China’s Sartorial/Experimental Lookbooker: Aron Hu

At first glance, it may seem that Aron Hu’s self-portraits follow a thematic reverence to a European past. Beautifully tailored jackets and trousers are situated in an anachronistic, colonial world. But plough through a few photos here and there and you will notice the occasional but regular pop of an experimental modern spirit. It would seem naive to label Aron, who currently studies fashion design, as a nostalgic dreamer. Rather, his tastes show us the current conflict and marriage between the old and the new, the conventionally dapper with the fiercely experimental.

Your photos are reverential of the past, especially the European influences on Shanghai-nese fashion. Tell us about this.

Yes I agree. As a person I’ve always adored the European sartorial aesthetic, and also gothic influences as well. I think both have a sense of precision and delicacy to their work which I admire. At the same time, I also feel a connection to modern culture. It’s these two polar opposites that comprise my style.

You obviously have a very special connection with many of your photos. Can you tell me which one best represents you and why.

I believe the photo “Shanghai Fashion Week 1” (see picture below) really encapsulates me. I love the feel of the image, which is both skinny and clean with a touch of European influence and a dash of gothic.  

 

What is your favorite blog / website?

Lookbook! 

What does the word “Shanghai” mean to you? 

First and foremost it’s my hometown so it means a lot to me. Currently all of my memories come from here. When I hear the word “Shanghai” I think of a black and white image of a Shanghai beach with a woman in a Qi Pao wiping away lacquer red lipstick. I also think of the city that never sleeps.

Where do your inspirations come from?

My inspirations come from all sorts of places: dreams, a fleeting image in my mind, other people’s actions… it’s hard to say and pinpoint exactly.

Shanghai has many well-known and lesser well-known fashion secrets. What are some of your favorite stores?

I love this little store somewhere near Huaihai Road. It’s an enclosed, hidden local shop that creates its own fashion designs. Their merchandise is really special.

 

What do you look for when you try to shoot your photographs? What are you trying to achieve? What is your goal? What overlying message are you trying give?

My emphasis is always dress choice and looking to see if it fits the context of today’s world. This is of utmost importance. My goal is to make my viewers see my work as effortless and stylish together as one. With this in mind, my photograph is trying to tell people that it doesn’t matter if you’re fat or skinny, if you’re old or young… If you love it, dare to wear it! Change your life and make it more interesting, more personal, more confident 

Last question, if you had one last photograph to post up on Lookbook, what photo would it be? What would it’s story be?

If I only had one photograph, I would make it a simple story of my life, perhaps capturing one of me walking along the streets, maybe as I’m in a bit of a daze. This photograph would be the end of my story, so I would want people to see a confident me, someone that would be happy everyday, doing only what would be true to me, one that would have a strong connection to fashion. 

Image Source: Aron Hu