Feeds to Follow: Chinatown Pretty
Perhaps one of the most interesting fashion accounts on Instagram is @chinatownpretty. Run by creators Andria Lo and Valerie Luu, this isn’t your typical influencer page. Rather, Chinatown Pretty is a unique project documenting the street style of senior citizens living in the Chinatowns of various cities across North America, including Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
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The page is visually striking due to the colorful nature of the subjects’ outfits as well as the backdrops they are photographed in front of. The portraits captured by Lo and Luu are cheery and bright, capturing the joy and wisdom of the elders they depict. Staples of the Chinatown Pretty style include bright colors, large hats, floral prints, and layers upon layers, with vests being a particularly popular choice of outerwear. The seniors’ style combines bold fashion statements with practicality: many of those documented are grocers and find fun ways to incorporate essential garments such as sleeve protectors into their outfits.
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The Chinatown Pretty account is already fascinating due to how captivating and engaging is unique aesthetic is. However, what adds an extra layer of appeal is the page’s depiction of Asian-American elders, who are generally not a group that comes to mind when people envision fashion influencers. The Chinatown Pretty project shows that although these elders may not be influencing mainstream fashion trends and are all but ignored by the American fashion industry, they have an impeccable style of their own that deserves to be shared with the world.
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Chinatown Pretty’s celebration of Asian-American elders has been especially important during a time when many members of the community have been subject to great hatred and discrimination. While the page’s primary primary objective is to showcase the styles and personalities of its subjects, it has also noted, “Don’t forget to check in on your elders and show some love to your local Chinatown. Being present in Chinatown is one way to show up for the community and make the neighborhood a safer place for all.”
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There’s a great deal of fashion inspiration to be found in these photographs, especially when it comes to layering, pattern-mixing, accessorizing, and incorporating more color. If you’re looking to craft a personal style that allows you to stand out while still looking coordinated, be sure to check the Chinatown Pretty page.
Find Chinatown Pretty through their Instagram, blog, or book.
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