It's August. But go to the mall and they're already stocking winter coats. No joke, we saw parkas on display at IAPM just last week. But we've still got several more weeks of Shanghai heat, and plenty of seasonal deals to be had on some late summer threads. Here's some good places to start.
S2VS
S2VS was founded in 2007 by Parsons grad Sean William Salim, who set up his first China store on Nanchang Lu in 2009. The label offers a menswear alternative to the garden variety clothes found at the likes of Uniqlo or Zara. Our favorites include their linen button-downs and an off-white, macramé inspired, woven polo.
Shorts range from 380–480rmb and shirts start at 120rmb, and they currently have a 20-40% off sale.
Maison Coconut
Opened by designer Emilie Bonet, this space near Yongkang Lu carries its own line that features details like Peter Pan printed collars and patterned scarves (100-590rmb) along with selections from Barcelona based label Heinui (645-1100rmb) and hair accessories from Les Petites Shanghaiennes (80-120rmb).
They have more brand collaborations in the works so keep watching this showroom. Also, she's extended the summer discounts on select items until the end of the month.
Mode in Asia
Owned by Singaporean entrepreneur Georgina Soh, Mode in Asia has a solid mix of office-meets-girls’-night-out in her selection of versatile womenswear, accessories and jewelry.
They stock an eclectic selection of independent designers based in Shanghai and from Southeast Asia, like Aijek, Bubble Mood, Celia B, Lalalove London, Redesigns, Lily Jean and Yumumu. Bottoms range from 400-1000rmb while dresses range from 600–2000rmb.
Our favorite pieces include Yumumu’s nautical-striped top and Lily Jean’s resort-inspired summer dresses that can easily be worn with a cardigan for the office or on their own for a night out.
Star Place
If you have been in Shanghai long enough, you probably know the thrill of shopping in these cheap, American-style thrift store feel shops. Set pricing makes the experience hassle free — no haggling, no in-store sales assistant stalkers. While the items are from dubious origins—either shanzhai copies, off-season leftovers or “extras” produced by factories—you can find some hidden gems ranging from summer dresses, knitwear, to tops. As a rule, avoid anything with a designer label or distinctive large scale print unless you don’t mind wearing low quality copies, which would entirely defeat the purpose of shopping at Star Place for their uniquely random finds. Small scale prints are a good call. [Note: For more on Star Place, check this in-depth article and photo shoot we did last year]
