Category: Stylites Projects

Changle 624, my favorite liquor store and outdoor bar, on Changle Road, just around the corner from Pawnstar in the middle of the Former French Concession plays host to the most interesting assortment of young style figures in Shanghai.

How would you describe the evolution of the Chinese consumer towards fashion retail since you first arrived here over a decade ago?

The seemingly constant miracle that is the Chinese economy entered a new phase over the last decade in which the rise of the middle class became the dominant narrative. The number of consumers has increased exponentially as well as their sophistication in terms of knowledge of brands and personal style. This consumer has also seen the quality and variety of choices available multiply in a very short period.

Ten years ago, the retail market, online and off, was divided between very low quality brands and knock-offs on the one hand, and aggressively priced luxury brands on the other. Fast fashion and brands from Zara to GAP and Uniqlo have now expanded from first to fourth-tier cities, and premium brands have entered the market. Meanwhile, a universe of local independent designers has exploded while the style options on Taobao and other online marketplaces have grown at an unprecedented pace. Most people – the young in particular – dress much better today than they did 10 years ago. They show not only an awareness of global trends but often also a greater sense of personal style.

Pawnstar founder Jane Jia (Jia Wenting) is featured prominently in this South China Morning Post article that went online and print on Monday May 7. The article linked here is by long-time fashion editor and influencer Jing Zhang.