Just one percent of my visitors were from Japan over the last year. Obviously, there is a language issue, but I would expect a country so interested in personal style to take more of an interest in how its neighbors dress (and to what extent they hipsters in Shibuya and Harajuku).
Fortunately, Chiemi Isozaki from Japanese online publication Hitspaper just interviewed me (click here for the piece in Japanese) . Select “more” for the Engish.
CI: Could you tell us a little about “Stylites”?
(When and why did you start it?)
Stylites documents the blossoming of self-expression in contemporary China, providing a pictorial record of the most fascinating pedestrians in Beijing at the start of the 21st century, the moment when China had risen and its new greatness had became apparent to all.
Walking down Changan Avenue one night in 2007, I saw an unusual hobo whose face and manner somehow reminded me of Christ. He had a mustache, a staff, Adidas-like trainers, and a checked wool coat. I took a snap of this odd fellow and put it on Stylites, then my blog for random, often morbid, reflections.
Gradually, I started taking more photos of unusual types. Local magazines noticed and began carrying the pictures. Stylites quickly moved in the direction of street fashion.
2. How did the Beijing street fashion change compared to when you started Stylites?
It is a little bit difficult to say. I don’t know if people are way more stylish than they were then or if I just get invited to more parties. In general, I would have to say that people are much more aware of international trends and far less label-obsessed. There are far more hipsters or people aspiring to be hipsters than there were four years ago. Also, the retail options have expanded dramatically here in Beijing and people shop abroad far more. I would say that the general public – not just the people appearing on my blog – are, on the whole, much better dressed.
(I thought it’s nice and simple compared to fashion in Tokyo. Tokyo fashion is often a bit too much.)
Well, I think it is a bit hard to say that there is a distinctive Beijing style. It doesn’t produce the number of distinctive subcultures that Tokyo does, obviously. Still, people here are definitely more fashion forward than Parisians or most New Yorkers. You see far more fashionable men in harem pants than you would in any of those cities. There is less tradition in terms of attire to either follow, reinterpret, or rebel against. This means people are free – for better or worse – to experiment. If there is any style that best represents the hip set here, I would say that it is rugged and bohemian, though definitely quite aware of the trends in London and Tokyo.
4. Where all these fashionable people hang around in Beijing? Any particular area?
That is strangely difficult to say. Because of the general absence of walking areas, there are not the same sorts of neighborhoods like in Tokyo, New York or London where you have to be cool if you want to be seen on the street. I would say that there is a fashionable set that bounces from brand party to fashion show, to art opening. If I had to pick some more stylish areas they would Sanlitun, the Gulou area, and Wudaoying Hutong.
5. How do these people get information about latest fashion? website? blogs? magazine?
Magazines, blogs, TV, and trips abroad. Broadly speaking, the sources of information are the same as elsewhere, though the balance might be different.
6. What is the latest fashion trend in Beijin?
Not too different from elsewhere in the world.
For men, leggings, harem pants and cropped – thom browne style – trousers, rolled up or cuffed.
For women, work and army inspired clothing, colored tights and short socks, all types of modified men’s traditional shoes like loafers and oxfords.
Do you think that is true? If so, why Beijing?
I don’t know if I would choose the word “fashionable” but they are certainly more stylish and creative. Beijing is hip, while Shanghai tries to be chic. This is actually somewhat more deeply rooted than it might seem at first. There are far more universities in Beijing. This has been the artistic center of China since the early 1980s. Beijing is a far older city than Shanghai and has been the cultural capital of China for centuries. Shanghai has always been a very Western-oriented city.
8. Is there anything else you think exciting in Beijing?
Well, quite a lot. The government tends to be rather important here and they like to party, though we are generally not invited to such parties.
9. Please recommend somewhere inspiring and interesting in Beijing for our readers.
(Our readers are mainly Japanese people working in creative industry who are 20-35 years old)
Aside from the obvious walk around 798, Caochangdi, and other art districts, I would suggest a visit to the largest traditional vegetable market near in the city, near Deshengmen, followed by a walk through the nearby hutongs and then a picnic at Xihai. Beijing may be cutting edge, but its history is still perhaps the main draw.
10. Any message for people who are thinking of visiting Beijing?
I am putting up a guide to the best shopping here within the next month.
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