In one image, Mao had a bee sting on his nose. In another, he wore pigtails. The message was that China has opened up. Mao didn't have to be such a serious icon. In the book, Tam shares her knowledge of Chinese style and its crossover appeal.
Chinese history is rich and vast.
The book is not just about fashion, but about architecture, calligraphy, food, gardening. Some of those elements come into play at Tam's flagship store at 99 Greene St. in New York. Opened in 1998, the boutique combines modern glass and lighting with classic Ming-style chairs and carved wooden screens. Two large stone Fu dogs guard the entrance. It's the best of both worlds, the old and the new.