Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 2016
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Friday, September 4, 2015
Beer and Patriotic Shorts on the 2nd Day of the Victory Over Japan Holiday in China
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
11:59 PM
Yesterday after the “Commemoration of 70th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War” military parade had finished, I saw people eating Japanese food during the Victory Over Japan holiday. Today is also a day off for many due to the holiday. But again I didn't see anything which specifically mentioned the holiday. But also again, I saw something which may be a sign of people celebrating.
Tonight in the new Walmart in Zhuhai's Gongbei subdristrict, two young women discussed which beer to purchase. One of them even wore shorts with a patriotic design. I am not sure if they were looking for a Japanese brand, but I didn't see any. Interestingly, their final choice was a beer from Germany, another country which came out on the losing end of World War II.
Or maybe, like with the Japanese food, it had nothing to do with the holiday. Hard to say.
Tonight in the new Walmart in Zhuhai's Gongbei subdristrict, two young women discussed which beer to purchase. One of them even wore shorts with a patriotic design. I am not sure if they were looking for a Japanese brand, but I didn't see any. Interestingly, their final choice was a beer from Germany, another country which came out on the losing end of World War II.
Or maybe, like with the Japanese food, it had nothing to do with the holiday. Hard to say.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Genuine and Not So Genuine: Baltimore Ravens Boxer Shorts and Other NFL Items for Sale in China
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
8:07 PM
A small portion of the vast Zhuhai Port Plaza |
Hundreds of stalls in the underground Zhuhai Port Plaza shopping center in front of the Gongbei Port immigration checkpoint in Zhuhai, China, sell a wide variety of clothing. Yesterday I saw an unexpected item there which reminded me of where I last lived in the U.S. — Baltimore, Maryland.
Assorted underwear and sleepwear for sale |
A young saleswoman said the boxer shorts with the logo of the Baltimore Ravens, a National Football League team, cost 25 RMB (about U.S. $3.90). Although bargaining would likely lead to a lower price, the shorts are already much cheaper than any similar items for sale on the Baltimore Ravens official online store. Obvious imitation products are plentiful at many shops in the market, so it is easy to believe these boxer shorts aren't entirely legitimate.
In regards to counterfeit Baltimore Ravens merchandise coming from China, a few years ago the Baltimore Sun quoted the NFL's vice president of legal affairs as saying "If you're buying merchandise from a China-based website, you're probably not getting the real thing". But the claim doesn't appear to be as true anymore, since the NFL now has a store on Alibaba's Tmall.com which is referenced on the the NFL's website for China.
NFL store on Tmall |
A Ravens hat currently sells there at nearly a 50% discount for 158 RMB (about U.S. $24.80), not very different from the same hat's current discounted price of $22.99 on the NFL's U.S. online store.
New Era Baltimore Ravens Training 39THIRTY Flex Hat for sale on Tmall |
The Ravens page at the NFL Tmall store doesn't list any other items. The store offers five items with the logos of the Ravens' biggest rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, though.
Items for sale on the Pittsburgh Steelers page at the NFL Tmall store |
At least the Ravens can take heart in the fact I didn't see boxer shorts for any other NFL teams at the shop in Zhuhai.
But the Ravens and the NFL shouldn't look at the shorts themselves as necessarily a sign of growing popularity in China. It is not uncommon for people in China to wear clothing with logos more familiar elsewhere simply for their look without concern for their full meaning. Although there are indications the NFL's relatively small fanbase is growing in China, I very rarely meet anyone familiar with it, sharply contrasting with widespread recognition of the NBA. Likely similar to most people in China, the saleswoman didn't know the meaning of the logo. Nor she she seem to care in the least when I informed her of its connection to an NFL team in the U.S. Nonetheless, if the Baltimore Ravens later notice a fan base unexpectedly growing in Zhuhai, these shorts may be where it all began.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Signs of Socialist Core Values in Shanghai
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
11:59 PM
Today in Shanghai I saw the above sign. Along a wall, related signs promoting the various "socialist core values" — a focus of President Xi Jinping — accompanied it. Similar signs aren't uncommon to see in Shanghai or elsewhere in China, not surprising since Xi wants the values to be "all-pervasive, just like the air". On that note, Xi has stressed he doesn't want them polluted by undesired Western values or institutions. I will touch more deeply on this topic later. For now, I just want to say as a man wearing a shirt with a clothing design I have seen many times in China passed by, I wondered about the signs' impact. It's hard to know.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Two of a Mind to Make Up a Look in Shaoyang
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
11:11 PM
Korean fashion and marketing (related video) in Shaoyang, Hunan |
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Seeing Fame in Changsha
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
2:48 PM
A bit of fame I saw Saturday night in Changsha:
A bit of Fame I didn't see (or hear) Saturday night in Changsha:
[on YouTube]
In fact, I have never seen dancing like that (it really gets going just after one minute into the video) any night in Changsha. I have seen other styles of choreographed dancing here, though, including at the previously described pole dancing school. More about the non-pole style of dancing I have seen, often as part of mobile phone promotions, another time.
A bit of Fame I didn't see (or hear) Saturday night in Changsha:
[on YouTube]
In fact, I have never seen dancing like that (it really gets going just after one minute into the video) any night in Changsha. I have seen other styles of choreographed dancing here, though, including at the previously described pole dancing school. More about the non-pole style of dancing I have seen, often as part of mobile phone promotions, another time.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Shirt in China Promotes a New York PRC Lifestyle
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
11:45 PM
At a shopping market in Hengyang, China, I saw this shirt on sale for 19 RMB (about U.S. $3):
I asked a Chinese customer in the store for his thoughts on the shirt. He said he was unsure about most of the shirt, but the stars reminded him of the U.S. flag.
The one way street sign in the shirt's lower right image made me think of the U.S. as well, and the lower left image looked like New York City. I now more strongly suspect it is New York after finding a photo by "Global Jet" on Flickr which appears to have been taken from a slightly different vantage point:
Yet "PRC", especially in China, most often stands for "People's Republic of China". The shirt's potential message about "lifestyle" intrigued me.
So I wished I could speak to the shirt's designer. At the very least, they might be interested to know I bought it.
I asked a Chinese customer in the store for his thoughts on the shirt. He said he was unsure about most of the shirt, but the stars reminded him of the U.S. flag.
The one way street sign in the shirt's lower right image made me think of the U.S. as well, and the lower left image looked like New York City. I now more strongly suspect it is New York after finding a photo by "Global Jet" on Flickr which appears to have been taken from a slightly different vantage point:
Yet "PRC", especially in China, most often stands for "People's Republic of China". The shirt's potential message about "lifestyle" intrigued me.
So I wished I could speak to the shirt's designer. At the very least, they might be interested to know I bought it.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Make It Hot
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
11:46 PM
Indeed, Chongqing was a bit chilly today . . .
On another note related to the phrase on the jacket I saw today, this evening I ate at a comfortably toasty restaurant. The temperature was quite a change of pace from the many other colder places I've eaten at recently. I could now write a long post about the common lack of (or use of) heat in more southern regions in China, but I will save that for another day.
On the whole, I am not complaining about the weather here, especially since Chongqing is known as one of China's "three furnaces" for its sweltering summer heat, as I enjoy walking around in cool temperatures. Unfortunately, air pollution has negated some of their pleasant effects.
On another note related to the phrase on the jacket I saw today, this evening I ate at a comfortably toasty restaurant. The temperature was quite a change of pace from the many other colder places I've eaten at recently. I could now write a long post about the common lack of (or use of) heat in more southern regions in China, but I will save that for another day.
On the whole, I am not complaining about the weather here, especially since Chongqing is known as one of China's "three furnaces" for its sweltering summer heat, as I enjoy walking around in cool temperatures. Unfortunately, air pollution has negated some of their pleasant effects.
Friday, June 13, 2014
A Chinese English-Learning Device, a Cross, and an American Apple
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
10:45 PM
The student with the Baicizhan English-learning app on her smartphone isn't the only person I have met in Hengyang who uses mobile technology to improve their language skills.
Several weeks later, an English teaching assistant visiting Hengyang from Xiangtan, Hunan, approached me while I was walking outside. She said she was excited to talk with a native English speaker.
Like the student, she carried a mobile device that helped her improve her English. Unlike the student, her device functioned solely as a Chinese-English dictionary. She said she always carried it around as was recommended in an English class she had taken. Compared with an app like Baicizhan, it raises questions about why one might purchase / use a dedicated device versus an app on a smartphone.
Finally, she wore a cross not for religious reasons but because she felt it was a fashionable accessory to her clothes. In fact, they were presented together in the store where she bought them--a not unusual sight in Chinese cities like Hengyang. And similar to my meeting with the university student, I noticed a bit of American spirit.
More on both the mobile and American spirit themes later.
Several weeks later, an English teaching assistant visiting Hengyang from Xiangtan, Hunan, approached me while I was walking outside. She said she was excited to talk with a native English speaker.
Like the student, she carried a mobile device that helped her improve her English. Unlike the student, her device functioned solely as a Chinese-English dictionary. She said she always carried it around as was recommended in an English class she had taken. Compared with an app like Baicizhan, it raises questions about why one might purchase / use a dedicated device versus an app on a smartphone.
Finally, she wore a cross not for religious reasons but because she felt it was a fashionable accessory to her clothes. In fact, they were presented together in the store where she bought them--a not unusual sight in Chinese cities like Hengyang. And similar to my meeting with the university student, I noticed a bit of American spirit.
More on both the mobile and American spirit themes later.
Friday, May 9, 2014
An Easy-to-Identify Knockoff Chanel Shirt in China
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
11:56 PM
Knockoffs of well-known international clothing brands are a far more common sight in China than imitations of well-known international hotel brands. Just how common is not simple to pin down though. Depending on the degree and quality of the imitation, it can be challenging to identify knockoffs based purely on their appearance, especially if one is not familiar with the brands. For example, today in Hengyang, Hunan province, I saw someone wearing what appeared to be a Chanel shirt.
After a quick check of Chanel's website, I now see that the shape of the two interlocked letters in the logo seems less circular than the interlocked letters in Chanel's standard logo, but I am still not sure whether the shirt is a knockoff or not. I would not be surprised if Chanel could provide a very quick answer.
In contrast, there are other shirts I feel confident labeling as knockoffs even without checking a website or consulting a fashion expert. For example, also today in Hengyang, I saw someone wearing a shirt with what is clearly only an imitation of Chanel's brand.
As everyone knows, the interlocked letters in Chanel's logo don't have rounded ends. Sometimes it is so easy.
After a quick check of Chanel's website, I now see that the shape of the two interlocked letters in the logo seems less circular than the interlocked letters in Chanel's standard logo, but I am still not sure whether the shirt is a knockoff or not. I would not be surprised if Chanel could provide a very quick answer.
In contrast, there are other shirts I feel confident labeling as knockoffs even without checking a website or consulting a fashion expert. For example, also today in Hengyang, I saw someone wearing a shirt with what is clearly only an imitation of Chanel's brand.
As everyone knows, the interlocked letters in Chanel's logo don't have rounded ends. Sometimes it is so easy.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Starbucks Gangnam Style Arrives Before Starbucks in Zhanjiang
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
11:59 PM
According to an outdoor promotional video at a new mall under construction, the first Starbucks in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, will soon open. But already one can see signs of Starbucks here.
Possibly inspired by a modified cup, this Gangnam Style Starbucks shirt isn't sold at Starbucks, even in China. However, like the girl in the photo, you can buy it on Taobao. After a quick search, the lowest price I saw is 9.9 RMB (about U.S. $1.60), though a more typical price seems to be around 20 RMB.
With disappointment in her voice, the girl told me she has never been to a Starbucks. She perked up when I told her about the soon-to-open store. I wonder if she knows her Starbucks drink might cost more than her shirt.
Possibly inspired by a modified cup, this Gangnam Style Starbucks shirt isn't sold at Starbucks, even in China. However, like the girl in the photo, you can buy it on Taobao. After a quick search, the lowest price I saw is 9.9 RMB (about U.S. $1.60), though a more typical price seems to be around 20 RMB.
With disappointment in her voice, the girl told me she has never been to a Starbucks. She perked up when I told her about the soon-to-open store. I wonder if she knows her Starbucks drink might cost more than her shirt.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Mannequins and Life on Yangjiang's Beimen Jie
Posted by
Brian Glucroft
at
11:56 PM
Beimen Jie (北门街) in Yangjiang's Jiangcheng District is a narrow street (usually) devoid of cars but sees plenty of traffic from smaller vehicles and pedestrians. It includes a number of small clothing stores, many with mannequins outside dressed in various fashions. Over the course of several days, I photographed the mannequins as people passed by.
None the photographs I share below include the same set of mannequins on the same day. Some mannequins appear in multiple photos dressed in different clothes. There is even one pair of photos with the same mannequins without a change of clothing, but a closer look will reveal clues of the photos having been taken on different days. The scenes not only capture some of the day to day life commonly found in Yangjiang but individually and as a set they also raise a host of fascinating issues.
None the photographs I share below include the same set of mannequins on the same day. Some mannequins appear in multiple photos dressed in different clothes. There is even one pair of photos with the same mannequins without a change of clothing, but a closer look will reveal clues of the photos having been taken on different days. The scenes not only capture some of the day to day life commonly found in Yangjiang but individually and as a set they also raise a host of fascinating issues.
Monday, March 3, 2014
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