**Understanding the Text:**
The article discusses the growing popularity of the Chinese fashion label Shushu/Tong, particularly among Korean tourists visiting Shanghai. Since South Koreans can now enter China visa-free, many head straight to the Shushu/Tong store upon arrival. The brand, founded by designers Liushu Lei (Shushu) and Yutong Jiang (TongTong), is celebrating its 10th anniversary and has become a major success story in Chinese fashion.
Shushu/Tong is known for its meticulous attention to detail—from set design to styling—creating a cohesive and intentional aesthetic. Their latest collection featured playful elements like handbags filled with flowers, baguettes, and books (including Sally Rooney’s *Beautiful World, Where Are You*), demonstrating their deep understanding of their audience. The brand’s signature style—prim, feminine, and girly—serves as both a personal uniform for some and an aspirational look for others.
This season, the designers aimed for a more relatable and varied approach, moving away from their sometimes overly rigid past designs. The collection was inspired by two friends who shape each other’s identities while maintaining individuality (“same but different”). This theme allowed for a broader exploration of the Shushu/Tong brand identity, proving to be a successful creative direction worth further development.
**Paraphrased Summary in English:**
As of last November, South Koreans can visit China without a visa, which has made Shanghai’s Shushu/Tong store a must-visit destination for many Korean tourists—some even go straight there from the airport. The brand, founded by designers Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang, is marking its 10th anniversary as one of Shanghai’s biggest fashion success stories, defying industry challenges like declining foot traffic and consumer spending.
Shushu/Tong is known for its precise, detail-driven approach, evident in their latest collection, where handbags were playfully stuffed with flowers, baguettes, and books (including Sally Rooney’s *Beautiful World, Where Are You*). Their designs—charmingly girly and polished—resonate as both everyday wear and a coveted aesthetic.
This season, the duo introduced more versatility, blending sporty and sexy styles while keeping their signature femininity. The collection was inspired by two friends who influence each other’s identities yet remain distinct—a concept that allowed for a richer exploration of the brand’s identity. The designers’ shift toward a more relatable and varied aesthetic proved effective, suggesting a promising direction for future collections.
**Additional Paragraph (Expanding on the Brand’s Impact):**
Beyond its commercial success, Shushu/Tong has played a significant role in reshaping global perceptions of Chinese fashion. By blending whimsical femininity with sharp tailoring, the brand has carved out a unique niche, appealing to both domestic and international audiences. Their ability to balance fantasy with wearability has set them apart in an industry often divided between avant-garde experimentation and mass-market appeal. As they enter their next decade, Shushu/Tong’s challenge will be maintaining their distinctive voice while continuing to evolve—something their latest collection suggests they’re more than capable of achieving.