“There are no straight lines on a woman’s body / Her beauty is in her curves,” reads this young Chinese brand’s website. It’s a decidedly inflammatory stance in the high fashion world, an industry largely occupied by waif-like women and shapeless clothing. And yet Minijupe’s founder, Dodo Mai, cites her admiration for the female body as the main impetus behind her work.

The first thing you should understand about The Drive-Thru is that it’s not a bar. They do have a great selection of beers, starting with Kingfisher at RMB 19, but it’s intended primarily for you to take home. There are a few seats, though, and you’re welcome to stay for a beer. Owner Ryan Johnston (founder of The Brick) expects to have Slow Boat Brewery’s beers on tap soon, and wants to operate a tasting bar offering a regularly rotated lineup of draft brews.

NLGX Design Store started out as a coffee shop that happened to sell T-shirts. Now nearly four years later, the local brand has evolved into a full-fledged apparel and design community. This month, they launch a much-awaited new store at the airport, as well as a new line (Kommute) designed specifically for Beijing’s bicycle commuter lifestyle. We spoke with co-founder Ed Hung about spandex, and the good and bad of a gentrified Nanluogu Xiang.

The antique metal sign and powder-blue exterior make the place feel like home – the home of a distant relative with a penchant for art, stories and tradition. The truth is close enough.

The hallway is damp and dark, the room numbers barely discernible. Your expectations are understandably low. Suddenly, the door opens and you’re left blinded by the vivid hues, the sweet scent of potpourri and the warm sunshine cascading through the windows. A steady stream of French chatter pervades the room, softened by melancholy tunes and quiet laughter. The scene resembles more of an intimate social gathering than a studio-boutique.