Pyjama Party
Of all the trends coming out of Shanghai and sweeping the international fashion scene, such as the no-lens glasses, the super long backed womens shirts and the zip-up sneakers, it’s the pyjama suit that is currently taking over the world.
The current fixation of head-to-toe prints modelled on the ‘made for daytime’ pyjama suit has sparked a few to ask the question, “Is the international scene becoming Shanghainese?” If so, it would be an ironic twist of fate given that only a couple of years ago the citizens of Shanghai were highly discouraged in embracing the old neighbourhood nongtang (alleyway) culture with the omnipresence of Expo tourists. In fact, this once embarrassing quirk of Shanghai life has somehow managed to manifest itself onto the ready-to-wear runway collections by the likes of Céline, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton. Shanghai isn’t the only place where people are currently walking around outside in their ‘jammies’ anymore — the people of Paris and Milan are also following suit, literally, it seems.
But how and why? Is the ultra-relaxed Shanghainese concept of convenience resonating throughout the global community because the twenty-first century has become too structured and tense?
According to Vivian Tothill of www.cinchbytheinch.blogspot.com, it’s possible that the international community has become enchanted by the Shanghai style, albeit coincidentally. “People are interested in what's happening in China right now, since the country as a whole has such an influence in the world economy. Even though fashion has always incorporated elements of the East, it’s significantly more prominent now.”
“Sometimes fashion embraces funky, weird styles. Somehow it’s become a novel idea that what you wear at home can also be worn in the street. It’s funny because it’s that train of thought that has always made sense to the people of Shanghai,” says Meijia S. of www.meijias.blogbus.com.
What she means by this is that the practice of wearing pyjamas outside is deeply rooted in the culture of Shanghai, stemming from the idea that once work has ended, one is free to leisure about in their sleepwear both inside and outside of one’s home. The purpose is to be as relaxed as possible in one’s own vicinity.
“People have become drawn to the pyjama suit’s nonchalance and effortlessness, not to mention the comfort factor,” says Tothill.
The elite of the fashion world seem to understand the pyjama suit’s newfound glory and chic factor, thus cementing the idea that dressing down is now the new epitome of dressing up. And why not? The simple, unstructured silhouette of sleepwear makes it a versatile medium for avant-garde ideas. With it, creative directors of the high fashion world can drench pieces of clothing in whimsical prints and patterns from their unencumbered imagination.
“Prints and colour are huge trends in fashion right now, along with wide pants. Designers are smitten with loose, flowing clothing at the moment, which is probably why they have become so keen to work with it,” says Tothill. “Overall it's a cute look— but it's a delicate balance to get right. It shows that fashion still appreciates a bit of humour and irony. It's a nice juxtaposition to the lady-like look that's been storming the fashion world over the past couple of seasons.”
“Visually, Shanghai is really exciting in terms of colours, mix-and-match sets and other fun and interesting things,” adds Hélène Meunier, French Fashion designer and owner of Meuh! La Boutique, whose pyjama collection (see below pictured) was actually created seasons before the current craze.
“As a fashion designer, Shanghai inspires me through the contrasts I see on my daily strolls: Clothes drying out in the street next to a super modern building; shiny luxury cars and rusty tricycles. Its messy side is endearing. As a result, I ended up creating a surprising mix of things that aren’t usually paired together.”
Reflectively, this possibly coincidental trend in fashion may signify more than a hot pyjama party— it may just mark the beginning of Shanghai’s influence on international pop culture. Without a doubt, the next few years will manifest Shanghai’s position in the fashion world. It may not be expressed as blatantly as the current pyjama suit phenomena, but the possibility is there.
“There are definitely some exciting developments happening locally. Shanghai is so cosmopolitan and China is growing so fast that the air is ripe for change. I relish the day when Shanghai ranks amongst the most stylish cities in the world!” exclaims Tothill.
And so do we.
These cute shorts are available at Meuh! for RMB 350 a piece.
Meuh! 29 Tai'an Lu, near Wukang Lu
