Notes on Noticing: What I learned from “Chinatown Pretty”

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A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in a San Francisco bookstore and picked up a copy of “Chinatown Pretty.” When I finally got around to reading it, I was expecting to be inspired, but I was also unexpectedly met with a new perspective on style and an admirable exploration of human connection. 

The book’s writers, Valerie Luu and Andria Lo, sparked a friendship in 2009 through the San Francisco food community Together; as they shared plates of dim sum, they both would pause between bites when viewing a quirky outfit in passing. So they started documenting the outfits worn by citizens in Chinatowns in San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Manhattan. 

“Chinatown Pretty” is the term used to describe this unique style that can be spotted in and around this specific part of a city. It is, as coined by Luu and Lo, “a delightful mix of modern and vintage, high and low, bold patterns and colors, and contemporary streetwear — like Nike sneakers or a Supreme hat — that takes the outfit to a whole new level.” 

Much like Humans of New York (HONY), a project that offers “daily glimpses into the lives of strangers on the streets of New York City,” Chinatown Pretty has captured moments in time and documented them to be remembered. 

What started as an ode to the style and fashion of a much-overlooked group of people, Chinatown Pretty ultimately became an intimate look into the lives of a generation with rich histories in the diaspora. 

Luu and Lo write, “These outfits weave together the seniors’ diaspora: where they come from, what they did for a living, and how they made the best of their circumstances.” 

Striving for survival, the feeling of lack, and the adornment of hand-me-downs from others are passed on through immigrant families, creating a common shared experience many can relate to. Through generations that have struggled, these garments reflect lives lived and persistence through adversity, as seen in many of our grandparents and parents. 

Chinatowns are home to many immigrants, old and new. The history of how these towns and communities came to be is filled with hardship and the pursuit of more. Yet, for the later generations, they serve as a beacon for culture and a connection with heritage. 

In speaking with Luu and Lo, they mention that one thing they want people to take away from this is the power of noticing. “I think it’s just noticing people in general. Not just the amazing senior citizens around you, but saying ‘hi,’ and connecting with family, engaging with your neighbors, and never hesitating to give a compliment,” says Luu. 

Chinatown Pretty serves as a reminder to step outside of yourself. Acknowledgment is a gift that can be given again and again. Beauty, connection, and love become known through another’s admiration. 

Walking through Chinatown, boldness and functionality are present among stands of fresh fruits, vegetables, and knick-knacks lining the streets of these towns. There’s a community of people living and existing in a sense of freedom that mimics younger years of throwing together outfits with no inherent sense of fear that society instills. 

In the details of their daily wear, familiarity and comfort arise from the frequent eye-catching outfits. Putting together garments of different colors and patterns that seem absolutely wild, but to them, whether conscious or unconscious, they make it work. In impressionable and easily influenced youth, the pressure of society’s bounds makes acceptance by others a priority and creates limits. Instilled is a narrative that suffocates and restricts. Fitting in is safe, while standing out and being different is a risk. 

Here are five looks from “Chinatown Pretty,” broken down with takeaways that can be applied to your style. 

Color

Color is in no lack when strolling Chinatowns. However, one thing that scares us most when choosing what to step outside in is knowing color will attract a lot of eyes. But there’s something to be said about being brave enough to wear bold colors and know that people will look, and the people of Chinatown have no fear of it. 

Xing Jun Ma struts the streets of Vancouver in a brilliant blue skirt suit and a bright pink Dora the Explorer backpack passed on to her from her great-grandchildren. To pull the look together, she wears shoes in the same shade of pink as her backpack.

Another way to use color is to make a look with different tones and shades. The bold look mentioned above also does this, but color is intimidating, and if you want to dip your toes into more tonal looks, neutral colors are a safe place to start. 

To Hon Ng Fan from Oakland does tonal like a pro in a brown coat, fitted and tailored just for her and brings in more shades of brown with a knit sweater underneath and a beanie to match. The contrast in materials gives all the pieces that have been layered their own start and end so they don’t get lost in each other. Looks like this can withstand the test of time. 

Patterns, Prints, Textures, Layers

One of the best ways to elevate your style is to play around with patterns, textures, and layers. Adding a vest or jacket to layer can add dimension and versatility. Wearing a tonal outfit that includes garments with different textures and fabrics elevates a look in the details that would otherwise be dingy. Patterns can be one of the more tricky elements to work with, but when done right, can make an exciting and playful vibe. 

A red oversized plaid blazer, a collared shirt patterned with flowers, and pleated emerald green pants make a unique fit, and what ties it all together is the smile on Run Jin Ou Yang’s face. 

It may seem like none of these items work together, and one wouldn’t usually think to wear them on the same day, but Run Jin Ou Yang has created a culture that begs you to ask yourself when everything is telling you no; there is all more reason to say yes. You can wear anything with a smile and no cares; thank you, Run Jin Ou Yang. 

Accessories

The thing about Chinatowns, they are open to accessorizing. 

Wide-brim hats, beanies, jade bracelets, gloves, glasses, and necklaces adorn them. Adding accessories is a great way to add personality and personal touch to an outfit that could otherwise be bland!

Chuck Lee has a tonal outfit with patterns, textures, and layers, adding a pop of color with his 49ers beanie. He took it further by layering a few necklaces and a couple bracelets. However, the safety pins holding his paisley vest give this outfit personality. The quirkiness of the safety pins is unexpected but subtle enough and makes me think, “I’m barely holding it together, but I’m making it work.” And he is!

Oh, Helen, you’ve charmed me. The yellow smiley face lanyard plays off the color in her 80s patterned bomber jacket that she’s wearing with a pair of tailored tan pants. A bowler hat, paisley pattern shoes, and hexagon-shaped glasses are the perfect pieces to tie it together. 

Befriend Boldness

Be brave and let these looks give you inspiration for your own style. Style is deeply personal, so get to know yourself. Who would you be if you knew no one would judge you?

When investing in your personal style, you’ll find what works for you when you shift your perspective from vanity to a medium you express yourself to the world. An outfit becomes an extension of your personality and an outward projection of within. Once this sense of self is established, seeing it in someone else is easier. 

“Chinatown Pretty” celebrates and acknowledges style, freedom, youth, and life through the outfits and personal stories documented within its pages. Take the time to notice one another and use that as an opportunity to feel connection. 

You can order the book on Bookshop.com through Mochi’s affiliate storefront. (A percentage of your purchase total goes towards supporting our mission.) Learn more about Chinatown Pretty on the website and follow the Instagram @chinatownpretty

Photo credits: Andria Lo/Chinatown Pretty