Monday, February 23, 2004
Trend setter or Fashion victim in Shanghai
The streets leading to Xiang Yang market is full of hustlers. They persistently pester you to come to their stall at the market. The harrasment continues every step of the way from Central HuaiHai junction to the market.
“Bao-bao, yao ma? LV, Gucci, Prada…” (bag, want?......)
“Shoubiao, yao ma? Cartier, Rolex….” (watch, want?.....)
A chance to practise your Putonghua.
"Xie Xie....wo pu yao." (Thank you, I don't want.)
I am not into imitation bags…unless they are well made. This is seldom the case, so I steer clear of them.
We did see some interesting Nankeen pieces. Nankeen is the inky indigo-dyed cloth similar to the Batik of Southeast Asia. The technique of cloth printing uses stencils or plain needles and wax to create patterns of ink on cloth. My favourite piece purchased this week is a handbag made from this Nankeen cloth. I love its unique shape and because it is handmade.
"One can be fashionable in Shanghai without feeling out of place."
With spring on the way, I am trying to get rid of my heavy winter coat.
So, I was looking out for a Chinese-style light silk jacket versatile enough to wear to the office.
It's fun to be a little trendy here....something, I can't really do at home.
I found one in the market for RMB160 last week. The jacket is reversible, which means that I could wear it in black or red. It seems reasonable – two for the price of one!
On the way home from the market, we spotted an old lady wearing the same print as the one I bought. See below.
If that is not terrible enough, I come home I realized that the new toiletry bag that I bought the previous week at the market, had the same print as my new jacket.
"Which is worse? Wearing your grandma's coat or a coat that uses the same material as your toiletry bag!"
I am left utterly amused by the entire incident.
I guess one can just as easily become a fashion victim here with all the mass production around!
Photo: Spotted - My chinese silk jacket on someone else
Location: Crossing the road to Super Brand mall, Pudong
The streets leading to Xiang Yang market is full of hustlers. They persistently pester you to come to their stall at the market. The harrasment continues every step of the way from Central HuaiHai junction to the market.
“Bao-bao, yao ma? LV, Gucci, Prada…” (bag, want?......)
“Shoubiao, yao ma? Cartier, Rolex….” (watch, want?.....)
A chance to practise your Putonghua.
"Xie Xie....wo pu yao." (Thank you, I don't want.)
I am not into imitation bags…unless they are well made. This is seldom the case, so I steer clear of them.
We did see some interesting Nankeen pieces. Nankeen is the inky indigo-dyed cloth similar to the Batik of Southeast Asia. The technique of cloth printing uses stencils or plain needles and wax to create patterns of ink on cloth. My favourite piece purchased this week is a handbag made from this Nankeen cloth. I love its unique shape and because it is handmade.
"One can be fashionable in Shanghai without feeling out of place."
With spring on the way, I am trying to get rid of my heavy winter coat.
So, I was looking out for a Chinese-style light silk jacket versatile enough to wear to the office.
It's fun to be a little trendy here....something, I can't really do at home.
I found one in the market for RMB160 last week. The jacket is reversible, which means that I could wear it in black or red. It seems reasonable – two for the price of one!
On the way home from the market, we spotted an old lady wearing the same print as the one I bought. See below.
If that is not terrible enough, I come home I realized that the new toiletry bag that I bought the previous week at the market, had the same print as my new jacket.
"Which is worse? Wearing your grandma's coat or a coat that uses the same material as your toiletry bag!"
I am left utterly amused by the entire incident.
I guess one can just as easily become a fashion victim here with all the mass production around!
Photo: Spotted - My chinese silk jacket on someone else
Location: Crossing the road to Super Brand mall, Pudong
