These outfits weave together the seniors’ diaspora : where they came from, what they did for a living, how they made the best of their circumstances. Like handmade items using fabric from the sewing factory where they worked, or hand-knit or hand-me-down clothing from friends and family. Their style speaks to their values: Why buy new clothes when you can wear gifted ones? Or custom clothes from Hong Kong, thirty years old but perfectly preserved? Combined with tender personalized touches, Chinatown seniors’ style contains so much ingenuity, flair, and beauty.
Andria Lo and Valerie Luu, authors of Chinatown Pretty: Fashion and Wisdom from Chinatown’s Most Stylish Seniors (Chronicle Books, 2020).
Check back on Wednesday for my review of this book.
OverDressed for Life 
Oh, this is fabulous. Hong Kong tailors are some of the most skilled in the world, working with scrumptious fabrics, hand dyed & artfully printed, silks that reflect each hour of the silkworm’s laborious work, painful stitches that were even ‘forbidden’ for the strain of perfection… such refined taste & ancient craftsmanship. Of course elders would want to reflect & honor the true & tried, perfected skill of their ancestors. Who wouldn’t? And where could you ever find textile pieces made in today’s world that equal (or attempt) such beauty? I hope to learn more… as a vintage clothing admirer… this harmonizes with my values & understanding. Good job, Moya!
Thanks, Nancy. I agree with all that you have said. This book is an interesting look at a unique group of people, who, in most cases, are not even trying to be fashionable.
Oh goody! I surely will check back.
Your Mom’s Closet certainly honors that sentiment.
What a lovely photo of an elegant elder.
Thank you.
Thanks, Lori. I think of Grandma Louise when I think of elder elegance.