Paul & Shark launches new line in China

"Modern Shanghai Style is still in it's infancy, but one general observation that is often made about it is, kitsch. Which means that somthing is slightly over-the-top, out of place, and maybe even a bit vulgar, but at the same time it works and is appealing in a weird sort of way."

I gotta disagree again Steve. In my experience most fashion-conscious Shanghainese take themselves quite seriously and they don't particularly go for a kitsch look.

Anyways, thanks for the article, it was good food for thought.

I have to say, really really bad call Steve. Shanghaiist finally does a piece on fashion and Paul and Shark is what you come up with. Notice the show was in Hong Kong. And its an ITALIAN brand. I'll bet you a horrible tipple of your choice on Tong ren lu, that the pieces you saw dont even make it into the Portman store. Instead we'll get the same pastel khakis, and polo shirts with the logo emblazoned all over the shirt, more appropriate for a gay grandfather than anyone with taste. Preppy, not even close, just boring and loud.

Vadaga,

A city's style isn't something as simple as saying 'scarfs & peacoats are English style'. When one refers to a city style it is a VERY general reference to the tastes and astehtics of the people who inhabit that location.

Modern Shanghai Style is still in it's infancy, but one general observation that is often made about it is, kitsch. Which means that somthing is slightly over-the-top, out of place, and maybe even a bit vulgar, but at the same time it works and is appealing in a weird sort of way.

The excessive uncontrolled use of colour that you often see in Shanghai is an example of this.

So was I the only one who thought Paul & Shark was a local Chinese attempt to rip-off the Greg Norman brand?

The style of Shanghai can be seen as one that embraces western concepts of dress that are catwalk inspired and then ‘tweaked’ in that usually kitschy way we see often see things done in china.

Ok Steve, please humor me because I work in a 菜场 and dont get out much. fill in the blank below please:

Scarves and pea coats are English style.

Thick framed black glasses are very HK style.

__________________________ is Shanghai style.

I need to know so that I can impress all my customers at the cai chang. Thanks.

Also, what is 'kitsch' in Chinese? I don't think this is a word that we have...

Well written, Steve. Ignore the style illiterate (such as Paul).

Paul,

Shanghaiist is a group blog written by volunteers. You can see who has written a post by looking at the "Posted by ..." information at the bottom of each entry. Contributors have their own interests, styles and viewpoints — so perhaps not everything on our site will appeal to, say, cantankerous old Englishmen who spend curious amounts of time commenting on city blogs they obviously hate.

Sandwiches,

Dan

Good one Dan

I almost got to the end before I realised you'd posted a spoof story to see if we were awake. I mean nobody could really have written? surely?:

'The line also heavily featured pencil shorts, one of this season’s hot items, and not just because of the hot weather. The bold red pair is sure to go down a storm here in Shanghai and when paired with either a black or monochromatic shirt it creates a laid back decadent look, but with an air of unconventionality that is true to Shanghai style.'

Every city has their pack of glitterati and high-fashionistas who are more concerned with their clothes price tag and label then the clothes themselves. When one is referring to a ‘Shanghai Style’, it refers to the sense of aesthetic that is seen on the streets of the city from day to day. The style of Shanghai can be seen as one that embraces western concepts of dress that are catwalk inspired and then ‘tweaked’ in that usually kitschy way we see often see things done in china. Thus making them stylus, but unconventional.

The bold red pair is sure to go down a storm here in Shanghai and when paired with either a black or monochromatic shirt it creates a laid back decadent look, but with an air of unconventionality that is true to Shanghai style.

stop the presses. When did Shanghai develop a 'style'? Please explain because in my mind the defining principle of Shanghai fashion is still 'make it understated but make sure everyone can tell it's expensive'