2008 Jan 14 The Designer Touch
The sad demise of Beijing's push-bikes has been well documented. What was once the land where bicycles reigned supreme has now become a gas-guzzler's dream, or, given Beijing's traffic situation, a nightmare. The trusty bike could yet make a comeback though amongst the affluent and fashionable set as luxury brands pop their insignia on this humble mode of transportation.
Chanel launched their Chanel Cycle as part of their Spring/Summer 2008 range, celebrating the fashion house's heritage (and Coco Chanel's love of sport).
Gucci, it could be argued, has gone one better with their version. Not merely content with the Gucci Bike, they've launched an entire range of red-themed designer goodies to tie in with Beijing's Olympic fever. Their limited edition 8/8/08 range features a shiny red bicycle (yours for the bargain price of USD 3,420), and red Gucci mahjong set (USD 3,150) and a red digital watch, the fashion house's first digital timepiece, for USD 1,415. Beijing's label-obsessed should look out for these Olympic-tastic goodies in Gucci stores in Hong Kong and the mainland later this month, although the watch is already featured on the company’s website.
For the rest of us more impoverished residents, we're not entirely sure when the fakes will be hitting Yashow and Silk Street, but the safe money's on splashing out on a genuine Jing Jing from any one of Beijing's numerous official Olympic retail outlets. Let's face it, it's less likely to give the kiddies nightmares than Gucci's frankly terrifying leather panda...
Links and Sources:
Luxist.com: Gucci's 8-8-08 Limited Edition
Beijing Olympics Fan: Gucci 8 Limited Edition Beijing Olympic Designs and Accessories, From Mahjong To Bicycle and A Weird Panda
Fashion Week Daily: Olympics, Gucci-Style
Gucci: Watch
Get Outdoors: City Cruiser Bike By Chanel
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Win a Brand New Pair of Shoes From D:FUSE!
This women's shoe brand, first founded by expats in Shanghai in 2007, is now up to 14 Beijing branches and counting. (For a list of all existing store locations, click here.) According to their website, D:FUSE "strives to bring the latest Scandinavian urban trends to the fashion forward Chinese consumer."
It just so happens that their trend-conscious footwear appeals to us expats as well. And now, one lucky reader has the chance to win a pair of free shoes! Whether sandals or pumps, their designs typically range from RMB 600-1,500, with most of them priced at around the RMB 700-800 mark. You can check out some of D:FUSE's latest styles below, or peruse the full collections here.
The rules? With the exception of the higher-priced Desire line, you can choose whatever pair meets your fancy (though do note that their largest size available is 39).
Win a Free OSPOP Bag From Plastered T-shirts!
By now you’ve likely heard that Plastered T-shirts has opened a second Beijing branch in 798 Art District. (If not, catch up on all the details here.) Now we have even more photos of the store interior which, according to their blog, was designed by founder Dominic Johnson-Hill himself.
The Ship Has Sailed: Bon Voyage to ShopWeShip.com
Expats who rely on the material comforts of home may be disheartened to hear that ShopWeShip.com, previously known as Dong-Xi.com, has just announced that it will soon be discontinuing its services.
ShopWeShip.com was first established to give Chinese residents access to e-commerce sites that only shipped to US billing addresses. Back then, our options were few – we could hardly find quality Western food around town, let alone chic clothes from mid- to high-end retailers.
Atelier: P.J.
This impeccably dressed Hunan native can often be found chatting up visitors at Approx, her Nali Patio boutique. It’s a goldmine for elegant jewelry and accessories by local designers, as well as pieces from her own collections. We asked P.J. about her recent segue from jewelry to clothing design.
Guest
Re: The Designer Touch
gordon
I got the Ferrari racing bike a couple of years ago when the Ferrari showroom as still located in Lufthansa Centre. It's super cool, limited edition ( cost over US$ 2000) but at least I can say I've got a Ferrari!!
Guest
Re: The Designer Touch
Chris
This is probably the most retarded thing that the designer companies decided to make money off. The worst part is if it catches on as a trend, they'll start making 300rmb knockoffs in China and every douche will ride one.