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September 3, 2015

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From casual, easy-going to modern chic

Raymond Wu

Raymond Wu is a professional poker player, ambassador, coach, broadcaster, and author. Now based in Shanghai, he travels the world playing major poker tournaments. As one of the marquee figures of poker in Asia, he is often seen in mass media promoting poker to the public.

He likes to keep his clothing casual yet luxurious. He is often seen wearing fitted jeans with a flannel stitched T-shirt or an all black outfit highlighted by a bright red leather jacket.

My personal style is fairly basic, easy-to-wear with a bit of an edge. Growing up in California where the sun shines year-around, my wardrobe consists mostly of printed and basic tees with jeans. I’m conscious about the details that will bring out some of my own “flavor.” I like prints on my tees to be large and abstract, which probably comes from hip hop and skater culture influences by brands that were started in Los Angeles like Supreme and Crooks&Castles. I like to pair some nice slacks with a cool pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers with a solid V-neck shirt, or layer with a bomber jacket from some indie brands like Imperial Taels for cooler weather.

The best outfit I’ve ever worn is a grey double-breasted suit for one photo shoot. Before that point in my life I had rarely any opportunities to dress up in a full suit. Wearing it was definitely something novel and unfamiliar to me. It was my first introduction to bespoke suits.

I usually shop in Taipei because aside from all the international brands it also boasts a variety of smaller local boutiques. Many independent brands and designers have their base in Zhongxiao Road E. area and I love shopping there because more so than the clothing, I look for a “feeling” and “vibe” that the brand provides. These often overlooked aspects or details are actually what make the clothes fit you rather than you trying to fit into the clothes.

My favorite fashion brand is Dolce & Gabbana. The idea of delicate yet casual is my cup of tea. I love seeing traditional designs and tailoring mixing with modern ideas, shapes, and forms. It can be as simple as slacks that have zippers at the pant cuffs, to double-sided suit jackets. These little twists to basic and easy pieces intrigue me the most.

The designer I most admire is Alexander Wang. I went to middle school and lived in the same dorm as him. To see him go from a dorm mate to the creative director of Balenciaga is amazing. His own clothing line grew out of one simple foundation of using athletic wear and materials as an inspiration. I think our generation is all about wear-ability and comfort and Wang is able to successfully accomplish this in all his designs while making them very fashion forward.

My style icon is David Beckham because he is very versatile. He can go from just a v-neck tee with jeans to a bespoke suit at a red carpet event yet still retain his own personal touch.

The last item I’ve added to my wardrobe is a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti snake skin sneakers which serves as a “wow” factor to my outfit.

The next fashion item I’m eyeing is a belt. Often overlooked, I think an eye catching belt can really stand out.

Zhang Lu

From Paris and London to New York, Zhang Lu has lived in each of the fashion capitals, which has endowed her with a sense of style. Since 2013, her brand Atelier Miss Lu has gained a loyal following and she recently opened a new boutique on Fumin Road. The designer adopts subtle and modern aesthetics with classic looks and wants to help Oriental women enhance their beautiful and exquisite charm by offering detail-focused garments: deconstructive three-dimensional cuttings, backless gowns with light under padding and invisible side pockets.

My personal style is modern chic and feminine. I love classic one-piece dresses with maybe only one little accessory to surprise the crowd. Less is more. I would never put too many accessories on me.

The best outfit I’ve ever worn is a tailor-made stripe suit that’s inspired by Le Smoking style from Yves Saint Laurent. I think it’s very sexy for women to wear suits since traditionally that’s only for men, so when we play some tricks with the suit to make it feminine, it gives off an interesting allure.

I try not to follow the fashion trends because everyone is unique. Trends come and go while being classy always stays and keeps shining through. I believe every woman should stick to her own distinct style.

I usually shop at some random places in the city. I travel a lot, so every time I go to a new spot, I would go shop at some local markets where I can also get inspired.

If I have to limit my shopping to one neighborhood in Shanghai, that would be the former French concession. I always find exquisite boutiques offering chic designer pieces from around the world in this area.

My favorite fashion brand is Tibi. Fresh, romantic and sweet, Tibi is one of my favorite brands. The collection is contemporary and dramatically modern chic.

The designer I most admire is Phebe Philo. Her work at Celine has redefined what women aspire to wear. Her minimalist aesthetic, clean lines and tonal color palette have come to be regarded as the epitome of chic.

My style icon is Diana Vreeland. She has influenced so many people who love fashion. Her famous quote, “The eyes have to travel,” is also my motto. That’s also why I love traveling and experiencing so much to always keep myself being inspired and excited.

The last item I’ve added to my wardrobe is a pair of earrings from brand Eshvi from moreislove.com. Their design creates strong statement with a unique style, combined with playfulness through its vibrant color options and design. The natural stone earrings go well with all my classy dresses.

The fashion item I’m eyeing next is a trench coat.




 

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