SHANGHAI STYLE FILE

I apologize for the dry spell of posts, but French and furniture have invaded my thoughts (recently got a new job as a project manager for the French company MyFab). When it comes to updating SSF, quality trumps quantity, so I’m not going to slap something up here just so I meet some obscure weekly quota set by god-knows-who of bloggerdom. Now let’s get down to business…

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This trendspot is special because it showcases a fashion phenomenon that really gets me going: one classic look adapted by two very different cultures. It also happens to be my absolute favorite piece in my wardrobe (I own six)….the striped nautical shirt!

Leave it to Mme Chanel to turn the print of sailors and jailbirds into a first-class chic wardrobe essential.No need for further analysis on Chanel’s influence; but what does need some extra probing is how this same style jumped ship and ended up on the backs of China’s underground hipsters. In Paris, this shirt says the wearer has a perfectly acceptable, classic style; however, the same print in Shanghai speaks more about rejection rather than acceptance of society. The shirt is making waves in the underground music scene, indie rock and rap alike. I even spotted a DJ in the stripes at the Shanghaining hiphop party at G+plus last weekend (I didn’t have my camera, so my photoshop doodles must make do).

Follow up question: Where can I buy a 海魂衫? I want to wear something that translates into “soul of the sea.” Also, I think I just need nautical shirt #7.