A graduate of the Suzhou Institute of Silk Textile Technology, Changchun-born Ma Ke held her debut fashion show in 1995, before launching her ready-to-wear women’s collection (Exception de Mixmind) in 1996. This respected Guangzhou-based chain uses high-quality knitwear, funky linens, and soft cottons to create edgy clothing that's functional, minimalist and statement-making. Definitely a place to check out if you're looking to support innovative Chinese design.
other two locations: 1)Sogo store Address: 3F, SOGO Department Store, 8 Xuanwumen Wai Dajie, Xuanwu District, Beijing Phone: 010-6310-1634 2)Cuiwei store Address: 2F, Beijing Cuiwei Tower, 33 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing Phone: 010-6818-8540
3.3 Fashion Mall
Address: 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District Phone: 010-6417-8886
If it weren't for the overpricing and snobbish attitude of the shop assistants, this six-story mall would be the best place in Beijing to browse the city's quirkiest fashion boutiques. 3.3's still worth a visit, however, as its 300-plus stores are crammed with local and imported goods and increasing numbers of local designers are beginning to set up shop within.
Jimmy & Tommy Foreign Trade Fashion Club
Address: 14 Dongdaqiao Lu, 100m south of Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District Phone: 010-6591-1286 Hours: Daily 10am-9:30pm
If clothes shopping has been a frustrating experience with the bargaining too hard and the clothes too small, the rows and rows of casual fashions in Western sizes at Jimmy&Timmy may be a balm to your soul. For once, men have it better than women and menswear dominates. Tightly packed rails filled with Ralph Lauren shires, Abercrombie and Fitch sweaters and gap chinos are bargain priced-around 70 RMB for a shirt- and absolutely no bargaining is accepted. It's also good for men's shoes.
Nali Mall
Address: Sanlitun Beijie, beside Jazz Ya and Alameda restaurant, Chaoyang District Phone: 010-6413-2663
Tucked in behind Salitun's busy bar street, this short strip of stores offers an intimate shopping experience. Thoush it's more expensive, the selections are more distinctive and the salesgirls less cloying and annoying than those found at Xiushui and Yaxiu market. Carrying modern designers like Philip Lim and Marni.
Noise
Address: Building 42, Sanlitun Houjie, opposite Tongli Studios, Chaoyang District Phone: 010-6417-5451 Hours: Tues-Sun 11am-9pm
For funky T-shirts and gifts, Noise, run by a Singaporean and Chinese combo, is a must-visit. The arty T-shirts bearing funky designs or sly slogans cost 250RMB and cotton retro-style bags made from recycled material are under 200RMB.
The recent gentrification of Nanluoguxiang Hutong is due in part to the planned razing of older developments, and in part to the entrepreneurial spirit of bar and restaurant owners, who advertise free Wi-Fi and cheap Tsingtao beer. Directly across from the Downtown Backpackers Hostel, two British lads have raised the ante for T-shirt shopping. Shop here for T-shirts with Chinese slogans, pictures of Gong Bao Ji Ding -- the foreign-friendly dish of chicken, peppers, and peanuts -- or opt for one that captures those nostalgic days of Old Peking. It's on the expensive side, but fun for the kitsch.
Red Phoenix
Address: 30 Sanlitun Bar Street, Chaoyang District Phone: 010-6416-4423
Ask anyone in the know which local designer the rich and famous go to and they'll tell you Gu Lin. Her modest boutique at the top of the Sanlitun Bar Strret houses a small collection of trademark silk embroidered gowns, Tibetan-inspired qipaos, jackets, tops and dresses and is the perfect place to find modern clothing with beautiful Chinese finishing touches.
Address: 15A Guanghua Lu, just east of the south entrance to Ritan Park, Chaoyang District, Beijing Chinese Address: 北京市朝阳区光华路甲15号 Phone: 010-8561-9556
Don't let the gray-brick and red-trim exterior fool you: Ritan Office Building is a newly discovered shopping paradise and very popular among Beijing locals looking for latest fashions. More than 70 shops stocking high-quality womens' clothing, footwear, and accessories. Name brands include Ann Taylor, BCBG, DKNY, and Eileen Fisher.
Shanghai Tang is the only Chinese luxury brand: the apogee of the Chinese Art of Living and Chinese Creativity. The name Shanghai Tang was derived from the Chinese translation of the famous embankment in Shanghai known as "The Bund." Launched in 1994. This Hong Kong based international retailer is the ambassador for modern Chinese Style. Their clothes feature luxurious knits and silks worked into innovative Chinese designs.
Other Shanghai Tang locations in Beijing 2)Beijing Capital International Airport Address: International Departure Lounge, Boarding Gate No 12 Phone: 010-6459-8180 3)Beijing Capital International Airport Address: International Departure Lounge,Terminal 3 Phone: 010-6455-8955 4)Ritz-Carlton Hotel Address: Shop 01&02, Lobby Level, 83A Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang District Phone: 010-5908-8048
Though Tongli Studio is overhyped, this cluster of internationally owned boutiques, cafes, and rooftop bars are worth a gander if you're already cruising Sanlitun. Feng Ling Fashion displays sexy thigh-high embroidered silk boots and punky qipaos emblazoned with red stars (Feng Ling also has a boutique at 798 Art District, Tianzi). At Things of the Jing, Londeoner Gabrielle Harris alchemizes silver with images of feudal-ear Chinese women to create funky-elegant earrrings and pendants.
Vivienne Tam
Address: WB101, China World Shopping Center, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing Phone: 010-6505-0767 Hours: Daily 9:30am-9pm
If you're in the market for designer labels, try one of China's handful of international successes and the most wearable. The Cantonese-born designer does not have the fame she deserves, so that means you won't see her clothes on all your friends. While colors are muted, the chinoiserie designs, including kitschy Chinese prints on luxury fabrics as well as more sedate and grown-up cashmere evening dresses with cutouts similar to the style you see on Ming dynasty furniture, are lovely if expensive, but the clothes are beautifully made.
Xiao Fei Tailor & Fabric Shop 菲菲裁缝店
Address: Building 1-103, 35 Xinyuanjie Building, Chaoyang District, Beijing Chinese Address: 北京市朝阳区新源街35号楼1-103 Phone: 010-8455-1939
Conveniently located near the city's embassy district, this chaoyang tailor is popular with those in the diplomatic community, the barebones setup is easy to overlook given the shop's reputation for fitting.
Wu Ba's mixture of homegrown floaty fashions are Western-designer factory sample make it a prime destination for Beijing's fashionistas looking for something stylish on a budget.