Get the Look: Irene Lu of Pillowbook and Fai of Danwei

Jessica Rapp | Oct 10, 2014 9:00 am | Add a comment | 1824 reads

Every month in the Beijinger magazine, we photograph two local fashion fiends and get them to tell us their style secrets. This month, we spoke to Irene Lu of Pillowbook and Fai of Danwei.

Irene Lu, Founder of Pillowbook

Her style: “I like to stay away from logos, and I like to mix my own brand and investment pieces with vintage ones. I love thrifting and dumpster diving [for furniture].”

Ready to wear vs. custom-made: Most of her lingerie collection is based on the idea that the customer can choose from 60 swatches of colors as well as sizing that works for them – the thought of picking and choosing her own design makes Irene giddy: “It makes you feel like you’re part of the whole process.”

Favorite colors: Purple and gray

What she’s wearing: Dudou and bralette from Pillowbook, jeans from Uniqlo, shoes from boutique store in French Concession, jeans from Uniqlo, lingerie by her, tension rings by Niessing.

Fai, Co-founder of Danwei, Owner of Delia

His style: “I don’t follow any particular type of style, but I always admire the ‘intellectual’ styles from the ‘50s and ‘60s, and I always like to wear green and blue.”

Most treasured item of clothing: “A burgundy, wool cardigan hand knit by my grandma. The cardigan was originally made for my grandfather."

Style transformation: Early 1990s: UK indie music scene. Late 1990s: Japanese Shibuya music scene. Post-1990: French and Hong Kong new wave cinema. “I couldn’t take off my shirts and leather shoes until now.

Who inspires him: “I like the style of guys who are over 60 years old.

What he’s wearing: 1970s linen shirt from Mumbai, India, 1980s Japanese school athletic shorts, 1970s leather church shoes, 1980s low-fi Casio watch, 1920s tortoiseshell wire rim glasses, made in England.