Written by Marianna Cerini, Tongfei Zhang and Andrew Chin
Guo Pei x MAC
Pair China’s most esteemed haute couturier with one of the hippest, freshest and boldest makeup companies out there and you get a pretty rad collaboration like that of Guo Pei x Mac. Inspired by what she has called her “garden of the soul,” the Beijing fashion doyenne has created a 16-piece line of gorgeous cosmetics that make an excellent collector’s edition, if you ask us. The overall palette shows some unusual hues, chosen by the designer as a reminder of “the universe and our world,” but that shouldn’t be surprising given Pei’s aesthetic grandeur. The range includes eye shadow quads in deep blues and honeyed neutrals, rich lipsticks in creamy pinks, corals, bright red and luscious nudes plus eyeliners, blushes and powders in vibrant jewel tones punctuated by deep graphite. What really makes this cooperation stand out is its presentation, however: all housed in fabric-wrapped packaging — hand-sketched by Pei herself – items come shrouded in exotic floral prints in gold and yellow. guo pei x mac Pair China’s most esteemed haute couturier with one of the hippest, freshest and boldest makeup companies out there and you get a pretty rad collaboration like that of Guo Pei x Mac. 
Inspired by what she has called her “garden of the soul,” the Beijing fashion doyenne has created a 16-piece line of gorgeous cosmetics that make an excellent collector’s edition, if you ask us. The overall palette shows some unusual hues, chosen by the designer as a reminder of “the universe and our world,” but that shouldn’t be surprising given Pei’s aesthetic grandeur. The range includes eye shadow quads in deep blues and honeyed neutrals, rich lipsticks in creamy pinks, corals, bright red and luscious nudes plus eyeliners, blushes and powders in vibrant jewel tones punctuated by deep graphite. What really makes this cooperation stand out is its presentation, however: all housed in fabric-wrapped packaging — hand-sketched by Pei herself – items come shrouded in exotic floral prints in gold and yellow. Beautiful and exquisitely crafted, this is a line bound to surpass your wildest beauty dreams. Prices range from RMB400 for lipsticks up to RMB780 for eye shadows.
Oysho
Shanghai isn’t exactly teeming with affordable – and actually wearable – lingerie and loungewear brands (most labels show way too much lace in the first case, and way, way too many granny pants in the second) but Oysho is a true exception – and has a special place in our heart for it. The brand, which belongs to the Inditex Group (under which are also high-street staples Zara, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius), entered the Chinese market four years ago, bringing comfy, sometimes sexy and always covetable designs to its 53 branches – and counting – across the country. A couple of seasons ago, the label started doing sportswear, offering breezy tops and funky gym shorts. This winter, it has turned its eyes on yoga. A far cry from the pricey gear of similar labels, the collection spans leggings, loose trimmed tops and supportive bras in a palette of bright blue, purple red and metal colors, alongside vibrant prints featuring dots, graphic patterns and snake motifs, for an edgier urban vibe. Perfect to greet the sun in a salutation pose. RMB99-699. TFZ
Both
Following the success of its online sports line Welland, Singapore’s ATX Group has embarked on a stylish new initiative with two stores in artsy Red Town. Both Boutique carries over 40 indie brands, with particular focus on shoes, stocking labels like Italian handcrafted footwear Antonio Maurizi and Japanese streetwear pros Onitsuka Tigers, as well as products spanning clothing, accessories, bags and stationary. A display is exclusively devoted to shoes created by in-house designer James Tseng, with Both planning to work with more local designers in the future. 
Across the street is Both Music Cafe. Impossibly hip records, from The Last Poets to what seems like the entire Stones Throw discography, line the walls of the two-floor space. While they aren’t for sale, portable turntables are available. Guests can pick up a coffee or a bottle of beer while giving any of the store’s records a spin. AC
> Both Boutique, Both Music Cafe, www.both.com
Croque Monsieur
Wearing a bow tie outside a formal occasion is the menswear equivalent of smirkingly saying “whatevs” in everyday conversation. It’s bold and courageous – an act that speaks of not giving a damn about what people think. We salute the bravery of those undertaking such a feat. Their cue came from hip-hop: Pharrell Williams wears one, and he sure looks rad in it. So it’s no wonder that after being discarded as a universal wanker detector for so long, bow ties have been steadily popping up again in both high street shops and indie labels. The stylish 2015 man loves them, wants them, and he’s not afraid to show it. In Shanghai, Croque Monsieur will satisfy every man’s bowtiful fix.
Started by Frenchwoman Mathilde Guilvout, the label does unique handmade bow ties named after French guys. Each piece comes in limited editions, which allows Guilvout to really focus on the fabric quality and the originality of the prints she uses. “Bow ties are funnier than ties,” she says. “They can be classy, dandy or hipsters. And they look good on girls too.” For that extra dash of panache, Croque Monsieur also does made-to-order pieces – you simply choose the color, style or print you want and Guilvout will deliver. We can’t think of a better adjective than ‘zany’ to sum this up. RMB280 each.
> Contact Croque Monsieur on Wechat or Facebook, or find it at Select 18, Bldg 96, Lane 39 Shaanxi Nan Lu, by Xinle Lu 西南路39弄96号楼, 近新乐路
R Factory x Star Wars
When Luke Skywalker appeared on Rodarte’s catwalk last year, The Force began a full-on fashion surge that’s sure to keep soaring as the saga’s latest instalment is released this month. Here in Shanghai you can channel the geek chic trend with indie label R Factory’s Star Warsthemed capsule collection of totes, shoes and accessories. Pieces span graphic, futuristic prints, starry designs, and a clever juxtaposition of vibrant light colors and dark leather details (GET IT??). Prices start at around RMB228 for a Darth Vader luggage tag and RMB398 for a C-3PO wallet, going up to RMB1,280 for a “I Am Your Father” emblazoned shoulder bag and RMB3,480 for some seriously bold and Force-inspired ankle boots. Not exactly cheap, but, honestly, when it comes to finding a truly novel way to spend your money on Star Wars-themed merchandise, isn’t any price just totally fine?
> rfactory.cn. contact them on wechat at rfactorY2012.
Have a new store opening or fashion line coming out. Send your tips to our Life/Style editor Marianna Cerini at mariannacerini@urbanatomy.com
0 User Comments