Address: NB104, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing Phone: 010-6505-2268 Website: www.mixmind.com
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.
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.
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 teh 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.
Ritan Office Building (Ritan Shangwu Luo) 日坛商务楼
Address: 15A Guanghua Lu, just east of the south entrance to Ritan Park, opposite the Vietnam Embassy, Chaoyang District Phone: 010-8561-9556 Transportation: Subway Line 1 at Yongan Li (121, exit A) Map to Ritan Office Building
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 上海滩
Address: Shop 03&05,UG Level of the Grand Hyatt Beijing in Oriental Plaza, Chaoyang District,Beijing Phone: 010-8518-0898, 010-8518-7228 Website: www.shanghaitang.com
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 locations in Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport
Address: International Departure Lounge, Boarding Gate No 12 Phone: 010-6459-8180
Beijing Capital International Airport
Address: International Departure Lounge,Terminal 3 Phone: 010-6455-8955
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.
This Hong Kong-born New York designer's first Beijing boutique opened in the China World Mall in 2006 -something of a surprise given that Tam made the Mao jacket fashionable and presented her 2002 collection on the Great Wall. The shop features silk dresses, chiffon tops, comfortable trousers and dozens of other versatile creations to suit all ages.