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Having lived in China for quite a while, I’ve seen a lot of unusual things. In fact, many Chinese and foreigners get so used to weird occurrences and weird Chinese fashion that people just generally ignore them.

On my Instagram page, I try to provide cultural context for why things in China happen the way they do, by explaining some of the history, the culture, or the language, and how these things influence behaviors or even a fashion sense.

The page is not all about street fashion though. It's anything that you can ask the question of ‘Why?’ or ‘How did that happen?’ to, with the general classic answer being ‘No why’ #nowhy (Chinese response) OR ‘because China’ #becausechina (foreigner in China response).

The general explanation for some of the fashion trends and choices below is that:

  • Any English = educated, different and fashionable. (it could possibly be a famous brand, but if no one’s English is that great… then just by having it… no matter what it is, it’s already good)
  • Anything ‘profound’ is considered good. If you as an observer don’t find it profound…that’s your fault. The wearer is making a statement, and that’s what’s important.
  • The wearer doesn’t have to understand, because others most likely don’t understand…so who cares. Even vulgar, rude statements can be worn by kids… because no one knows any different.
  • If the actual piece of clothing is functional and comfortable, who cares what’s written on it.
  • A haircut should set you apart from everyone else. Many people have very similar or standardized hairstyles (Chinese people are aware of that too) If a haircut creates conversation then that’s awesome.

Here are a few examples I've caught in my street photography shots…quite a few of them, actually.

More info: Instagram

#1

Pink Freud

Pink Freud

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#4

Masturbate your way to success!

Masturbate your way to success!

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#7

I'm Batman

I'm Batman

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#8

Think Less

Think Less

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#10

Bear Attack And She Survived, Good For Her

Bear Attack And She Survived, Good For Her

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#11

Got Life Figured Out

Got Life Figured Out

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luismilian avatar
Luis Milian
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is like tattooing a Chinese symbol not knowing what it really says. you just wear it proudly

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#13

A Bit Of Nationalism Coming Out There...

A Bit Of Nationalism Coming Out There...

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#14

Leave Me Alone

Leave Me Alone

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#15

China Fashion

China Fashion

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lyviadaleaf avatar
Lef
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want that. I'd wear a jacket over it and if anyone pisses me off I'll just unzip the jacket and tell them to read what's on my shirt.

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#18

Shark Soup

Shark Soup

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#19

Asia

Asia

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1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait! This is not Australia?! I was wrong all my life ...

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#20

How Old Are You? And Just How Drunk Are You?

How Old Are You? And Just How Drunk Are You?

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#21

A Bit Morbid, But I Wonder If I Can Get It In Yellow... Would It Be Less So?

A Bit Morbid, But I Wonder If I Can Get It In Yellow... Would It Be Less So?

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#23

Need To Stop Feeding The Cat Vegetarian Food

Need To Stop Feeding The Cat Vegetarian Food

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#26

I'm Not Leaving This Blanket

I'm Not Leaving This Blanket

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#27

I Do Feel Happy Now

I Do Feel Happy Now

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#28

I Needed That Today

I Needed That Today

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#29

The Pig

The Pig

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#34

You Learn Something Every Day

You Learn Something Every Day

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#35

Let's Not All Live Like This

Let's Not All Live Like This

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#36

That's... Taking Things To Extreme

That's... Taking Things To Extreme

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#37

Some Sweet China Style... So Fashion

Some Sweet China Style... So Fashion

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#39

Good Point

Good Point

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maoamdose avatar
Pumbaa
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think he got a point there! F**k yesterday, focus on today and the future.

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#40

I'll Be A Plastic Toy

I'll Be A Plastic Toy

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#41

Too Much Profoundness

Too Much Profoundness

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Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. That's a different way of saying "Netflix and chill", no? ♥ (well, she's a public figure, would match more to my statement if it were the name of an actress/actor)

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#42

Wait, What?

Wait, What?

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#45

I Ate A Rat

I Ate A Rat

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#46

If I Ask Where You're Going, Will You Be Confused?

If I Ask Where You're Going, Will You Be Confused?

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Han
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I made a T-shirt in high school and wrote on it in puff paint "Don't follow me I'm lost too." It was 1988 and I thought it was so cool. Hahaha

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#47

Because... They're Easy?

Because... They're Easy?

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#49

Beat

Beat

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Monday
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do we beat him until he gives up? Do we give up when the beating doesn't make him give up? I need this information!

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#50

Oh Good, Noing... That's What I Needed In My Life

Oh Good, Noing... That's What I Needed In My Life

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