Dear China,
When I first lived in Asia, I always felt so remarkably unfashionable. Black skater shoes and "funky" metal earrings were chewed-up bubble gum in comparison to the ultra-feminine looks worn by so many.
Then, I moved to Hefei.
A vision manifested. Tossed me a smile at the movie theater. Nice teeth, great hair, tall(ish) -- WOAH!! What's happening from the neck-down?
Say "hello" to the latest fashion craze in Hefei:
Quilted Pyjamas (don't forget your slippers!)
I wish I were lying. I wish I could tell you that this man at the movie theater didn't try his luck with a foreign girl while wearing his quilted pyjamas. Sadly, there's no escaping the truth.
Let me also tantalize your senses with this: not only were they quilted, but white in colour with some sort of burgundy floral pattern... ah yes, and to finish this vision of haute couture, there's the footwear. In this case, carefully chosen brown Ugg boots. Mom, Dad - I've found my future husband.
I thought perhaps it was an anomaly. A mistake. An error of judgement after a wild night at Phebe Bar.
No.
Everywhere you look, the quilted pjs are there. In the grocery store. In the front courtyard. In the hallway of the apartment building. If you're lucky, you'll also have the great joy of seeing someone wear their slippers (maybe even with a little brown bear on front). Nothing says Sunday morning in the meat aisle like pjs and slippers. Hello Salmonella.
Criticism aside, I have a confession. Last week when taking out my garbage, I stopped and asked myself, "Puh, should I put shoes on, or just wear my slippers? I'm only taking out the garbage..." I know some of you are screaming now, but don't worry; I put real shoes on and trundled outside.
But, when I walked up the stairs to the fourth floor, I was greeted by vision number two and wondered why I had even bothered. Imagine if you will: a 50-ish year old man, with a buzz cut, tan leathery skin and... white quilted pyjamas! This time though, with a blue floral pattern and his footwear of choice, a brown loafer. Don't forget the cigarette dangling from his right hand.
Just today, when I thought I had seen all the possible combinations of pyjamas and footwear, a new one crossed my path. Coming home from work, with my Forever rolling along beside me, a woman took the prize for best outfit. With her hair tucked up in a tight ponytail, she strutted her white fleece pyjamas while wearing 3-inch black leather heels. If I had Mr. Movie PJs' number, I would have certainly passed it along.
All I can do is hope that I don't succumb to this epidemic. If I do, please send clothes.
Yours in real footwear,
A.
