By Larissa Wong - published
In recent years, Chinese fashion industry has evolved significantly, with a new generation of Chinese designers as the catalyst of its growing influence. A growing number of Chinese fashion labels are finally getting their flowers, thanks to their creativity, flair and devotion to honouring elements of their rich culture. From SHUSHU/TONG’s stunning coquette red-carpet dresses and Bad Binch Tong Tong’s wearable works of art to Tropiceye’s cool-girl styles and Rui Zhou’s daring bodysuits, Chinese labels are where it’s at.
Fashion insider, artist, and now, mum of one, Garbo Zhu has been vocal on her social media and works consistently to uplift Chinese fashion labels to bring attention to, as she puts it, “forward-thinking independent Chinese designers that the rest of the world has overlooked.” So who better to get recommendations from than the Chinese fashion label advocate and expert? Without further ado, we present to you the most stylish Chinese fashion labels to shop, according to Garbo Zhu.
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1. SHUSHU/TONG
Zhu describes SHUSHU/TONG as having a “feminine youthful energy with a formal wear twist”. Established in 2015 by Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang, SHUSHU/TONG has carved a niche in the fashion world with its grown-up coquette aesthetic and exceptional tailoring.
The Shanghai-based brand has quickly risen to become one of the most coveted and well-known homegrown Chinese fashion labels. Its pieces, which have been spotted on the world’s most prestigious red carpets and events, are a favourite among A-listers like Nicole Kidman, Olivia Rodrigo, Rosalía, and all the members of BLACKPINK.
2. Cheap Art Label
Cheap Art Label is a coquette and cottage core girl’s dream. Its whimsical pieces are primarily made up of dream-like pastel hues that will enchant and captivate, translucent fabrics, and fun embellishments. From lace-trimmed blouses to tiered midi skirts and lush velvet trench coats, each item is a dream to wear. Zhu’s favourite things about the brand are the “playful silhouettes and candy-like colour palette”.
3. Tropiceye
As a certified art enthusiast, cultured queen and fashion girlie, Tropiceye’s creations are the embodiment of style for the stylish Zhu—“My definition of ‘that mysterious art teacher that you have a crush on’,” she shares. Founded in 2016 by Shanghai and Seoul-based founder Lisha Kim, Tropiceye is all about “encapsulating the raw originality of China’s subsultures”, according to the brand. The garments, with their playful silhouettes, embellishments and textured fabrics, are made to reimagine everyday fashion.
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4. Papi Lav
Papi Lav’s pieces are something you would imagine to be in “the wardrobe of a modern-tale fairytale princess,” Zhu tells us. Pronounced as “Puppy Love”, its pieces are adorably feminine, with loads of frills, florals and soft hues. This brand is perfect if you’re looking to channel your inner ‘soft girl’ and ‘clean girl’ aesthetic.
5. Rui Zhou
Rui Zhou is a familiar name to fashion lovers. The brand has graced the wardrobes of A-list celebs like Lalisa Manobal, Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa, the girls of aespa, and many more. The Chinese-born designer’s mastery in fabric manipulation is evident in her garments, which feature strategic cut-outs that delve into the “relationship and spatial structure between skin and fabric, body and clothing, entity and boundary”, as eloquently stated on the brand’s website. Zhu sums up Rui Zhou as “an avant-garde fashion brand known for sculptural knitwear, fluid silhouettes, and conceptual designs that feel like a second-skin.”
6. AO YES
Co-founded by creative directors Austin Wang and Yansong Liu, AO YES is dedicated to exploring the beauty and depth of modern Oriental culture. AO YES’s creations are a testament to the beauty of Chinese tradition and the boundless creativity of today’s creative forces coming out of Asia. Zhu shares that she loves the “hybrid of Chinese culture and high fashion; blending bold, architectural designs with innovative reinterpretations of Oriental elements”.
7. BAD BINCH TONGTONG
The Chinese-born, New York-based designer behind Bad Binch Tong Tong, Terrance Zhou, is one of the most exciting and innovative designers of our time. He is best known for his mastery in creating stunning sculptural silhouettes. Whether it be soft bulbous forms or hoop-shaped skirts, Zhou knows how to make a show-stopping statement that is both edgy and playful. Zhu describes Bad Binch Tong Tong as “a contemporary fashion brand known for its edgy urban style that gives a playful touch through its funky silhouette.”
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8. Fax Copy Express
Zhu refers to Fax Copy Express as “a cool-girl take on the everyday working wardrobe, while not being afraid to express through bold contour.” Fax Copy Express prides itself on making long-lasting garments that embody timeless minimalism. Its designs come in neutral shades with unique yet subtle detailing and refined tailoring, making the pieces great for everyday wear, regardless if you’re heading to work or a dinner date.