( The Bespoke White Shirt )

“This is officially the fist bespoke shirt I own.  Since I moved to Shanghai six years ago, I had been hearing all about this ‘magic’ fabric market where you can get your clothes custom made for very reasonable prices.  It’s the typical ‘Shanghai thing’ that you have to do if you live in the city.  However, it took me about a year before I made my first pilgrimage to the market, because there never seemed to be a right company to go with in the right timing.”

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, a guy I was dating at that time offered to show me his favorite shirt tailor. I almost got lost the moment we entered the sad looking old building, connected by endless passageways, lined with endless shops. The overblaring white light in the market made a very strong contrast with all the colourful fabrics on display. My date seemed to know his way very well and soon we reached his favorite tailor. Faced with so many choices,  I decided to go safe and picked out a piece of firm white fabric for a slim fit shirt with super slim collars as my first try.

The white shirt turned out to be very nice but it wasn’t really complete before I added the white bunny iron-on patch. It was a gift from the same guy who showed me the fabric market, after he moved to Tokyo. I loved the shirt even more after the funny add-on. It has since become my favorite shirt to wear for special events. When wearing it, I feel dressed up formally enough without being boring, due to the cute little creature which serves to be a perfect chitchat topic for parties.

My bespoke white-on-white bunny shirt will always be my favorite choice for parties. It reminds me of the day I was officially integrated into Shanghai life. It reminds me of the importance of being creative in what you wear, as well as in whatever you do. It also reminds me of all the good moments I shared with my friends at special occasions when I wear it.

( Lance )
( China )