by 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.

 

by suzy -

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.

by suzy -

Boys at Izzue


Photos&Text: Suzy
At Izzue FW 2011, the show was terrific, the music great and the ladies very lovely. But the gents were particularly well-dressed. We know that the art of adding a little detail to a suit-and-shirt combo can bring an edge to any outfit, creating personal style. I found some who have developed this sartorial skill almost to perfection and really don’t need much presentation. Enjoy!

by suzy -

Candy Strand Skirt


Photos&Text: Suzy
A Stylites post was recently featured on a tumblr called Wearing the pants that collects pictures of women wearing menswear-inspired outfits. For women, such styles have long been fashionable, whereas the man-skirt still turns heads and seems a bit provocative. Also at the David Ubl event, fashion designer Xiao Qiao’s colourful number was created by a friend of his.

by suzy -

At David Ubl


Photos&Text: Suzy

This past Saturday, German designer David Ubl presented his summer collection at Beijing rooftop terrace bar The Beach. Unfortunately due to rainy weather, the show was transferred inside. This did not stop the city’s fashion folk from dressing up as their usual chic selves. Here is Chictopia Designer Qing Yang who already appeared on Stylites during this summer’s festival season.

by stylites -

The Outlook on Beijing’s Roads

I also met Beijinger Chen Jiaojiao at the Transport event. She seems unassuming and casual – quite “Beijing” – considering her position: Editor-in-Chief of The Outlook Magazine. Yes, this is that “cool, creative magazine” here in China that foreigners ask me about. The Outlook Magazine is sometimes confused with media maven Hong Huang’sIlook, though the two publications have very different Chinese names and general appearances. Both arewell-established as hip or avant-garde titles, most of which drop by the wayside after a few issues.They are alsodistinct from fashion magazinesEsquire, Cosmo, Ray Li,et al, which rarely contain surprises.

I asked Chen how she gets to her office in Sanlitun from her home in Shuangjing. She and her husband, who works as Creative Director at the same magazine, take a brown Miniman to work every day. The Miniman is apparently a slightly extended version of the Mini. They do have bikes, but these are used mainly for running errands in the neighborhood as the ride to work is both too long at 40 minutes and too dangerous and disorderly.

Of the homemade vehicles on display at the Transport exhibition, she found the makeshift tanks used by Libyan rebels most inspirational.