Ray-Ban and C41 Document Shanghai's Underground Nightlife
Ray-Ban has partnered with C41 magazine to document Shanghai's underground club scene in a photo essay titled 'C41 x Ray-Ban Ends Up In the Club.' The project captures the city's nightlife at 3 a.m., featuring venues like ALL Club, System, Heim, Abyss, Potent, and the new C·PARK Haisu complex. The essay includes interviews with clubgoer Charlie Luo, photographer Sokol, drag mother Haruka Tojo, and DJ Echo Catcher, who discuss the scene's evolution since 2021. Over the past two years, iconic clubs such as ALL Club (after eight years) and System have closed, with System now operating nomadically. A new trend of 'clustering' has emerged, with venues like Abyss relocating to TX Huaihai alongside Potent. The essay highlights the scene's role as a sanctuary for queer Chinese youth and its resilience despite economic downturn and lockdowns. Ray-Ban's involvement ties to its 'Never Hide' ethos, supporting countercultural communities.
Key facts
- Ray-Ban and C41 magazine collaborated on a photo essay about Shanghai's nightlife.
- The essay features clubs ALL Club, System, Heim, Abyss, Potent, and C·PARK Haisu.
- ALL Club closed after eight years; System now operates without a fixed address.
- Abyss relocated to TX Huaihai at the end of last year, joining Potent in the same complex.
- Photographer Sokol noted the scene has become more decentralized since 2021.
- DJ Echo Catcher said Shanghai was called 'Mini Berlin' before the pandemic.
- Drag mother Haruka Tojo described the community as uniquely inclusive.
- Ray-Ban's 'Never Hide' campaign aligns with the underground's nonconformist spirit.
Entities
Artists
- Charlie Luo
- Sokol
- Haruka Tojo
- Echo Catcher
Institutions
- Ray-Ban
- C41
- ALL Club
- System
- Heim
- Abyss
- Potent
- C·PARK Haisu
- TX Huaihai
- Meituan
- Lawson
Locations
- Shanghai
- China
- Lujiazui