Brand New China (pictured above)
Brand New China (BNC) has a brand new look. The gorgeous multi-brand boutique, opened five years ago in Taikoo Li North by media mogul Hung Huang, was formerly massive. But now the store has been compartmentalized into different areas, raised or enclosed by blonde wood walls, that give way to a beautifully edited selection of clothing, homeware and accessories. A cafe has also been added, with a large, communal table facing a newly created outdoor patio space where even more Chinese design (BNC is all about promoting ‘Made and Designed in China’) is on show. The overall feel is that of entering a tasteful maze of creativity – and what’s not to like about that?
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Yeezy Season 1
It’s here guys. The much-awaited collaborative effort between Kanye West and Adidas is about to hit stores this month, though a formal date is yet to be announced. And if the German sport giant is clever enough, we’re sure some if it will be available in China, too. While a handful of sneaker styles from the collab have already been released to the public (sold out almost immediately, but hey, we’re talking Kanye here) the bulk of what the artist-turned-designer-turned red carpet god showed during last season’s New York Fashion Week is still shrouded in mystery. Prices are out though – think RMB2,500 for a thermal shirt, up to RMB20,000 for a flight jacket – and online site Mr. Porter has confirmed that it will carry the collection (it delivers to China), which is heavy on menswear and unisex pieces. Hot much? You bet. Worth the wait and the money? Absolutely.
King Baby Studio
We personally aren’t fans of skull rings and Hells Angels-inspired baubles, but if you are, you might want to check out King Baby Studio in Sanlitun. The brainchild of bad-boy American jeweler Mitchell Binder, the brand and store sell biker-chic rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings – and nearly everything seems to have some sort of heart or skull or snake motif. The shop itself is spacious and airy, with a goth-looking chandelier hanging from the ceiling, steel and glass display cases and a vintage Harley Davidson deployed as part of the furniture. It’s all very badass and rock‘n’roll – Binder is the go-to jeweller for some of Hollywood’s top stars and musicians, from Rihanna to Aerosmith and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Pics of said celebs hang around the shop, a cool display of Americana in the heart of Beijing. Prices are on the steep side (around RMB5,000), but nothing beats wearing a zircon-encrusted eagle ornament. For some, at least.
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