyhose throughout the movie.  

While not quite as powerful or well done, another two movies I like are “Black Angel” and “Black Angel 2,” about a young Japanese woman who, years after witnessing the murder of her yakuza boss father, becomes an accomplished hit woman, who eventually extracts great vengeance on the new yakuza clan. 

Real-life angel?

The beautiful star who plays Black Angel is Riona Hizuki, who wears all black (naturally) dresses and pantyhose throughout the entire movie.

Seeing a trend with me here?  I guess I like movies in which women assassins extol the virtues of dressing femininely while blowing (mostly men) away.   Hey, I’m sure men would rather be done-in by a beautiful babe in pantyhose, than killed a little bit each day by women who go bare-legged.   Guys, am I right here?

Recently, I watched the movie “Salt,” starring Angelina Jolie as a CIA spy (or Soviet Union double-agent?).  In the beginning of the movie, her character wears a skirt suit with high heels, but sadly, no pantyhose.  Too bad.  I thought it would have been very attractive and sexy if she had been wearing pantyhose when she kicked off her heels to fight and flee once her cover was compromised.  

How about you?   Do you love it when you see pantyhose in unexpected places?   What’s your favorite action (or otherwise) movie, in which the lead actress wears pantyhose throughout?   Or, do you have a favorite pantyhose scene during a movie?   Please share so that we all can enjoy!

Pantyhose wearers catch more eyes

    

Robin Maryland, president, ActSensuous

     From time to time, I hear from ladies who say they love wearing pantyhose because of the extra attention they get from men when they do.  

    They say they love it when they catch men staring at their pantyhose-adorned legs out in public. 

     Others tell me that their boyfriends or husbands are so grateful whenever they wear pantyhose, that they wear them often to please their men.

   More than anyone else, I hear from ladies who wear pantyhose at the office, sometimes because it’s required, or at least, expected. 

     In offices where the wearing of pantyhose is not required or particularly encouraged, it’s the ladies who are highly professional and classy who wear pantyhose of their own volition.  Those are my heroes. 

     These ladies tell me that when they wear pantyhose, they get a great deal more attention from their male co-workers.  But they say that this often causes a sense of uneasiness or even resentment among their fellow female employees.

Office girls in Korea would never not wear pantyhose to work.

     They tell me that female co-workers will approach them and say something to the effect of “You know, you don’t have to wear pantyhose.  You can go bare-legged.”  Or, “How can you stand to wear pantyhose every day?” Or (and I love this one), “Pantyhose are so  ‘out’ these days.” 

     Well, you know me – I think it’s downright pathetic when women blindly jump on the bandwagon in the name of what is thought to be “in or out of fashion,” especially if it gives them an excuse to be less feminine and not as desirable.  And I think it’s just plain wrong when women use that same excuse to go against time-honored business acumen, and then try to encourage others to do so, as well.    

     Anyway, it got me thinking:  How many of you have been approached by your co-workers about your wearing pantyhose at the office?   Or how many of you have noticed that you get more attention from co-workers, those in your circle, or people on the street when you wear pantyhose?

     Are you seen as a threat to your fellow females who don’t wear pantyhose and don’t want you to wear them either?   (And is that to keep you from garnering the attention of men, or to help them somehow  justify their own choice to not wear pantyhose?) 

     I’ll bet you have some stories to share.  Please do.

Office girls in China gather for a meeting. Wonder if the businessmen at this office find it difficult to concentrate?

Wearing Pantyhose an Issue of Values

Robin Maryland, president, ActSensuous

     Ever since the global bare legs movement began right around the year 2000, I’ve tried to figure out how and why this happened. 

     We know that it was actress Sarah Jessica Parker’s character on Sex and the City that is universally “credited” with running pantyhose as a fashion staple out of Hollywood.   As the show was set in New York City – fashion capital of the world – it’s easy to see how women everywhere would jump on the bare legs bandwagon.  

     Its effect has been felt all over the world – although nowhere more prevalent among modern nations than in the United States. 

     Initially, the reason women gave for arbitrarily ending their decades-long commitment to wearing pantyhose was that the accessory had gone out of vogue, as evidenced by the fashion fad Parker’s show spawned. 

     But fads in fashion typically don’t stay around long, and eventually, women’s excuses for not wearing pantyhose turned to: 

• They’re uncomfortable (the fabric being hot, itchy and saggy most often cited)
• They’re not necessary (my legs are tanned enough) 

     I’ve never bought into the fad thing because I believe fashion always should be about good taste – especially when it comes to being professional in the workplace.  

     As for the excuse: “I don’t need to wear pantyhose because my legs are tan enough,” I think some women are just missing the point.  It’s not that simple.  Nylons do so much more than add a little color to your skin.  They cover minor skin blemishes, soften lines, and enhance the shape of your legs, giving them a look of perfection that bare or oiled legs will never have.  More than all that, pantyhose offer an allure, a sense of glamour and good taste. 

     If you read almost any blog about pantyhose, you’ll always find some women complaining that they’re uncomfortable.   Oh, come now!   That is a weak excuse given by those who are lazy, spoiled and apparently not well educated, as most of them can’t even spell the word pantyhose correctly.  

     I Googled this subject: “most uncomfortable women’s clothes” and was pleased to see that pantyhose, while they certainly made the list, weren’t exactly the Number One bad guy.  Most women cited high heels, bras and thongs as the most uncomfortable things they wore.  

     Somehow, I got sidetracked to uncomfortable uniforms, and found that female police officers in almost every country except the USA wear much more feminine uniforms, complete with high heels and pantyhose.  Check out this picture of Russian policewomen.

     In the U.S., where everyone is spoiled, we can’t get most women to wear pantyhose with a business suit in an air conditioned office.   Our women wouldn’t last a day in Russia, China, Japan, Korea, and most other countries, who clearly have higher standards of what constitutes proper dress, if not good taste.  

     But I’m not picking on just women here.  I stumbled across one blog in which the founder of some computer software company wrote that he didn’t wear business suits anymore and couldn’t imagine why anyone ever would.  His post elicited 416 comments – most agreeing with his point of view. 

     I think we have lost some of our good sense, our values and our judgment about how we present ourselves.  Pretty soon, Casual Friday will turn into Casual Tuesday-through-Friday-but-wear-something-businessy-on-Monday, just for old times sake.

     Here are some pics of female police officers in other countries.  And if you think these female officers are decked out in dress uniforms for only ceremonial occasions, notice that they’re also dressed this way on the street for routine duty.

A Good Time to be Asian II

 

Robin Maryland, president, ActSensuous

     Last year, in one of my first-ever blog posts, I wrote that I was going crazy for all things Asian – especially because Asian women appear to be much more prolific wearers of pantyhose than their Western counterparts. 

     I say it’s A Good Time to be Asian because it seems as if the whole world is discovering their selling power.  Today, Asian women are highly visible and they’re everywhere:  

     They’re on television shows and in major motion pictures.  All over the world, they are the face of every huge cosmetics company.  They have at least a bit part in almost every TV commercial. They’re in every magazine, they’re on billboards, on staff at every news organization.     

     Why?  Because they are practically perfect.  They are beautiful, glamorous, sexy.  They are the epitome of what’s female.  They are classy, graceful, elegant.  They are delicately beautiful, yet physically, mentally and emotionally powerful.  They are awesome. 

      My best friend is Vietnamese.  She is extremely intelligent (she has two bachelors degrees and a pilot’s license); she has a wonderful sense of humor, she is tons of fun to be around, and she is beautiful (although she doesn’t know it).  She’s also totally devoted to her family.  She gives and gives and never asks for anything for herself. 

      I have read about and seen documentaries about Asian culture, and I admire their work ethic, positive attitudes and commitment to values. 

      Mostly, I love their devotion to femininity.  I’ve read that it is considered rude in Korea for women not to wear pantyhose in public.  In Japan, women apparently embrace pantyhose not only at the office and during formal events, but (and I love this), also in everyday settings.   Those of you who’ve read my blog know how I love watching Ninja Warrior because some of the female contestants wear pantyhose even though they know they are likely to fall into the muddy waters beneath the toughest obstacle course known to man.  And even the female spectators sitting in the bleachers at the outdoors event can be seen in dresses or skirts and pantyhose.  

     But of all the Asian cultures, my heart still is owned by the Chinese.  I’ve read more and seen more documentaries about China than any other Asian country.  For me, it began a long time ago with my becoming a Bruce Lee fan, but that’s a whole other story.   

     I set my DVR to record anything starring Asian actresses.  There are at least 30 Asian actresses (mostly Chinese) I regularly follow.  Of course, I love Asian-American actresses like Lucy Liu, Michelle Yeoh, Bai Ling, Sandra Oh and Joan Chen, but I also love many who are popular mostly in their own countries. 

     Below, I’ve put together a photo gallery for you of a few of the more famous Asian actresses wearing  pantyhose.  In the captions, which you can read by expanding the pictures, I’ve written a note about the movies you can see them in. 

     I’m sure I’ve left out a few of your favorites Asian actresses because of space issues.  I would love to know who your favorite Asian actresses are.  

(Have pictures of Asian actresses wearing pantyhose?  If so, please email them to me at Robin@ActSensuous.com and I’ll use them in a future blog/gallery.) 

     What do you think?  Is it A Good Time to be Asian?

So lovely

Cute and sassy

Sitting pretty

Flawless

Star power

Lounging legs

In control

Dressed to kill

High marks

High rise

High blood pressure

Class dismissed

Too cute

To die for

So sweet

Such a doll

Luscious legs

Feminine fighter

Most perfect?

Powerful presence

Boss lady

Captivating

I’ll Bai

Beautiful Bai

Image conscious?

Dressed up doll

She can do girlie

Pretty toes, too

A goddess

Belongs in nylon

I Love Lucy

Formal femme

Classy look

How lovely

Like a dream

Very professional

So sophisticated

Killer legs

Picture perfect legs

Three Times a Lady

Who knew?

Lonely walk

Last call

Need a ride?

Transport this

So adorable

Legs that can kill

Wow

So glamorous

Oh, those legs

OMG!

OMG again

Mesmorizing

Super sexy

She’s got legs

What a doll

Super sweet

Dynamic Duo

Super fabulous

So adorable

The babe is bad

Flying wonder

Leggie lady

Lethal legs

Warrior women

Grace and elegance

Absolutely perfect

Giving back

So gorgeous

Looks can kill

Good taste

Simply irresistable

She’s perfect

The best

Carrie Ann, how could you?

Robin Maryland, president, ActSensuous

     “The judges have (get) their scores!

Carrie Ann Inaba  . . . . .  4!”

     I don’t watch the Tonight Show.  I like Jay Leno OK, but I’m more of a Late Show with David Letterman fan.  But for the first time ever, I watched the Tonight Show last night.  

     Why?  Because I wanted to see if Carrie Ann Inaba would make me proud, or disappoint me.  I fully expected to be disappointed, and I wasn’t disappointed, because she did disappoint me, as I expected. 

     See, I figured she’d wear some kind of short black dress during her appearance along with fellow judge Bruno Tonioli from the hit TV series Dancing with the Stars.  A small part of me had held out hope that Carrie Ann would wear pantyhose, but I knew I was kidding myself.  

     Carrie Ann gets to hide behind long gowns and a desk as a judge on DWTS, so I suppose she’s pretty much off the hook with whether to wear pantyhose on the show.  But I’ve seen a few photos of her during public appearances, and never have I seen her wearing pantyhose.  So, as I feared, she is one of those brainwashed celebs who’ve jumped on the bare legs bandwagon. 

     Now, I hate to be judgmental.  I mean she is a beautiful woman and she has tons of charm and personality.  But her legs looked perfectly AWFUL last night. 

     And those shoes!   I can never understand how so many women don’t seem to realize that big, cloddy shoes make their legs look so dumpy.  Sheer pantyhose and pumps would have been so much more attractive, not to mention appropriate.

      There are so many reasons I am bothered by Carrie Ann’s choosing to do the bare legs things:  

• Lack of judgment, misplaced values, missed opportunity, no self awareness, no sense of pride in how she looks, or maybe she just doesn’t care
• She could have/should have been an ambassador for the No. 1 rated TV show she represents had she bothered to dress for the occasion.  (She represents ballroom, which is a classy thing, yet, she must not think it deserves to be held in such a lofty place)
• Her willingness to follow the pack when she must have had better sense. (Didn’t her mother tell her she should wear pantyhose for the occasion?)
• She’s Asian, so I’d hoped she would know better

      Those of you who’ve read my blogs know that I hold Asian women in the highest esteem.  For one thing, Asian women appear to be more committed to femininity and have a higher sense of values than most of their Western counterparts.  And Asian women are far more prolific wearers of pantyhose – in the office, on screen and in everyday life.  Especially, Japanese women. 

      But, of course, I am speaking of “real” Asian women.  Carrie Ann Inaba, of Chinese, Japanese and Irish descent, is too Westernized.  She’s similar in that respect to Lucy Liu, whom I adore.  And it pains me to have to say this but Lucy Liu, a Chinese-American woman who was born and grew up in New York, almost never wears pantyhose during the many charity events, awards ceremonies and other high profile venues she attends.  At least, Lucy Liu wears pantyhose when it counts the most – her TV and movies appearances.

      I think it’s sad that Carrie Ann doesn’t seem to care about her image.  I really want to like Carrie Ann, but I’ve lost some respect for her. 

      Am I being too harsh?  I welcome your comments.  Meanwhile, check out the photo gallery from the Tonight Show:

Casual corner

No laughing matter

Help wanted

Help from above

Not exactly a 10

Outdone

Why not pantyhose and open-toe high heels?

Lately, I’ve read several posts on various blogs in which girls are asking for advice about what to wear to a special event.  Often – and I love this – they are open to wearing pantyhose but for the fact that they want to wear some sexy open-toe high heels and believe one is not supposed to wear pantyhose with such shoes.  

Who made that rule? 

While pantyhose of the 1960s predominantly were made with a reinforced heel and toe, beginning in the early 1970s, pantyhose evolved to sheer heels and toes, specificially for wear with dress sandals. 

In fact, some pantyhose are so sheer, it can be difficult to tell whether a woman is wearing them with open-toe high heels or not.  And on a TV show or a movie, without a closeup, it’s practically impossible to tell.  

I say it can be beautiful and extremely sexy to wear sheer pantyhose with open-toe high heels.  Pantyhose can make nice legs lethal weapons.  Likewise, they can make nice feet incredibly gorgeous and erotic.   Remember, that’s the whole idea behind pantyhose – they enhance a woman’s natural beauty.  Most guys get that.  Funny how so many girls don’t seem to.    

Always known for wearing exotic outfits on stage, singer Cher, shows her lovely toes in Suntan pantyhose and high heel sandals.

To support my case, I’ve attached this photo for your viewing pleasure. Now, you tell me ….. pantyhose, or no pantyhose, with open toe high heels? 

Want more?  See the gallery I’ve put together for you of a few notable celebrities wearing pantyhose with dress sandals.  (Scroll down below the poll.)

I rest my case. 

Happy New Year, everyone. 

Robin Maryland 

 

Here’s a gallery of celebrities (what do they know?), who must not have gotten that memo about not wearing pantyhose with open-toe high heels.  Enjoy! 

Always known for wearing exotic outfits on stage, singer Cher, shows her lovely toes in Suntan pantyhose and high heel sandals.

Nice

Always classy

Still got it

Yes!

Perfect 10!

Just adorable

She’s awesome

Incredible

She’s amazing

Absolutely stunning

Too cool

Love her no matter what

Not enough credit

So sexy

Good friend

Got the look

WOW!

Always classy

A good time to be Asian

Robin Maryland, president, ActSensuous

That’s what I tell my best friend/employee.  She’s Vietnamese-American, and an absolute doll.

You see, Asian women today are showing up everywhere in the world on TV, TV commericals, movies, magazines.  Why? First, Asians are probably the world’s most beautiful women.  Second, it seems they are much more prolific wearers of pantyhose than Westerners and all other nationalities.

Maybe it’s just part of the Asian culture – they seem to do everything elegantly and gracefully – and they appear to be much more professional-minded in the workplace, always wearing business suits, high heels and pantyhose.  I read on the Internet that it’s considered rude in Korean culture for girls to show bare legs in public.  I think I love Korea.

So, it’s a good time to be Asian because it seems like the whole world is discovering Asia.  Not since the superhuman Bruce Lee revolutionized martial arts and introduced it to movie audiences throughout the world and brought global attention and pride to China, has there been such an explosion of Asian talent in the mainstream media of today.

I admit, I am hooked.  I can name 20 major Asian actresses off the top of my head.  I’m sure I could think of many more if I really tried, but the ones I’m counting are well known (including Lucy Liu (love her), Sandra Oh, Joan Chen, Michelle Yeoh (OMG), Maggie Cheung, Gong Li (gorgeous is not enough of a compliment), Ziyi Zhang (the most perfect woman in the world), Bai Ling (wow), Shu Qi (adorable) and Maggie Q).  Wow, all of them except Maggie Q (mostly Vietnamese) are Chinese.  OK, so there’s Devin Aoki (Japanese) who starred in “D.E.B.S.,” and Jet Li’s “War.” And, one of my faves, Uhm Jung-hwa  (Korean) who starred in “Princess Aurora” (an exciting, heartwrenching mystery/drama, which also is beautifully written and acted).

I’m trying to get our little Asian employee to model for us because she looks absolutely awesome in ActSensuous pantyhose, but she is so modest.

Quick Question: Would you like to see a gallery of pics of our lovely little Vietnamese girl modeling ActSensuous pantyhose?  If so, please leave a comment below.

We have a few Asian customers, but I’d love to have many, many more.  Please tell your Asian friends about ActSensuous.  Also, I am pleading with our Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai customers out there: Send us photos of you wearing our beautiful, sexy and decidedly feminine pantyhose.  I’d like to start an all-Asian models category of the gallery on our website.  Please honor us with your beauty and grace.

What do you think, readers?  Are you Asian crazy yet?  Please click on the comment link below this post and tell us your thoughts.  It’s completely anonymous to participate. Only the name you provide will appear along with your comment.