(shmag)
Updated: 2007-07-19 09:51

Time to swap those jeans for an on-the-verge-of-skimpy dress. But the question is not just what to wear this summer,but "where the hell can I get it?" We asked three designers to point us in the right direction.

Kelsey Lee - Freelance Designer

Kelsey Lee studied fashion in Milan before returning to Shanghai, where she is currently a freelance designer. "For this summer, I'll be investing in a skintight print t-shirt, skinny jeans, shorts, a fresh skirt, a pair of lacquer leather high heels and a pair of flat ballerina shoes," says Lee. All of this is available in luxury brand stores in Shanghai, but she prefers to shop around Shaanxi Nan Lu, Xinle Lu or Changle Lu for more retro or creative looks. "If you don't want to look like everyone else, I would recommend local designers - Wang Yiyang, for example, has a great, unisex collection sold at Cha Gang. I go there to pick up casual and comfortable summer singlets with a specially added detail, like a big print, or a knitted pocket. The clothes are trendy, but not worn by everyone. It's very Shanghai."

Lee has two other favorite shops on Changle Lu: Even Penniless and Estune (currently under renovation). "Again, these are chic shops, but not in the mainstream – focusing on patterns, cutting and fabric, rather than the absolute latest looks. Even Penniless sells a lot of black, white and gray, unevenly cut dresses."

Other stores Lee recommends are Younik on the Bund, which stocks couture pieces from designer Lu Kun, urban and casual wear from Jenny Ji, and experimental designs from Zhang Da. "I also likeShion by Choichangho on Taikang Lu: their brand style is comfortable and the clothes are simple but stylish." Lee finally recommends Qiuhao (named after its designer) located on Jinxian Lu. "Qiuhao does women's wear with a very clear structure and clean colors, which is just what you need for this season. He's also a fan of Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela, who's famous for not following the big international
trends, so if you like that sort of stuff you'll like this shop. It's great for original clothing pieces."

Cha Gang
Location: 299 Fuxing Xi Lu, near Xingguo Lu
Tel: 021-64661089
Even Penniless
Location: 139-3 Changle Lu, near Ruijin Lu
Tel: 021-53060466
Estune
Location: 139-19 Changle Lu, near Ruijin Lu
Younik
Location: 2/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshang Dong Yi Lu
Tel: 021-63237066
Qiuhao
Location: 158 Jinxian Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu
Tel: 021-62560134
Shion
Location: 13 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
Tel: 021-64671866

      1   2   3     

      1   2   3