“Appreciation of GOOD FOOD is a commonality in our cultures. Chinese and French CUISINES are deeply embedded in our CULTURES and significantly influence how we judge new RESTAURANTS. The difference is the way we COMMUNICATE. The French love a DEBATE but the Chinese, not as much. After eight years together, I’ve come to value the beauty of engaging in healthy discussions.”
STYLE INSPIRATION:
GARBO ZHU
Having grown up in Guangzhou, China, and then moving to Canada in her early teens, Garbo Zhu (@garbo.zhu) is not your typical trend-driven content creator. The charming 27-year-old entrepreneur first trained as an architect, but found her love for pottery and turned it into a business. And then she decided to switch gears yet again, by starting her own jeweler line. Some have described Zhu’s style as “an art teacher whom everyone has a crush on”, and her look is reminiscent of her personal style icon, the character Phoebe Buffay from Friends—experimental with a hint of boho. Spirited and open to new ideas, Zhu is always inspired by her father, who she says never stops learning, and has learned to appreciate the beauty of engaging in healthy discussions, thanks to her French husband.
BRAVE NEW WORLD
Take a walk back to the middle ages and get inspired by armored dressing—think chainmail, hoods and gladiator sandals. Rework your trusty Rabanne chainmail into your daily wardrobe by styling it as a vest over earth-toned numbers for a subtler take, or let it shine by layering it over skin-colored elements or simply throw a fringed coat over for a contemporary look. Or take a leaf out of the movie Dune in what costume designer Jacqueline West dubs her “Mod- eval” fits. And then, there’s Rick Owens’ powerful High Priestess vibes that evoke a sense of mystery and grandeur all at the same time. With these references, you’re armed and ready for a post-apocalyptic world.
SWEET SPOT
Unabashedly feminine and often branded “cute”, the Lolita style is a Japanese street trend often associated with Harajuku, which is in turn inspired by the Victorian and Rococo era. Delicate lace, pouf skirts traditionally held up by petticoats, ruffled layers and bows are common elements that are hallmarks of the Lolita look, and they are often worn all at once. Evoking youthful and innocent sensibilities, the modern- day Lolita takes on a more refined aesthetic where sneakers replace Mary Janes, and quilted jackets and bags are plumped for the bubble-like trend.
A EAR FULL
Earrings take the spotlight this season, both on the streets and the runway. While fringed crystal earrings swung alongside matching scarves at Jil Sander, the street set styled a single gold stalactite-like ear climber with an otherwise classic denim fit for extra oomph.
Grandeur and opulence take centrestage when oversized gemstone-encrusted chandelier earrings are matched with billowy frocks; and graphic heart danglers stole the scene, much like the sculptural metals at Bottega Veneta and Missoni.
From top:
Dress, $1,060, COMME DES GARËONS BLACK AT CLUB21.
Socks, about $21, MAISON CLOSE.
Skirt, about $1,011, SIMONE ROCHA.
Gloves, $506, PARLOR at FARFETCH.