Garbo Zhu’s Favorite Vintage Shops

Garbo Zhu is cooking up something. After shuttering Grumpy Kid Studio, a ceramics studio she founded after her social media posts about her creations gained runaway traction, she has begun teasing her next venture. So far, the only hint we have is a mysterious Instagram post promising a Summer 2024 launch. To tide us over until further announcements, Zhu joins Coveteur to share her favorite vintage shops, her Madrid museum recommendation, and her Toronto ramen go-to.  — Maraya

SIGHT

The Sorolla Museum: Last week, I was filming an online pottery course in Madrid and visited one of my favorite museums of all time, the Sorolla Museum. There is something so special about seeing the artist's work right at his house (side note—Joaquín Sorolla had a killer garden). It's not just paintings framed in a cold art museum but displayed on the walls of his home, alongside his original antique furniture. URGH, to be a Spanish painter in the 19th century.

SOUND

Old Hong Kong Pop: I'm an iPad kid so I listen to YouTube videos and reels instead of real music. BUT, if I'm driving through peak Toronto traffic, I would tap into old Hong Kong pop. Grasshopper and Faye Wong are my top two singers/bands at the moment.

TASTE

Ramen and Burrata Salad: I don't cook because I'm just too "busy" (aka too lazy to clean). Dishes that I can eat 5 days in a row are #1111 (beef) from Homemade Ramen (Toronto Chinatown) and Burrata Salad from Casa Macareno (Madrid), which is pretty much just burrata, pesto, tomato, zucchini (I think), some pickled veggies, and GOOD olive oil.

SMELL

Murasaki by Aēsop: I love incense; my favorite is Murasaki from Aēsop. I've been wanting to experiment more with perfume since I gave my Rose 31 to my mom. However, lately, I've been reaching for Passiflora Cologne by Jo Malone.

FEEL

SHUSHU/TONG: Anything from SHUSHU/TONG, makes me feel smart and naughty at the same time.

GARBO’S ESSENTIALS

Here are some honorable mentions of my favorite Chinese brands (they don't have websites, only Taobao stores): Cheap Art Label, Per Pearl, Tropiceye, and Vermo. I also thrift a lot; my top stores are Pic Vintage, Smoking Vintage (Toronto), and Seconde (Montreal). My mix-and-match nails are great accessories, too. 

Shop the Essentials: Marina Eerrie Corded Bustier, Miaou Brown Frankie T-Shirt, Miista Cass Brown Patent Boots, Shana Cave Cluster Ring, Of Planet Earth Beetlejuice Midi Dress in Green.

“Everyone needs a perm this summer.”

Garbo Zhu

VANITY

After discovering that I have fungal acne, I stopped messing around with my skincare routine. Now, I only use the essential oil and spray that my aromatherapist friend custom-mixed for me, along with anti-dandruff shampoo to manage the yeast in my pores. Trust me, less is more (and cheaper). 

Luxury/Splurge: CurrentBody Skin LED 4-in-1 Zone Facial Mapping Mask

Drugstore Discovery: ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

Cult Classic: Act + Acre Scalp Detox Oil

Indie Option: Freck Beauty Makeout Club Lip Liner

All Time Ole Reliable: Nizoral Ketoconazole 2 Percent Anti-dandruff and Itchy Scalp Shampoo

LATELY ON COVETEUR

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