// OCTOBER 2009

Beyond the hype: Shan Shan

I found fashion the clearest form of expression.

Shan Shan is a 29 year old textile artist and online boutique owner from Osaka, Japan.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live.

My name is Shan Shan. Yes, it is my true name; first name is Shan, last name is Shan too. :) Nickname is Dadaya.

I am a 29 old Chinese housewife and textile artist living in Osaka. I have two online shops (one for crafts and one for clothes) and I sometimes write articles in the fashion and textile magazine. Occasionally I am a translator, and next month I will be a craft teacher in my first workshop. I will teach how to make felt gloves and embroider them. :)

How did you end up in Japan?

I was born and raised in Qintao of China. I came to Japan with my man after I had graduated from the art high school because I wanted to study product design and my man wanted to be a video game creator in Japan. I graduated in Product Communication Design at the Kyoto Seika University, and after studied Textile Design and Art at the Kawasima Textile School. Now I am doing work in textiles while doing the housework.

What do you love about living in Osaka?

I moved to Osaka for my man's work in March this year, so I am not well informed about Osaka. I lived in Kyoto for a long time; I love Kyoto so much! I loved the atmosphere of Kyoto. It is a dignified, peculiar and settled feeling. I loved the autumn tint of Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is my most favorite though there are a lot of beautiful temples and Shinto shrines in Kyoto.

Your top 3 places to visit in Japan:

Kyoto, Tokyo, Hokaidou. Kyoto has the most beautiful things; Tokyo has the most fun things; Hokaidou has the most delicious things.

How does the Japanese fashion scene compare to the rest of the world?

I think that Japan is the country where the most various fashion styles exist because there are many interesting subcultures in Japan. Besides general fashion there is gal fashion, lolita fashion and punk fashion, which is different from punk-rock style (read a comic named Nana), etc.

Why is fashion important to you?

[Growing up] I wanted to differ from the person of my childhood. I found fashion the clearest form of expression.

Describe your personal style and its influences / inspiration.

Fashion is a means to express my individuality. I have neither beautiful face nor nice body, so I couldn't wear anything that I love! I only choose fashion suitable for my style, not fashion that suits models or other people. Also my style has changed as my knowledge and age grows up. I think it is happy to always change. :) My inspiration comes from anything I can see! Magazines, fashion blogs, comics, movies, streets, music and so on.

Which magazines, blogs, and comics are your favorites?

Magazines: I love a French kids' magazine called Milk, and the Japanese magazines Soen and Fudge.
Blogs: Of course, LOOKBOOK.nu is best! I love MERRY DAILY by TOKYO BOPPER, The Sartorialist and Jak & Jil too.
Comics: Naoki Miura, Akira Toriyama, and Takehiko Inoue are my best 3!

How has your style changed since you were younger?

For instance, 10 years ago, I disliked dresses and high heels and put on jeans and boots only. But now, dresses and high heels occupy more than half of my closet, and there's only 2 pairs of jeans in there! 5 years ago, my choice of clothing were interesting and strange designs. But now, I only want designs suitable for my style! 1 year ago I loved colorful combinations but now, I love monotone and chic combinations too!

Favorite designers and places to shop?

Many many! I love Japanese designers because they are very delicate and the quality is very high. But Comme Des Garcons (Rei Kawakubo and Tao Kurihara) is my most favorite.

Most of the time, I love shopping in vintage shops!

The first thing you look at in another person's outfit is:

Just a kind of feeling. It isn't possible to express in words!

What do you skimp on?

Housework :P I want to become a good wife, though I am not a good housewife.

What do you splurge on?

Footwear! Tights, socks, stocking and shoes! I have a huge collection of about 100 pairs of tights, socks, and stockings!

What do you think is the most recent notable trend to appear/reappear, and what are your thoughts on it?

Fast fashion. By that I mean what is designed and manufactured quickly and cheaply to allow the consumer to take advantage of current clothing styles at a lower price, such as H&M, ZARA and Forever21. I said I loved Japanese designers because they not only pursue the interest of the design but also value the technology, the culture and the tradition of Japan in fashion. I occasionally buy fast fashion. However, I think that this is the same as eating fast food. When I was childhood, my mum said that fast food was unwholesome! I prefer to eat foods made with love.

What is your next "must have" purchase?

I am looking for high-waist pants with two rows of gold buttons.

Are there any fashion icons or famous people whose style you admire?

None! I only choose the fashion suitable for my style.

What's on your playlist / bookshelf / DVD player at the moment?

Music: a lot! now is Ojos De Brujo and Ayaka.
Books: I love Michel Pastoureau.
I haven't DVD player.

What can't you live without?

I can't live without family and making something.

What is your personal favorite outfit on LOOKBOOK.nu by you, and by another member?

I really love harmonise by Fefe Mortsanscafe and Full length by Arvida Byström. I like her expression more. Mine is in the garden—this fantastic dress is my most favorite. Upon glancing I fell in love with the buttons, and I thought the drape and length of that dress looked wonderful on me!

Next place you want to travel to (and why):

Northern Europe. Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. They have beautiful crafts, nature and fashion sense.

In the year 2014 you will be:

Making fashion and crafts with my future children in my vintage shop and cafe :)

What would you say to someone seeking general fashion advice?

Never mimic anyone, though references can be done.

Our last interviewee Peter Galahad asks: If you are a superhero, what is your superpower?

Ohh, I am greedy! I want the superpower to understand all living things' languages: the insects, the animals, and the fish, etc. And…I want the ability to freely transform into them too. :P

What should we ask the next interviewee?

Do you like to lick the candy, or bite it?

Comments

Denny W.: 21 days ago

she's one of my faves, very unique and beautiful =).

Shan S.: 21 days ago

thank you, Denny!
I am a fan of you too:)*

Phillip paul V.: 21 days ago

that last question gonna kill the next person to be interviewed :)
hah and she's chinese :) 我也喜欢他的风格哈哈

Shan S.: 21 days ago

谢谢:)
hope the next person like it:E

Anchi C. (@cinantya): 21 days ago

one word "unique!" :)

Shan S.: 21 days ago

"unique" is the most important keyword for me!

Fluffy Kit Kat (@flufffox): 21 days ago

Love love LOVE Shan! She's so inspiring and gorgeous to look at. I was hooked the first time I saw her and admittedly e-stalked her looks for quite a while :D. I'm glad I finally got to know more about her! Yay, Shan you're my fashion hero XD

Shan S.: 21 days ago

thank you, dear:)
so happy to hear that from you!

Jocelyne S.: 21 days ago

haha that last question is really a killer :)

Kay d. G.: 21 days ago

J'adore! J'ai l'impression qu'elle sort directement d'un manga!
Continues comme ça, ne changes rien! <3

博子 �.: 21 days ago

Wonderful to hear more about your side of things but I disagree with you not thinking you have beautiful face or body! Everyone is beautiful.

Shan S.: 21 days ago

thank you, 博子：）I am glad!

Tamara G. (@MalibuMaraa): 21 days ago

the colors are love!
i always look forward to each beyond the hype :)

Shan S.: 21 days ago

thanks!

Linn V.: 21 days ago

Wow! You are wonderful! Do come to Norway!

Shan S.: 21 days ago

yeah, I will go!!

Becky H.: 21 days ago

i love all your shoes!

Shan S.: 21 days ago

thanks!

Adam B.: 21 days ago

Perfect!

Shan S.: 21 days ago

thanks Adam:)

Nancy Z.: 21 days ago

亲爱的我飞奔过来了哈哈哈，访谈果然是你的风格，我们一起为今后的梦想努力吧~~

Shan S.: 21 days ago

努力努力加油加油！！！
见面的时候，一定要分享各自的成果:D*

Alan L.: 21 days ago

FAST FASHION! <3
Love it.:)

Chris F. (@regretandramen): 21 days ago

Congratulations! I've always loved your looks, Shan! :D

Shan S.: 21 days ago

thanks:)

Aden Aldous Wright (@aldouswright): 21 days ago

I think we've found the next Rei Kawakubo. You're a lot younger though.

Shan S.: 21 days ago

thank you!
I love Rei, but I don't want to be a next Rei:P

Aden Aldous Wright (@aldouswright): 20 days ago

I really like your attitude. Then be somebody new! Be Shan-Shan!

Eliza M.: 21 days ago

I think this is my favourite interview yet (:

Shan S.: 21 days ago

that's great:D

Lua P.: 21 days ago

Im so happy you got interviewed, Shan! you are so original and i love your style :)

Shan S.: 21 days ago

I am happy to hear that, thanks:)

Charlene ashley D. (@candydoll07): 21 days ago

Omedetou gozaimasu!!! Anata wa kawaii desu!!! <3

Shan S.: 21 days ago

ありがとうございます。

Nani P. (@designani): 21 days ago

I loveeeee alll your cuteeee style...

Shan S.: 20 days ago

thanks!

Qoqoro Q.: 20 days ago

Shan S.: 20 days ago

(via Facebook): 20 days ago

You have the same name as my mom, but Shan Shan is only her first name. :) Love your style, and I agree that Japan certainly has a huge range when it comes to fashion. Interesting interview. :)

Shan S.: 20 days ago

thank you for your comment!
hallo to your mother:)

Ting S.: 20 days ago

i love how unique all of your looks are.

Shan S.: 20 days ago

thanks!

Leonard A. (@Vuitton_Don): 20 days ago

Interesting Read

Shan S.: 20 days ago

thanks for reading!

Yolii G. (@YoliiGee): 20 days ago

that last question is killer :D i remember when i first saw one shan's looks, i never forgot who she was.

Shan S.: 20 days ago

thank you:)

Fanny C.: 20 days ago

i just love all of your looks, you remember me "shiro" in the movie Tekkonkinkreet (book by Taiyou mastumoto), and i love it so much ! i think you are my favorite on lookbook!.. well done !

Shan S.: 20 days ago

thank you! it is my pleasure:D

Gavi G.: 20 days ago

You style just fits one word... unique. I really like you and your little hats they are soo cutee

Shan S.: 20 days ago

thank you!
yeah, unique is one of my concept! I think I can't live without unique, too:)

Cordero B.: 19 days ago

great advice in the interview ur looks are very diverse
love the color - pattern combos
come to new york city

Shan S.: 18 days ago

thank you for your reading!
of course, I will go to NYC, too:)

Alexandra L.: 18 days ago

you aren't a cookie-cutter girl, which i admire, and you most definitely have a nice face and body.

Shan S.: 18 days ago

thanks!

Ma J.: 18 days ago

很喜欢你,一直都有在看你的BLOG和商店.

Shan S.: 18 days ago

谢谢，我很荣幸:)

Misse L.: 18 days ago

You are my favorite here at LB :)

Shan S.: 18 days ago

thank you, so happy to hear that:)

Paw S. (@pawsalonga): 18 days ago

love her

Shan S.: 18 days ago

thanks for your support:)

Angie B.: 18 days ago

I love your looks!

Shan S.: 18 days ago

thanks!

Bhelinda R. (@asbellrunsblack): 18 days ago

wow.
i feel like lookin' on dream world.
NICE!!

Shan S.: 17 days ago

thanks:)

Jen o. C.: 17 days ago

"I have neither beautiful face nor nice body"
What silliness! You are one of the most interesting person on this site, and I think you're perfectly lovely :) This interview was wonderful to read.

Shan S.: 17 days ago

thank you so much for your reading and support! yeah, I was foolish:P

Lily M.: 17 days ago

enjoyed the interview :D

i love your style, you never cease to be unique ! n__n

Shan S.: 17 days ago

thanks for your enjoying:)

Natascha B. (@taxcha): 17 days ago

I live in Japan too right now, your story is really inspiring.
I hope I could be like you someday.

Shan S.: 17 days ago

ありがとうございます：）
自分らしくできたら、一番楽だよ！

Talia K.: 17 days ago

I loved what you said about fast food and fast fashion.

Shan S.: 16 days ago

thank you for your agreement! I loved it too:P

Jo A.: 16 days ago

This made my day.
Shan shan you're my favorite! <3

Shan S.: 16 days ago

thank you dear! It is my pleasure:)

Beth G.: 16 days ago

Shan!
I think you're beautiful, even if you don't :)
Beautiful; unique; amazing !!
xxx

Shan S.: 16 days ago

hi Beth, thank you for your support so much ! I am really happy to hear that xD

Eraser Y. (@eraseryou): 16 days ago

我是你的粉丝。我刚从日本文化服装学院毕业回来，日本的东西真是精致。。。

Shan S.: 16 days ago

谢谢！
原来你是文化毕业的呀，我大学毕业后本来也想去文化的，但是诸多原因我选择了别的学校，好羡慕你！
是啊，日本的设计做得很精致，设计师们对传统的技术和文化都很用心，都有自己的こだわり！
在国内好好干呀，中国有更悠久的历史文化和更优秀的技术，缺的就是这份精致和こだわり！有机会我也想回去的:)*

Eraser Y. (@eraseryou): 16 days ago

恩，国内做东西就是缺乏那种细致。。哎，其实中国人很聪明的。就是不懂得传承和发扬。你完全是陪你男人四处游得小女人嘛，哈哈。~~

Shan S.: 16 days ago

你把我说的太优越了吧！
我们一起在日本奋斗了10年，不是我陪他游，而是我们互相支持！他支持我做创作，不希望我为了挣钱而荒废了自己的专业！而他只是个游戏公司的小设计师，也在为实现自己的梦想在奋斗！不是什么争大钱的大款！！

Eraser Y. (@eraseryou): 16 days ago

好羡慕你们！
十年，太厉害了！！！
可以不为了赚钱专心在自己的事业上真的是非常非常非常开心的事情！羡慕！！！

Eraser Y. (@eraseryou): 16 days ago

你做的东西真的很可爱。
问你个问题，圣诞节你最想收到服装店送什么小礼物？

Shan S.: 16 days ago

不是不想挣钱，只是想通过自己喜欢的方式挣！我和我先生幸运的就是，我们的工作同时也是我们的兴趣，不会像工薪阶层那样工作的很辛苦，我是指心理上的！！虽然现在我们挣得不多，但我们都相信我们会有成功的一天，自然也会得到相应的收入，这也就需要我们现在的奋斗！！

精致的巧克力！shopping之后，回家的路上吃会感到很温暖。

Erika A.: 15 days ago

"However, I think that this is the same as eating fast food. When I was childhood, my mum said that fast food was unwholesome! I prefer to eat foods made with love."

you are the SWEETEST thing. i enjoyed this interview above all others. my sister just spent 5 weeks in japan and she said similar things about kyoto. as far as i knew, though, she really loved osaka as well! she actually photographed her journey. here, i'll share it with you. http://kaltosaar.blogspot.com/

Shan S.: 15 days ago

thanks so much for your comment and link, Erika:)
your sister really is a nice photographer! She saw Japan from a very unique aspect. wonderful!
say hello to her , and you are welcome to Japan:))

Erika A.: 15 days ago

she anticipates moving there so i expect to be visiting very soon. if and when the day comes, i'll ask for any recommendations of yours! all of which i'll take very seriously and to heart.

Shan S.: 15 days ago

I am sure they will bit your heart:D

Valerie B. (@iwantyoursoda): 15 days ago

Such an inspiration! I feel like I can relate, I was never a fan of dresses or high heels either, but now that's all I wear!

One of these days, I'll hopefully learn to make textile art!

Shan S.: 15 days ago

thank you for your comment!
I am very happy to hear that, dear:)

Zoë D.: 15 days ago

you are so unique. and....cute! your interview was very cute, I can tell you are a very caring person, and not just an artist. keep being you!

Ps. I think the opposite of what you said about your appearance, never think less of yourself, ok?

Shan S.: 15 days ago

thanks for your comment :)
I did not want to discuss whether my appearance are good or bad in here. However, I wanted only to emphasize the choice of the fashion thinking about it.

Shan S.: 15 days ago

Hello, everyone!
thanks for your comments and supportting!!

I said "I have neither beautiful face nor nice body, so I couldn't wear anything that I love! I only choose fashion suitable for my style, not fashion that suits models or other people." in my interview.
I thougth I have to explain agian that I don't want to discuss whether my appearance are good or bad at here, though many people are thought I worry about it! thank you for your kind, however, I wanted only to emphasize the choice of the fashion thinking about it. please do not misunderstand!!! thanks!