With summer heating up in June, the urge to turn heads with our outfits is hitting a high. Whether you're out on a casual citywalk or lounging at a café at golden hour, every moment is a chance to shine. And on fashion-forward Xinle Road, a century-old mansion now taken over by the trendiest crowds is the place to do just that.
Since opening, Basement FG has had style lovers lining up for hours — and for good reason. Step inside, and you’ll tumble straight into a Gen Z dream closet.
A Gen Z Fashion Utopia
Nicknamed the “cool girl’s giant walk-in closet,” BASEMENT FG is a patchwork wonderland of all things trendy — streetwear, Y2K, retro, campuscore, K-pop glam, hot girl fits, and more. The 2,000 sqm immersive space is packed with looks, from celeb off-duty airport styles to throwback it-girl ‘fits. As BASEMENT FG boldly proclaims: “Why choose one look when you can have it all?”
This breakout local fashion brand was built to be a style utopia for China’s post-95s and 00s. After blowing up in Beijing, BASEMENT FG has stormed into Chengdu, Wuhan, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Xi’an. Wherever it lands, crowds follow. Spot celebrities such as Song Zuer,Liu Yifei,Yang Mi, Ding Chengxin, Ma Jiaqi from TEENS lN TlMES and Wu Xuanyi on the check-in wall, or look for the the brand’s iconic bright pink shopping bags slung over fashionistas' shoulders.
Even the name “BASEMENT FG” has a double meaning. It’s a literal warehouse stacked with fire fits — but also a metaphorical underground hub of shared inspo and style community. Aesthetic gatekeeping? Not here.
First Shanghai Store in a Storied Mansion
BASEMENT FG’s Shanghai flagship is housed in a 100-year-old mansion that was once the residence of legendary Chinese mob boss Du Yuesheng and a socialite hotspot of old. Now, it’s infused with a dose of rebellious trends. The exterior still has its grand pillars, elegant balconies and wrought-iron gates, preserving all that refined old-Shanghai charm.
Step inside though, and it’s a different world: raw, edgy, warehouse-chic. Think exposed concrete beams, industrial ceilings, sky-high interiors. History and future, elegance and grit — everything clashes in just the right way for a dramatic visual punch.
Each floor tells its own story. The first, named “Unter den Linden,” channels old-world European elegance. Climb to the second and you’re on the platform of “23rd Street Station” — a moody, Broadway-style New York subway set. Even the staircase feels theatrical. Snap a pic, and you’ll swear you’re in a scene from an indie film.
Then come the Instagram bait moments: a pop-art phone booth, a vinyl-equipped reading nook, retro computers, and more corners begging for a #GRWM (“get ready with me”) post.
Glam setting aside, the real pull here is the insane variety and unbeatable prices. Racks are organised by colour or style, and filled with everything from crisp basics to daring statement pieces: crop tops, overalls, bomber jackets — anything and everything you need for your dream closet. Most tees and tanks go for around 100 RMB; outerwear and pants rarely top 300 RMB. You’ll be grabbing piece after piece before you even realise it. Plus, the stock rotates so fast that every visit feels like a fresh treasure hunt.
Special shoutout to the wall of hats on the second floor — an explosion of colour-coded styles that scream BASEMENT FG’s bold DNA. The bags and accessories section is just as scroll-stopping. Distressed vintage pieces pair perfectly with Y2K or baddie looks, helping you nail that editorial vibe in no time.
Shopping fatigue? Head to the laidback open-air balcony on the second floor. Grab a coffee, gaze out over the railing, and let that post-haul high soak in with the summer breeze.
Oh — and don’t zone out at checkout. BASEMENT FG’s cashier counter is famous for its model-level staffers. These stylish guys and girls could pass for influencers, and some actually are. Rumour has it that trainee idols sometimes pull shifts behind the register.
TIME OUT TIP: Follow the smell of fresh bread wafting through the first floor of the store and you’ll find Alligator BF, a small European-style bakery. Flash your BASEMENT FG receipt to enjoy 15% off any baked goods and the special price of 9.90 RMB for an Americano.
Editor's Picks:
Hot Summer OOTDs
Ready to refresh your wardrobe? BASEMENT FG has your back. Here are a few editor-approved summer outfit ideas, straight from the racks:
1) Casual Denim Muse
Bringing vintage charm, a blue-and-white striped shirt is layered over a crisp white tee for a cute contrast. Add distressed light denim shorts and a black belt to cinch the waist. Finish with standout white knee-high boots with bold side prints and a light handbag for a clean, edgy, and effortlessly stylish look.
2) Genderless Street Edge
An oversized navy tee sets a chill base while an open plaid shirt brings depth. Ripped denim mid-shorts keep it street-ready, paired with chunky short boots for a tough finish. The oversized black tote adds utility without compromising style.
3) Sweet Meets Street
A black lace crop tank bares just enough skin, with shoulder cut-outs for that model-off-duty vibe. Pair it with high-waisted wide-leg jeans for contrast, add clean white canvas sneakers and a caramel brown tote for some warmth. Lace meets denim in perfect sweet-meets-spicy harmony.
4) Preppy Girl with a Chill Vibe
Go full “college-core” with a loose white button-up and a sleek black tie. A high-waisted pleated mini skirt in an A-line cut elongates the legs. Two-tone sneakers echo the tie’s monochrome palette. A coffee completes the full carefree student vibe.
5) Moody Caramel Girlcore
A dark brown camisole flatters the neckline with ultra-thin straps suited to the summer heat. Tie a plaid shirt at your waist to accentuate proportions. Brown sandals and a hot pink lettered tote bring texture and a pop of colour. You’ll turn heads while strolling down crosswalks.
At BASEMENT FG’s revamped historic mansion, it’s old money meets new attitude — hundred-yuan price tags clashing with hundred-year-old architecture and thousands of on-trend styles. From retro columns to industrial ceilings, pleated skirts to utility pants — this is where every summer fashion fantasy comes alive.
📍 82 Xinle Road, Xuhui, Shanghai
⏰11 AM - 9:30 PM
