|
Lolo Love Vintage is the premier vintage store in Shanghai. We sat down to talk to the owner of the store, Lolo, for a detailed account of her 'seventh heaven' and her life as a source of originality.
At first, Lolo is introverted, but as we talk longer she seems to open up more. I sense a deep appreciation for life as I talk to her about her store, herself and her love for vintage. There is no denying her passion for all things old. Upon setting foot into her store, you can tell that Lolo wants to change the definition of the word 'vintage' - away from the traditional idea, which limits vintage to just clothing, towards a concept that encompasses much much more than old clothes. She wants to provide a place for people who love vintage clothes and embrace the vintage lifestyle as a whole.
 In the beginning, her customers were from the same walk of life as her; mostly models, stylists and designers. Now her customers are a diverse range of individuals; white-collars, students and 40-somethings. Lolo is elated when she says, "some people don't know what vintage is, but they still like it. It is beautiful."
She explains that nowadays, there are some brands that produce that much richer style of dress. "You can easily find new clothing that has the 20's style", she tells me, "but I don't like it. Most people will choose the newer product, but I like the story behind the clothing. There is a certain excellence, an enduring appeal and maturity of something from 80 years ago."
This is the fresh and special quality that Lolo wants to present to her customers. The Four Seasons play in the background; the store has classic movie nights (during the warmer months), swing dance parties, and flea markets. It's not only a clothing shop, but a vintage lifestyle gathering place. You have to live the lifestyle. You have to believe in the whole package. There are no big brands, there are no trends, just a place where time has almost stopped and the charisma of the past is tangible.
Compared to many of the 'vintage' stores in China, Lolo Love Vintage has treasures from every decade. When she first started in 2009, vintage stores in Shanghai may have had a few original pieces but 80% were new items with an antiquarian look. Lolo Love Vintage sets itself apart with original collections of 60’s-80’s clothing, accessories, and everything in between. In particular, a velvet maxi dress, 90's multicolored sport jackets, rotary-dial telephones, ties, dolls, and some vintage hosiery! Life just isn't complete without hosiery.
The prices are cheap compared to the more commercialized vintage markets ranging from RMB 280 up to RMB 3,000 (evening-wear), designer handbags (around RMB 2,000 for smaller famous brands), shoes (RMB 220 and up), glasses and jewelry (from RMB 50 for a pair of earrings). Vintage merchandisers know they have valuable items and will sell them at high prices. Nevertheless, Lolo Loves Vintage shows great quality and variety. The prices are just to keep the doors open.
If not handpicked by Lolo from Europe, she also handpicks items from suppliers who specialize in finding vintage items. Lolo goes to Europe more often for pleasure than for work, so the items she finds are chosen with great devotion. Milan, Berlin, Amsterdam and London are among the cities she travels to most frequently.
Lolo first embarked upon a trip to Europe seven years ago, starting in London. There she told her friend to take her to the markets where she fell in love with the vintage clothing she saw. Although she has attuned her senses to her specific vintage lifestyle, Lolo has always had true and unadulterated love for vintage. At the markets she used her styling job as an excuse to buy clothing. When there wasn't enough space for her extensive wardrobe, she shared her wares with people who had the same love of vintage - which was a creative opportunity for her. It took her back to when she first started styling, before the commercial work, when she was inspired by magazines, artworks, the internet, daily life, everything and anywhere. She doesn't consider herself an artist, but she can extract the beauty and enjoyment from everyday life, something one of her idols Picasso was adept at doing.
 
Even if the 'vintage lifestyle' isn't the perfect fit for you, this shop tells a story and it wants people to re-tell it to the world. The shop has a large patio, much more comfortable and lively during the summer months, but there is inside seating as well and don't forget the crocheted tree and with Christmas lights, which has a story to tell if you want to ask it.
When you come here, stay for a drink or two,.. or three, as the shop doubles as a cafe with free wireless! The hot chocolate, the traditional and homely tasting quiche and the desserts are the cafe's specialties. And if you need a boost, the coffee is decent as well - life is just too short to drink bad coffee!
As for the future of Lolo Love Vintage, Lolo plans to grow by transporting furniture from Germany and Belgium to bring people further down the vintage journey. We are looking forward to seeing how that goes!
Lolo Love Vintage, first wooden door, 87 Wuyuan Lu, near Changshu Lu 五原路87弄第一个木门, 近常熟路, +86 21 6433 1789, Monday-Sunday, noon~10 p.m.
WORDS: JENNY LOH
PICTURES: A. LINCOLN PHOTOGRAPHY
|
