As China grows into a position of economic security the average Chinese will begin to decide what they want to do with their newfound purchasing power, and apparently it's Gucci. Large leather wallets, satchel purses and strapped handbags have become a way to display personal status and affluence. "Any common laborer can afford a cheap nylon satchel," but designer accessories that are expensive and streamlined, with Hollywood style and Manhattan Prices, are viewed here as the trappings of the successful Chinese alpha male.
"For Chinese, it's a show of masculinity," said Zhang Lianhai, a 33-year-old marketing strategist gripping a plain, black leather Prada handbag outside a Gucci store in Beijing. "We need luxury brands. You won't be taken seriously if you look too casual."
Don't believe me? Read for yourself. A small testament to the divergent cultural and economic paths that China will begin to take as it acquires more power and wealth. Maybe the west assumed that the Chinese would spend their money like we did; sports cars, black ties, and walk in refrigerators... We might be in for a surprise.
Beijing was a refreshing collection of diverse styles and fashion. The level of fashion is on par with New York for the average Beijinger. People put a lot of care in to what they wear. Studies have shown that dressing well increases confidence levels, so what better for a nation moving from tragedy to economic success for people to spend money on than what they wear? It is a source of pride and confidence for the people of Beijing. Not only do the people put a lot of time in how they present themselves but also express their personality through their wardrobe. The diversity of clothing and styles is astounding. A stark contrast to the harsh uniformity I saw in Tokyo. Living in Beijing I enjoyed the fact that men could care about fashion without the negative stigma in Texas of being gay or metro. Man cared about clothing as much as women, without the connotation of ‘loosing man points’ which I enjoyed very much.
ReplyDeleteA picture of Giorgio Armani store I took in Beijing:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbacani/4230850914/in/set-72157624985160801/
This new-found sense of fashion is as interesting as it is startling. When one considers that a mere ten years ago, Beijing passed a law banning walking out in public without a shirt on, the increase of buying expensive Western designers is shocking. When I was in Beijing, I saw very few people dressed poorly. In fact, few even had on T-shirts, most preferring polos and slacks. Granted it was Winter, but I asked my Chinese friends and they said that was standard attire for Beijingers. I also had a family friend that went to do business with a Chinese company and was bought a $10,000 Rolex because he would not be taken seriously otherwise. This change is both refreshing and appreciated.
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