Style Strategies
⇾ Eddie Huang, Author & Restaurateur
He talked to us about what he’s wearing and what he’s shopping for right now
Eddie Huang is first and foremost, a food god: A restaurateur and chef at heart, he's also a best-selling author, a filmmaker and beloved media personality. He's been running at a sprint since he opened Baohaus on Manhattan's Lower East Side in 2009. The cult Taiwanese bun shop became shorthand for a certain kind of cool New York eating until the pandemic closed that chapter. But Huang didn't stop: two books, a film and a marriage later, Huang has a growing family, a popular Substack and a podcast with his wife Natashia Perrotti. Oh, and Baohaus is back open.
The guy always has a lot on his plate and next week, his third book (and first novel) titled Come Undone, will drop. Of course, he's currently rooting on his beloved New York Knicks in the NBA finals, too. I wanted to know more about what he's into at the moment, so I subjected him to Valet.'s Style Strategies interrogation. And the man had opinions. Turns out the same restless intelligence he brings to food and storytelling applies equally to shopping and style.
Best thing you’ve bought
under $20 recently?
I copped a NYFD shirt ... off a table on Canal Street.
What’s the item that was the most difficult to pull the trigger on?
My wife's JPG Shoulder Birkin. I found the exact one she'd been hinting at for months. I love gifting my wife, really spending time finding the right thing—no matter the price, almost. Prioritizing her and putting in some effort to show her that I listen and I choose her.
ASICS UB13-S
Gel Lyte sneaker,
$190 at Canoe Club
What’s your footwear rotation look like for this summer?
Lot of adidas Adistar Control 5 and ASICS Gel Lyte, Studio Nicholson mule, some old adidas Bape shoes that look like Air Force 1s, Foamposites, and I got a lot of tabis.
Historiques 222 watch,
$40,411 at Vacheron Constantin
An item that you’re looking to buy ...
A vintage Vacheron Constantin 222 watch.
Three current favorite brands at the moment?
Teatora, Auralee and Stone Island.
Do you shop more online or in person?
In person. Always. Look, I got too much ass to be shopping online.
2021 Weingut
Gunther Steinmetz riesling,
$33 at Down to Earth Wines
What city has the best shopping these days?
It's kind of always Tokyo right?
Necessary extravagance?
Really good shellfish and a nice ageable German wine. Something like the 2021 Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Riesling.
What’s the one thing you're cheap about? Something you refuse to spend money on?
Agents.
Hoverlayer wallet pant,
$247 at Teatora
Something you buy multiples of (on purpose or by accident)?
A good pair of pants. Sometimes it's the same pant in different colors or the same pant, same color twice—or even three pairs—because good pants are hard to find, right? I basically wear the Teatora packable pant every day.
What’s one shopping tip or hack that you can let everyone know about?
Loyalty. Plain and simple. If you are loyal to stores, they'll always take care of you.
Sign up for The Obtainer newsletter. Three times a week you'll get insider intel on what to buy, trusted recommendations and reviews, along with the best deals worth your time and money.
