Chinatown Pretty (the book) is now available
Chinatown Pretty captures the street-style of seniors citizens across six North American Chinatowns: San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Vancouver.
This book (six years in the making) chronicles their creative style and their life wisdoms, along with histories of each regional Chinatown.
Order the book
Order through our Bookshop.org affiliate page to support independent bookstores and community organizations. We will donate 100% of our Bookshop.org proceeds to Chinatown nonprofits, and every month we will highlight a different nonprofit that we’ll be donating to.
Stockists:
If you’d prefer to buy in-person, our Shop Local page lists independent bookstores and retailers in 6 major cities.
Online Retailers:
For wholesale orders, contact newaccounts@chroniclebooks.com.
What is Chinatown Pretty?
Where can you find bright jade sneakers, a puffy jacket, and a Supreme hat all expertly paired together in one outfit?
When we hung out in San Francisco Chinatown, we noticed that the seniors wore layers of florals, clashing patterns and bright colors, which made for an unexpected and effortless look.
So we hit the streets to learn more about their fashion and life philosophies.
Celebrating Chinatown history
We explore history of each city’s Chinatown and its historical and modern-day significance.
Life and Fashion Wisdom
Not only are the seniors’ style effortless and unexpected, but it’s also a gateway to their immigration stories and cultural values.
We want our readers to leave not only with new fashion ideas but with the wisdoms of our elders.
“My friends give me all my clothes. I never have to buy anything.”
- Shi Ping Tang, 81
“When you’re young you don’t have to care about fashion. But when you’re old, you have to.”
- You Tian Wu, 82
“Now I’m carefree. If I remember, I remember. If I don’t, I don’t.”
- Run Jin Ou Yang, 83