We were all raised by our dear mothers who admonished not to judge a book by its cover and certainly not to assess people by superficial criterion like outward appearance. But the reality is– sorry Mom– we all do it. I don’t place myself in some sartorial ivory tower, nor I do I say that it behooves all of us to jump to capricious closet-based conclusions about a person’s true character. However, I firmly believe that is absolutely permissible to use fashion as a preliminary litmus test to assess people in conjuring up neutral basics like nationality and occupation.
Shanghai is Asia’s melting pot. Surrounded by a smorgasbord of ethnicity from far and wide, I hardly feel like a minority in this city. In Shanghai I am everywhere and nowhere at the same time–which can sometimes feel too fleeting, but I love how this evanescence encourages personal style– anything goes.
Transient, yes. But, are we truly anonymous? Using clothing as clues, I’d like to put the puzzles pieces together in a new segment on SSF:
“Show me what you wear, and I will tell you who you are.”
Go on, tell me. Who are they?
Not locals. Looking puzzled at something, so tourists?
i guess they are from north europe?
Nordics
Americans? Wearing sneakers and not very fashion-forward– and very chilly. One has a sweater tied around her neck instead of a scarf!
PS Not to sound witchy, but the dog in your earlier post looks way more well-dressed than the two women!