The Shanghai Beret Project

Meet the beret-wearing gentlemen of Shanghai.

It’s a classic Shanghai sight: older Chinese men sporting rakish berets. The iconic headwear of the French never seems to have gone out of style among gentlemen of a certain age in Shanghai, a legacy formed during the period of the French Concession (1849-1945). Some hypothesize that since famous revolutionaries like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara also favored these practical chapeaux, Chinese men may have felt comfortable wearing them post-1949. Patrick Cranley’s been on the streets of Frenchtown and beyond, documenting the laokele (distinguished Shanghai gentlemen) and their berets. Here’s a selection.

Frank Quan, an English-speaking Shanghai gentleman who has written two books on old Shanghai.
Not surprising, for as the son of poet Zau Sinmay (Shao Xunmei 邵洵美, 1906-1968),
he knows something of that period. (2017)

Mr Zhang has “always” worn a beret in the winter. “It’s just what us old guys do”! (2016)

 Mr. Shen, 75, started wearing a beret about 15 years ago.
“I’m an artist, so I thought it was appropriate to wear a beret.” (2018)

Mr. Xu, 88. He started wearing berets in his 70s, “because they look good and are very practical.” (2018)

Mr. Zhu, 65. He started wearing a beret two years ago, when his wife knitted him this nice grey model. Sharp! (2018)

Mr. Tang, 68. He started wearing a beret about 10 years ago.
“Because senior citizens need to keep their heads warm.” (2018)

Mr. Qu, 67. He’s been wearing a beret since he was five, “because I was born in the French Concession
and live here still!” He’s been taking photos of historic buildings for more than 20 years
and is a big fan of architects Laszlo Hudec and Alexandre Leonard. (2017)

Mr Jin, 73, He’s been wearing berets since he was a young man. Because, you know — Shanghai! (2017)

Mr. Dong. His family has lived in what is today Yangpu District for more than 200 years.
He lives near the former Sacred Heart Church, designed by Hudec and now a hospital.
He does not consider his hat a beret. (2017)

Mr Zhou, 93, is rocking his raspberry beret from his wheelchair! (2017)