Stylites

A Real Dashilar Resident

“Real” only in the sense that she actually lives there now.  This young lady who goes by the name Moon-D on Weibo is neither a typical nor a long-term resident of Dashilar.  Only in Beijing for about two years, she moved into the historic neighborhood a few months ago, attracted by the central location, vert low rent (around USD 100 a month – though her place lacks a private bathroom and kitchen), and attractive environment.  Part of a rock band, she describes herself as one of the few “artsy” people living in the area.  She also says Design Week was probably the first hip, cultural event to take place there.

 

At Dashilar


Photos: Suzy

Dashilar has been an important place at several points in Beijing’s history. For most of the last decade, it has been mainly a tourist mecca with few redeeming qualities beyond the historic architecture and degree of density and walkability rarely found in Chinese cities. Now, Beijing Design Week is giving the area a new chance to be a bit more interesting. The weeklong-event has two major venues, the 751 former industrial complex near the art district at 798 and the alleyways around the Western end of Dashilar. Dashilar is by far the less predictable location. Former shops, small factories, workshops and other, now often charmingly dilapidated, are being used for a wide range of installations, exhibits and pop-up shops.

 

Above is one of the guests at the opening party for Dashilar, who appeared in Styliteshere.

Read More

This Afternoon: Head to Dashilar


Photo: Wuhao

Today (9/24) is filled with openings and parties related to Beijing Design Week. These events will center around the revitalized hutongs around Dashilar, nearby Qianmen (click “more” to see a map). The moment symbolizes China’s graduation from mere manufacturer to creator of original products. According to the Design Week Creative Director Aric Chen, the week will do far more than showcase designers and their work, but will also catalyse overall development of design for China and inspire a revitalization of neighborhoods within Beijing. More information on Design Week and Dashilar here.

One part of that might come in the form of the pop-up shops a number of local shops are opening in the Dashilar area. Beijing’s answer to Colette, Wuhao, will be opening its pop-up, called the Teahouse, from 2pm today.

Read More

Posted on September 24th, 2011

Comments Off

More from Bulgari


Photo&Text: Suzy

I have always admired those who dress in real vintage almost from head to toe. Here, fashion designer Elysée Yang is in an Italian orginal she purchased last year.

Read More

Pattern Perfect


Photos&Text: Suzy

Everyday Beijing streetstyle is almost always about mixing patterns. This daring combination unites a colour-splashed sportcoat with leather pants and leopard loafers. Add a bow-tie and a large pattern shirt, this outfit is sure to garner attention.

Read More

At Bulgari

Sunny was at it again. For the opening of the Bulgari Jewelry show at Beijing’s National Museum, he had over 20 invitations to distribute amongst his friends. How is this guy so well connected?

Multi-Tasking Creator


Ding Xiaoyun is a graphic designer/illustrator/art director/artist who recently returned from studying in the UK.

Outside Jinbao Place

On her way into a Bottega Veneta press event at Jinbao Place, fashion editor Diana Yi (24) is in a vintage top, custom trousers, and wields a Prada bag.  Her favorite designers are Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Masha Ma.

Chinese Style for Summer

At a recent event, this must be the most consistently Chinese-style pair I’ve seen.  He actually is a calligrapher, I believe.  It seems it might rather comfortable garb for Beijing’s unbearable summers.

Another Mountain Man

Up for the opening of the Kenya Hara show at the Beijing Center for the Arts was Stanley Wong, one of Hong Kong’s leading creatives.  A long-time advertising genius, multidisciplinary designer, and TV-commerical producer, Wong is also a visual artist specializing in photography.  He is known in the scene as anothermountainman.  Wong is a close friend of Muji Creative Director Kenya Hara, whose show, open till early July, is a must-see.

At Uma Wang


Text and Photos :Suzy

Last Friday, Uma Wang was presented with the Audi Progressive Designer 2011 Award at the brand’s showroom located on East Chang’an Avenue. The event featured an exclusive preview of her 2012 winter collection which was started off by dancers in black dresses and slashed leather tops. The collection included beautiful asymmetrically cut heavy wool coats, dresses with a draped signature back, all-over print ensembles (a progressive trend?) as well as thickly woven sweaters paired with slim patterned pants.  The fundraising auction that took place after the show sold a polka dot coat, leggings and dress for 30,000 RMB. The money will be donated to UNICEF in order to support Audi’s fundraising efforts for adolescent education in China.

Read More

« Older Entries