On Wudaoying

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Starry (left), Chef of Chi restaurant on 五道营胡同 trained as a fashion designer at Trent University in the UK, which probably goes a long way to explain his hipster looks ( Ben Sherman Tee Shirt and NB trainers) Yet it is his floppy black straw hat which caught my eye; I put a few kuais on this trends becoming big this summer. OuyiHui (right) is a photographer who happens to use the same cultish street camera Ricoh GR as your humble servant writing these words just acquired yesterday to give you better images to browse over. ENJOY

By the Butterfly Net

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Some of the “Beau Monde” attending the launch night of 吾号 pop up store at the 4 Seasons Hotel were happy to pose for Stylite and kept pretty composed even though the time was already quite late. Contributor to the curation such as Nick Wu, graphic designer (who dreamt up the butterfly wall decoration) looked fresh and relaxed with tasseled suede loafers and oxford cotton shirt.

Wuhao at Four Seasons Hotel

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Wuhao has completely re-made the lobby of the Four Seasons in its own image.  The pop-up shop will run for five days from today through May 27.  This was my idea, so I’m really happy to see it come to fruition.

Jinway Soho Locals

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Like many Jinway Soho locals, 吕新 was rushing to work from his lunch break but was kind enough to stop and show us his look. Paisley pants with a colourway akin to toile de jouy and clashing pattern on the shirts sleeves and collar gives the look a distinctive Chinese feel.

Why a Wuhao Pop-up?

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I have so many memories of Wuhao, from the first time Isabelle Pascal told me about her dream for a concept shop, to taking my mother there every time she visited Beijing, to the party I threw for The HUB just days before the end on Oct. 31 2013. On Banchang hutong, Wuhao was the premier concept shop in the city, once Wallpaper described as one of the top twenty reasons to visit China. It might have been the world’s most beautiful retail setting. In a garden owned by the family of the last Qing emperor’s wife, Wan Rong, this curated shop was tucked behind a barely marked door. Installations changed by the season with themes based on the traditional Chinese elements and drawing heavily on the Book of Changes. The focus was young Chinese and local fashion and furniture designers, many of whom produce special lines or items for Wuhao.
I ran into a young man, Nick, who I knew had been working with Wuhao at the Etro party in Beijing and, while chatting with over Franciacorta, hatched the idea of bringing Wuhao to the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle was all for the idea and, unbelievably, a Wuhao pop-up store will open at the hotel on May 23 and stay for five days.  Keep checking back here for more information. – Nels Frye

Vicki and Edge in Sanlitun

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Another day, another look… bumped into Vicki and Edge again in San Li Tun. Both newly grads were sporting a more summery look with a touch of African vibe on the print side. High waisted shorts for her, low crotch cheesecloth pants for him. Slip on sandals seems to be back with a vengeance this late spring, dust out those Visvim circa 2007

BACA’s Foundation in Art and Design

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Wondering what the future generation of China’s art and design elite might look like? well you should have been at BACA’s Foundation in Art and Design end of year show. BACA is the University of the Arts Beijing outpost (Central Saint Martins, Chelsea, London College of Fashion, etc.) The Foundation was set-up to better prepare Chinese fashion, art and design students to the Western and English way of approaching creativity, design and conceptual thinking and is headed by Binia (fashion Pathway) and Iona (design pathway). Style highlights included Edge, sporting a lime colored blazer (Taobao) and alien UFO bag (dongzhimen market); Harry’s bias cut long white shirt or Chloe’s Baby Ghost denim punch holed jacket. This year’s successful graduates will begin their BA level studies in fashion design, styling, sound design, textile design, etc. tumblr_n5epwpkIqW1tul8k3o8_500

Vietnamese Gent

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A dapper Vietnamese gent visiting Shanghai who picked up the shoes in Bangkok. They are from a local designer there and reflect that ongoing trend toward more and more effete footwear for the boys. I would love a pair.

Lace sweater

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Fabulous mix and match style presented by 多多, Luxury Loafers, sporty meggins with jersey pleated shorts topped off with lace sweater. The minimal black/white colour palette give the ensemble a nice subdued touch.

Sweatshorts in Beijing

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OK, Sweat shorts are back, with early manifestations giving us rolled up, striped (navy style) types for a casual and slightly sporty look (paired with  nice S-Shirt (T-shirt, Sweatshirt, mash up). Or a more ethnic à la Visvim embroidered and be-tassled number nicely paired with relaxed vest ( which should be a key item this spring. Well done guys good effort!