Lei and Jiang grew up in Chengdu, and even went to the same school, although they were in different classes and didn’t know each other. It was only when they went to Donghua University in Shanghai that they met in a design class and found out they were from the same hometown (having likely passed each other in the hallways at school).

The pair bonded over their love of manga illustrations, particularly Nana, as well as other aspects of Japanese pop culture. With these shared interests, it became easier for them to forge an aesthetic to grow together. Even the brand name, Shushu/Tong, is evidence of how much they value each other––it’s their nicknames merged.

After finishing university in China, Lei and Jiang decided to go to the London College of Fashion together, where they would eventually become roommates and launch their brand.
 
Before that, they worked at labels Simone Rocha and Gareth Pugh, which is where they built their portfolios and got a feel for what goes on behind the scenes. Those were their first jobs at fashion houses, and they’ve both admitted they’re grateful for those experiences.

Puffy silhouettes, textured pleats, floral details and bows galore are common themes in many of Shushu/Tong’s collections, and that’s because Lei and Jiang want to both redefine and reinforce their views on femininity.
 
Their Lolita-esuqe, babydoll grunge aesthetic is cute and confident all in one, with elegant references from the '60s and '70s beefed up with chunky accessories and an edgy essence.

Their spring/summer 2022 collection is called Tennis Sweet and was inspired by the late '70s manga Aim for the Ace!. The story follows high school student Hiromi Oka who wants to be a professional tennis player but encounters challenges with anxiety and love.

The collection was shown at Shanghai Fashion Week against a backdrop of bubblegum pink littered with tennis balls. It also featured retro takes on tennis whites. There were plenty of two-piece sets, incorporating knit fabrics, polo shirts, miniskirts and long socks, all dolled up with beehive hairdos and sparkling jewels. Sportswear looks transitioned to more evening-wear pieces, with black satin skirts and gloves making an appearance.

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