'Scene and Heard' is our monthly look at the latest fashion arrivals in Beijing.
Zamani Collection x Rechenberg
Pop-up alert y’all: The Persian carpet concept Zamani Collection has partnered with haute couture studio Rechenberg to display beautiful examples of workmanship at the Four Seasons Beijing (which has been busy dipping its feet into the fashion and lifestyle world, it would appear). For those not familiar with the brands, here’s a bit of background: Zamani curates carefully selected Persian carpets, tapestry, rugs and the like, delivering them to your door for fitting and styling. Rechenberg, meanwhile, is the brainchild of German designer Kathrin von Rechenberg, who has called Beijing home since 2000. Her brand crafts stunning couture collections that blend Western and Chinese aesthetics. Entitled ‘Pomegranate,’ the collaborative display will showcase almost 70 Persian rugs rolled out consecutively every week. The collection spans pieces from the Qashqai tribes of Shiraz and the nomads of Shasavan (both in modern-day Iran). Juxtaposing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary motifs and colors, the rugs are works of art to admire and – wallet permitting – be passed on for generations to come. Littered among them you’ll find Rechenberg’s ethereal garments and scarves, all of which are hand-dyed, as well as the label’s signature tea silk pieces. Overall, the pop-up promises be a joy for the eyes. Go see for yourself.
6/F, Four Seasons Beijing.
Juma
We’re always happy when a hip, international brand makes its debut in China, so we welcome the arrival of Juma’s first permanent retail space in Beijing’s Four Seasons Hotel. The label already staged a pop-up with the Four Seasons last year, helping with the redesign of the staff uniforms and the hotel’s decor. But this time it’s here to stay. Yay. Siblings Alia and Jamil Juma are the masterminds behind the venture, which they first launched in their hometown of Toronto in 2003. Having grown up in Kazakhstan, Canada and many places in between, the pair has transformed nomadic childhood experiences into confections of breezy separates and accessories for both men and women, all of which are made from dreamy, exotic textiles. Located on the hotel’s sixth floor, near the spa reception, the boutique displays an artfully edited sample of the Juma aesthetic. The collectable accessories and home decor pieces – think pillows, scarves and clutches – show off bright graphic prints and designs inspired by Turkish mosaic tiles and Nairobi sunsets. Despite the bold motifs, each item has a modern, season-less appeal, with influences rooted in art, culture and world travel. Prices range from mid-range (RMB90 for a pair of socks) to high-but-not-excessively-so (RMB1,500 for a shawl).
6/F, Four Seasons Beijing
Guangfu Museum Shop
Guangfu Museum Shop has been open for some time now, though we only recently paid a visit (we try to avoid Houhai as much as possible, to be honest). We were pleasantly surprised. Sure, the shop is located in one of Beijing’s brightest, loudest and most annoying tourist spots, but its offer is legit and its decor easy on the eyes. Founded by writer and art collector Ma Weidu, Guangfu Museum is a franchise with locations in Beijing, Hangzhou, Xiamen and Harbin that showcase works from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Beijing shop is the only boutique among them, and it sells a collection of ‘discerned’ (and often China-themed or -inspired) knick-knacks. Spanning three floors, you’ll find some higher-end items upstairs, from swanky textiles, jewelry and coats to – wait for it – a pair of ‘lucky cat’ slippers from local footwear designer Bing Xu. (We think they are a must-have for anyone, anywhere.) Elsewhere in the store you’ll find cute, funny and sometimes useless objects (mugs, hairbands, chopsticks, a billion kinds of soaps) that blow your regular gift shop out of the water. Plus, there’s a corner exclusively dedicated to fabrics from Japan, Korea, the States and more. Prices range vastly, but again, the quality makes up for it.
See listing for Guangfu Museum Shop here.
Have a new store opening or fashion line coming out? Send your tips to our Life/Style editor Marianna Cerini at mariannacerini@urbanatomy.com with the subject 'Scene & Heard'
For past editions of Scene & Heard, click here.
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