Dylan Byrne is without doubt one of the major characters making Shanghai a hotbed of culture. He cofounded and owns Shanghai Tattoo, the parlor at the forefront of China’s newfound craze to get inked – which you can read all about in our November cover story. And he cofounded Doc Guthrie's – Shanghai's first old-school barber shop. To wrap up their Movember initiatives, he's spearheading the Movember's Magnificent Manly Market on November 29. He gives us a preview.
Doc Guthrie's ran a Movember shave at the beginning of the month. How was the response been?
From Nov 1-7, we donated the cost of every Movember Shave to The Movember Foundation. We had over 20 people do it so we raised quite a bit.
Did you have to convince anyone at the last minute to go with it?
Everyone was down to do it, but there were a few instant regrets. At least one guy started to grow the beard back right away.
Movember is nearly over – how are those mos looking on the people that took part?
Stunning! Magnificent! We have some totally out-there 'taches! Can't wait till Sunday to hand out prizes to the best of them.
To cap it off, you're organizing the “Manliest Market in Town.” What are some of the things that people can expect to see?
We basically took all of our favorite things and put them under one roof. The main attractions are some classic cars and classic motor bikes, really cool motors. Of course Doc Guthrie's and Shanghai Tattoo will be there. Food from Pie Society, Lomito, Mr Waffle, Ruijin Cajun and Little Catch. Loads of drink from Jameson, Westwood Ales, and Craft Republic are teaming up with the amazing Tailor Bar to mix up some high-end cocktails. Live music and DJs will be keeping the buzz going.
To keep with the manly theme we have a tailor from suit company Full Monty and shoe shine too. For gift ideas we have YCB selling men's accessories, Straight Up selling vintage straight razors, and Uptown selling vinyl. Also, a raffle for some great prizes from URBN, Jameson, Aboro, and many others.
And, perhaps, most importantly Shanghai's first ever Movember Moustache Cup. We'll be handing out prizes for the best, worst (and many others) Moustaches! We're going to have a suggested donation of RMB30 with a free Jameson for those that do. Oh, and if you come dressed as a biker or in vintage dress you'll get another free drink!
It’s being held at “The Garage.” Could you describe the venue a bit more and why you chose this?
It's being held in a garage called P.A.C. The owner of the place is a really cool local guy, loves his cars, but isn't into the tuhao gold sport cars, and is more into the classics. He has a great space about 20 mins from Jingan, with graffitied walls, games room and just a great vibe. A real man cave.
What are your fundraising goals for the Manliest Market?
We're just hoping to raise more than last year, which was around RMB30,000.
How can people get involved with Movember past November?
People get involved on every level. Grow your 'tache, donating to your friend who has grown one, putting on events, fundraisers in work / sports teams etc.
Doc Guthrie's is Shanghai’s first American-style barber. How has the response been since opening?
Really good. We've got two barbers now and actively looking for a third. We knew we'd be a hit with the bearded laowai but were really surprised with how popular it is with locals right away. Many people came in exclaiming how they've been waiting for something like us for ages. We've already had a shanzhai bar rip us off so we must be doing something right.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Really looking forward to everything on Sunday. The event is indoors so rain or shine we're going to be having fun.
> Nov 29, noon-late, RMB30 (suggested donation). The Garage, see event listing.
> For more Doc Guthrie's, watch our Shanghai Close Shave video story and listen to Kung Fu Komedy's Middle of the Road podcast with Dylan Byrne.
> For more markets, check out our Holiday Market Guide.
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