fashion

How Boutique Workers Curate Lives in a Gilded Loop

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

For years, fashion-forward Chinese have worked to perfect their brands and curate personal experiences for thoughtful shoppers. Yet their projected images of glamor mask the pain of trapped ambition.

Li Xueshi

Playing Tag: Oversized Clothing Labels Aim to Curb Order Returns

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Amid the annual Double 11 shopping festival, apparel companies have begun attaching A4-paper-sized hangtags to garments to combat excessive returns, including from buyers who return garments after wearing them.

Li Xin

The Forgotten Drivers of China’s ‘Hanfu’ Movement

Overseas Chinese, especially students, have embraced the traditional garb as a way to stay connected with China.

Fan Chen

Fabric of Time: The Group Reproducing China’s Ancient Style

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

A Shanghai lecturer is working with like-minded culture fans to research and replicate traditional Chinese outfits, bringing their beauty into the 21st century.

Xinmin  Evening News

‘Office Farmers’ Grow Fruit Plants for Novelty and Stress Relief

Mundane desktop plants are slowly being replaced by edible, decorative, and conversation-starting “work pals” like bananas and pineapples.

Ding Xiaoyan

A Shanghai Startup’s Fashion Twist: Matching Outfits for Pets and Owners 

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

When GIGIWAWA was founded in 2020, matching outfits for pets and their owners was largely unfamiliar in China. But now, this niche market has seen a significant surge, with even established brands expanding their collections.

Fan Yiying

Bridal Fashion Capital: How Chaozhou Holds Its Place in the Spotlight

Chaozhou, once the world’s bridal gown-making hub, is resorting to legacy, adaptability, and originality as it grapples with challenges ranging from a shifting market to the pandemic.

The Paper

Chinese State Media Slams ‘Hot Kids Style’ in Children’s Fashion

The trend, which promotes microskirts, backless shirts, and crop tops among young children, has sparked concerns about the sexualization of minors.

Yang Caini

Prada Shifts Focus From Celebrities to Athletes, Partners With Chinese Women’s Soccer Team

The Italian fashion label has had to cut ties with several celebrity brand ambassadors over major scandals in recent years. It’s now partnering with more athletes instead.

How a Hani Designer Is Bringing Ethnic Fusion to Chinese Fashion

Long marginalized and objectified by the fashion industry, a new generation of minority designers is experimenting with modern materials and techniques. But mainstream acceptance remains elusive.

Ma Zhen

Established Chinese Apparel Brands Struggle to Stay Afloat, Including China's Zara

Established apparel brands have struggled to find a foothold in a fast-changing industry dominated by e-commerce.

Ye Zhanhang

In China, AI-Generated Fashion Models Are Hugely Popular — and Sexist

China’s fashion models are rapidly being replaced by doe-eyed, big-breasted, AI-generated bots. Women are horrified.

Shu Xinrou

Beyond Saving: In China, Young Shoppers Are Locked Out of Luxury

Over a period of four years, the price of luxury goods has almost doubled. But with their salaries stagnant, young consumers are now forced to decide between indulgence and financial stability.

Wang Lianzhang

A Celebrity’s Sweater From the Spring Festival Gala Goes Viral

Some viewers tune into the annual television event just to spot the latest fashion trends.

Luxury Fashion Brands in China Embrace Middle-Aged Actresses 

A group that has long been missing from public view is regaining recognition in a sector that has mostly favored young faces.

Shanghai Spring/Summer 2022: The Season That Never Was

China’s most fashionable city missed the entire spring season. That means a lot of unsold harem pants.

Jiang Xinyi

Traditional ‘Hanfu’ Fashion Is In, but Buyer Beware

Despite Hanfu’s growing popularity, the industry is yet to mature and consumer pitfalls still persist.

Liang Lishuang

Becoming Shein: Chinese Retailers Eye the Global Fast-Fashion Market

The boom of Shein-like startups, boosted by COVID-19, reflects structural changes in China’s supply chain. Environmental experts say they should also shoulder greater social responsibilities.

Jiang Yaling

Chinese Consumers Conflicted About Sustainable Fashion, Report Finds 

A Shanghai-based organization focusing on sustainable fashion launched the report at the COP26 climate conference.

For Your Size Only: The Little Livestream Making it Big

As online shops selling plus-sized clothes gain momentum across China, they increasingly function like virtual alliances for women.