Is she a tomboy? I stare at this photo and get lost in my indecision. True, she’s wearing a skirt, a cultural symbol of femininity. But the rest of her look – including the one on her face- suggests something more boyish. I like how she plays with the opposites like knotting the collared shirt to show of her tiny waist.
Remember my previous posts about Chinese women and femininity? Well, this girl is such a breath of fresh air! She got me thinking about androgyny in fashion. Correct me if I’m wrong, but most of the time when people cite androgyny in fashion its more or less in reference to a woman wearing a man’s clothes. The emphasis is on the woman dressing on the male side of the sartorial spectrum rather than general ambiguity between two opposites.
Hart, September 6th 2010 |
Posted in Shanghai Street Fashion
I just love it when I see a guy break the rule of “men are not allowed to have fun with clothes.” YES, this rule does exist universally in various forms. Where I come from in the South, the only pre-approved venturings-away-from-the-norm are seersucker suits or khakis embroidered with happy little whales.
In Shanghai, younger guys are much more daring with their clothes. Their outfits can be so outrageous that it’s hard to tell if they realize how amazingly ridiculous they look in these fabulous, crazy get-ups. Other times, I notice a slightly more tamed outfit with clearly premeditated (exhibit A) coordinating color palettes and matching accessories.
Back in the US, many of the flamboyant looks are claimed by gay men who simply love to play with fashion more than average straight dude. Here in China it’s hard for me not to wonder, “gay or straight?” when I spot so many men sporting “rule-breaking” outfits. Linger outside of Plaza66 for an hour, and you’ll see these peacocks. But, alas it’s absurd and narrow-minded to conclude they are all gay and so I’ll propose (in a grossly oversimplified way) that as Chinese men grow wealthier, they wildly display this wealth through conspicuous consumption of clothing……even if they look a little funky, they still stand out. And isn’t that the point?
Hart, August 3rd 2010 |
Posted in Shanghai Street Fashion
There’s something about 100 degree downright nasty, humid, sweltering heat that makes me yearn deeply (paradoxically) to wear black. One of my go-to summer outfits is a simple vintage black slip (no, it doesn’t have lace or spaghetti straps) I stole from underneath my mom’s 80s dresses, my banana yellow Frye boots and a lowslung studded leather belt. The dark cravings sometimes possess me to load up kohl eyeliner and wear my hear in a messy updo. Needless to say, my LBD ensemble is not for everyone, especially these two ladies.
Love the soft tee over the dress. Such a great way to wear a cropped shirt, which by the I’m sure we will be seeing MUCH more of. Better start doing some abdominal work…And move over Haibao! You’ve had your 15 minutes. Now let Mickey Mouse get back to work and prove he’s the original adorable fictional character in their hearts.
And now for something completely different…. a totally sexed up, zipped up LBD. Wowza. And 5 inch platform patent leather heels. All of this work to go shopping on a Saturday? No thanks for me, where are my Fryes?
Hart, August 1st 2010 |
Posted in Shanghai Street Fashion, Uncategorized
When Shanghainese girls want to get all dolled up, they really don’t hold back. From the tips of her blue nails to her sky-high heels and polka-dots in between, she still somehow manages to avoid looking like an overdone dollbaby. Too precious?
Eh, why not? I love how this meinu crowned herself with a crystal headband. And I must also mention her luminous complexion! Her skin is what many girls dream of.
Hart, July 28th 2010 |
Posted in Shanghai Street Fashion
