Style Files: Garbo Zhu On Artistic Expression

Some have described her style as “an art teacher whom everyone has a crush on”, and they’re not wrong.

Garbo Zhu Style Files — Photos: Courtesy of Garbo Zhu

By Gracia Phang - published 2 Dec 2024

Having grown up in Guangzhou, China, then moving to Canada in her early teens, Garbo Zhu is not your typical trend-driven content creator. The 27-year-old entrepreneur first trained as an architect, but after discovering her love for
pottery, she turned it into a business. After that, she decided to switch gears yet again, by starting her own jewellery line.

Some have described Zhuʼs style as “an art teacher whom everyone has a crush on”, and her look is is reminiscent of her personal style icon, Lisa Kudrow’s character Phoebe Buffay from Friends—experimental with a hint of boho. Spirited and open to new ideas, Zhu is inspired by her father, whom she says never stops learning, and has learned to appreciate the beauty of engaging in healthy discussions, thanks to her French husband Vincent.

A Misconception

“I’m proud of my Chinese upbringing and culture, and if there’s any misconception, it’s that Chinese fashion does not equal cheap or fast fashion. There are countless forward-thinking independent Chinese designers that the rest of the world has overlooked. It is one my passion to share that with my audience.”

Cross Culture

“Appreciation of good food is a commonality in [my husband and my] cultures. Chinese and French cuisines are deeply embedded in our culture 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 without letting my emotions get in the way. It’s been a journey filled with trials and errors.”

Top Five

“If I could only have five items in my wardrobe, they’d be my brown Miista boots because they make me look six feet tall; my Miaou brown Frankie t-shirt because it goes with everything I own and is so comfy; my denim Alexander Wang square toe ballerina flats, because I am obsessed with anything denim and square-toed; my oversized brown patent leather A.P.C. bag because that is my ride-or-die airplane bag; and last but not least, the silver ruby heart ring from Millie Savage because my husband got me that for Christmas last year.”

Fashion Favourite

“My favourite fall/winter 2024 collection would have to be Anna Sui! I have to be honest here, I have only associated this brand with their cosmetics and perfumes until I saw this [collection]. There is a comforting and nostalgic energy from this collection that is hard to find in fashion these days. It’s a great reminder that fashion is not supposed to be intimidating. It can be warm and welcoming, just like the fall tones from this collection.”

Life-long Learner

“I would love to learn more about jazz, specifically how to play the saxophone. I played it for one semester in high school, which was the highlight of that era. It’d be a dream to pick that back up again and freestyle for once.”

Screen Queen

“I’d love for Chinese actress Vicky Chen to play Garbo Zhu in my biopic. First, I find similarities in our looks and second, her eyes can talk! She has a humble attitude toward fame and is dedicated to her craft, and it’d be an honour to have her play the role of Garbo.”