Sorry folks, we're a bit late on this month's Shanghai Street Chic! Those typhoons really kept us busy at the beginning of the month (plus all the catch-up after a week's holiday!). September still has pretty hot temps, but it wasn't as roast-y as August, which, with the weather cooling, it's hard to remember when we were all melting communally in the streets of Shanghai.

This month, we have 7 beauties from Sichuan, Shanghai, Japan, Morocco and Australia.

Congrats to Jesse Addams who comes to us from the Gold Coast for being our Top Model in this edition. He had a casual style and, a handsome cool-cat smile, but what really hit it home, he was a delight to talk with.

Jesse Adams, 26, Australia

Jesse comes from Australia, specifically the Gold Coast, which, if you're not familiar, begs the question "Why did you leave such a beautiful place!"

Jesse: Work! And the language actually, I started taking classes in 2019 and fell in love with the language and being able to converse with the locals so it's been something that's made me want to continue my life in China. love to travel and honestly found Shanghai gave me everything I wanted! The convenience, beauty, culture, people, FOOOOD!

Jesse put a hard emphasis on FOOOD, so... we asked him about his favorite haunts. "Oh gosh so many, for Chinese, Xibo, Coucou Hotpot, Hakkasan and for not Chinese... Goodfellas is always a favorite. I could go on forever..."

We are spoiled for choice in culinary delights in SH aren't we? =)

Follow this handsome gold coastTa cupcake on Instagram here: @jesse_addams

Jun, 20, Originally from Zhengzhou

Jun, lives and works in Shanghai as a model. He's originally from Zhengzhou City in Henan Province, and he's of bi-racial descent, Chinese/Russian mix. he's blending cultures and fabrics like a pro. All-black, because color's for amateurs, in a fitted top with white stitch accents that subtly scream "designer." Wide-leg pants that float as he walks, making the sidewalk his catwalk. A chunky necklace and a bag that's definitely not carrying groceries. Jun's from Zhengzhou, but his style's all over the map – think Moscow edge meets Shanghai cool, with just a hint of mystery. Fierce.

He's lived here now for three years, coming to Shanghai at the ripe age of 18 to begin his modeling career. We asked Jun, what he thought of Shanghai. We love his answer: "Shanghai is a city with a very diverse attitude. I can show my style regardless of other people's eyes, everyone's aesthetics are open-minded and inclusive, so I love Shanghai's and the city's free nature."

Follow Jun on Instagram: @g_j_back and on XHS: @耿俊

Ko, 24, Tokyo, Japan

Ko, like his friend Jun above, is also a model in Shanghai. He's enjoying his last few weeks in Shanghai before he returns to Japan in late November. His style is Tokyo goth meets Shanghai streets in a look that's sleek, stark and serves major avant-garde vibes. Black tank top, and a necklace that looks like it could summon spirits – it's a minimalist masterpiece. Ko's got a jacket tied around the waist, just in case the city's mood swings from 30°C to typhoon in a minute. Earrings dangling like they've got something cryptic to say. There's an 'I've seen it all' intensity in his stare like he's fresh from a Harajuku gallery opening and about to hit a hidden speakeasy in Jing'an. Absolute style sniper.

Follow him on Instagram: @zeyehongyi

Leila Bennouna, 24, from Paris / Morocco

Alright, here's a classic case of expat elegance in the wilds of Shanghai. She's pulling off that "sunshine and sangria" vibe in a white, cut-out blouse that screams "I'm breezy but not basic." But for sure, we have to say:

Oh my goodness, look at that enchanting smile!

Among everyone on the list, Leila is our newest friend, arriving just in September. When we snapped that pic of her, she had arrived just ten days earlier. She's from Morocco, but lives in Paris, and joins us here in Shanghai studying for an MA Degree in Innovation & Strategy at East China Normal University.

Here's her Shanghai origin story:

"I had the opportunity to do an exchange abroad. I wanted to experience something beyond Europe, so I chose to come to Shanghai. The MA in Innovation and Strategy here is a perfect fit because it focuses on strategies in emerging markets, which is a fascinating and dynamic field to explore. Plus, living in a place like China offers a whole new cultural perspective.

I chose Shanghai specifically because it's a hub of innovation and rapid growth, which aligns perfectly with my interest in learning about emerging markets. The city's unique blend of tradition and modernity offers incredible insights into how global businesses adapt and thrive here. Plus, I wanted to challenge myself by immersing in a culture that's completely different from what I've experienced in Europe and Morocco. It's an exciting place to study and grow!"

Cheerful gal in light blue.

This anonymous princess comes to us with a vibe: athleisure meets playful street. She's rocking a pastel blue zip-up hoodie, paired with a simple grey mini-skirt that says, "I'm out, but I'm chill." Black, chunky kicks anchor the look– it's like she's ready to jog, but also ready to pose. Cap on, ponytail peeking through, and a casual wave that's equal parts "hey" and "I see you." She's got that carefree weekend stroll energy, phone in hand, just in case she needs to snap a quick photo of… brunch, probably. Solid, casual weekend outfit. Love it.

Tang Zhenzhen, 20, Daizhou, Sichuan

Tang has been here for 3 years studying at Shanghai Polytechnic University, majoring in Industrial Design. Meet Tang, fresh from Daizhou, channeling serious "vintage doll meets Shanghai street style" vibes. She's rocking a ruffled white mini-skirt that could've been plucked straight from a 1990s shoujo manga, paired with a cream baby tee featuring some cute, cryptic graphics – because who needs to make sense when you're this adorable? The Mary Janes with ankle socks are pure throwback, but the shiny black finish says, "I know what I'm doing." Top it off with a dainty crossbody and a subtle bow in her hair, and you've got a look that's equal parts innocent and edgy. Soft, sweet, but totally ready for industrial design!

We asked Tang what she thought of Shanghai, and we got an eloquent response that would make her university proud "I think Shanghai is an international metropolis full of charm. The culture of the city is diverse and inclusive, and the art exhibitions & performances here are wonderful. The city lets all kinds of art bloom and enriches people's spiritual world. With friendly people and a city that leads in trends, this is a paradise for dreamers, I love Shanghai!"

Shirley, 18, Chengdu

Like her friend Tang above, Shirley came to Shanghai 3 years ago to study at Shanghai Polytechnic University where she is taking on Industrial Design. She's bringing that laid-back swagger to the tree-lined streets of Shanghai. She's got a long-sleeve white top that's giving off major "I woke up like this" energy, paired with black denim shorts that show she's ready to move (or just chill at a cafe all day, who knows). But those boots? Absolute showstoppers – chunky, oversized and folded over like they mean business. It's like a punk rock samurai look, balanced out by white socks that peek out just enough. A simple necklace and a cute phone case on the wrist, because even when she's low-key, she's got style on lock. Casual, but cool. About Shanghai? "It's very fashionable and avant-garde."