SHUSHU/TONG- A Candy-coloured Dream
To look at the designs of SHUSHU/TONG is to stare directly into the surreal daydreams of David Lynch if he was a teenage girl obsessed with anime. Bold, beautiful and brash, SHUSHU/TONG is a Shanghai-based fashion brand, reconceptualising concepts of femininity and cuteness in the vibrant and new creative scene of China.
Founded in 2015, by two friends during their studies in the London College of Fashion; it was a shared love of manga, anime and a series of fortuitous events that brought them together. Since then, they have been relentless in producing eye-catching fashion shows and dreamy, nostalgia-filled collections.
GATA took the time to sit down and talk to the two about the source of inspiration for their designs and the importance of books, Japanese pop-culture and collaboration.
Could you please tell us who Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang are? How did the two of you meet and what inspired you to start this brand together?
We are from the same high school, same university and both studied at The London College of Fashion (womenswear) together as roommates. Basically, we have known each other for a very long time. There is a lot in common between us, especially the enthusiasm for animation and cult movies.
You have both experienced the creative industry in London, as well as in Shanghai, what are the differences between the two cities when it comes to creativity?
I was a student there in London. The atmosphere is quite different and the industry system is very well established. In Shanghai, you could hardly notice a buyers boutique five years ago. Everything is totally new, even now.
Your latest collection for 2021SS “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” features bold pink colours with patterns reminiscent of gingham. What was your inspiration for this collection?
Obviously the song by Marilyn Monroe and the depression after the lockdown last year. We were really into make a collection full of fun, light pinks and lots of crystals.
Your designs focus on femininity, on women expressing themselves in an "unabashedly” feminine way, including ruffles and bows; what were your motivations and influences for this kind of style?
The imaginary version of ourselves, as well as the anime “Cardcaptor Sakura”.
What exactly is it about the pop culture of Japan that you find so interesting?
The animation. It has had such a huge impact on us. The Clamps, Togashi Yoshihiro and Ai Yazawa, to name just a few. They all shaped our aesthetic when we were younger.
Hollywood movies and English novels have been a huge influence for SHUSHU/TONG. Would doing costume design for a movie or anime be something that would interest the two of you?
If there is an opportunity, we would love to work for a movie! Nikos Soultanakis is such an icon for us.
Would you say there are any books that have had a big impact on your identity?
The Courage To Be Disliked
A Brief History of Time
L'artiste d'Etat (The Velvet Prison: Artists Under State Socialism)
Do you have any advice for young creatives/designers looking to work in the fashion industry?
Be prepared for this career. Design is much more than brainstorming and sketching.
Have the two of you thought about collaborating with anyone in the future? What do we have to look forward to for SHUSHU/TONG?
We have always collaborated with YVMIN for accessories and we will launch a make up collaboration with Estée Lauder. We are very open to collaborations if we have a good idea that matches.
