2010 Aug 09 Art Zone Shopping: 798 Teems with Creative Treasures
While Dashanzi’s 798 Art District is most well known for its eclectic collection of art galleries, art centers and coffee shops, it is also becoming a place for innovative furniture and fashion designers to sell their wares to an audience that appreciates quality and creativity. The following are some of the area’s standout stores.
ACF
Come here for furniture that is just as interesting as the art in the surrounding area. In this store dining room sets are displayed upside down from the ceiling, and giant plastic sculptures are a common sight. Modernistic and playful products by innovative Chinese artists and designers are sold here in a comfortable gallery setting.
Tues-Sun 10am-7pm. D-07, Dashanzi 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxiangqiao Lu, Zhonger Jie, Chaoyang District. (5978 9945) 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号798中二街D-07
Fei Space
Fans of Opening Ceremony in New York or Colette in Paris will feel at home in this shop, located on the second floor above Cafe Pause. Hipster trendy Chinese clothing labels such as Boundless by Zhang Da (RMB 500-1000) can be found here, as well as an assortment of kitschy household products, like Dulton kitchen clocks and tea sets. Additionally, international brands such as Ligia Dias and Alyssa Norton are carefully curated into the selection.
Tues-Sun 10.30am-5pm. B-01, Dashanzi 798 Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (5978 9580) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区B-01
icut
Three designers – Kelly Lee, Yang, and Lisa – serve as the creative brains behind this custom clothing store. Reasonably priced clothing with minimalistic cuts and drapes, made from the softest cottons, felts and wools, can be purchased off-the-rack or custom-fit. Depending on one’s budget and preferences, pieces such as a grey wool dress can be semi-finished (RMB 158), finished (RMB 366) or custom-made (RMB 416).
Daily 9.30am-5.30pm. Dashanzi 798 Art Park, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (5978 9261) 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号大山子 798艺术园区
Jian Ping
The clothes here are constructed of handcrafted embroidery, quality silk, and soft linen, and their colors are demure and naturally soft. Traditional Chinese garment motifs, such as the high collar, are combined with oxford shirts and shift dresses. While the prices (RMB 980-1,880) make the store one of the more expensive in the area, there is no better place to purchase one-of-a-kind silk obi belts, tailored trousers or wispy summer robes.
Daily 10am-7pm. Dashanzi 798 Art District, Zhonger Jie, Chaoyang District. (5978 9870) 朝阳区大山子798艺术区中2街
Timezone 8
With interesting selections for both diehard art connoisseurs or casual tourists looking to find souvenirs, this bookstore offers a wide range of local and international art, design, and fashion magazines, and contemporary art books about Chinese and foreign art. Authors often come here to promote their books and encourage discussion about the local art scene.
Daily 10am-7pm. Dashanzi 798 Art District, 4 Jiuxianquao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8456 0336) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号大山子798艺术区
UCCA Store
Located right next to the entrance to the exhibits, the partnership store for the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art is known for its focus on Chinese designers and promotions with center events. Whimsical tea cups (RMB 132) by renowned artist Xie Dong and medicinal dolls by Missred (RMB 980) are some of the unique gifts found here. Serious art collectors can head to the backroom, where high-quality reproductions of famous Chinese contemporary paintings and photographs can be purchased.
Tues-Sun 10am-7pm. Dashanzi 798 Art District, 4 Jiuxianquao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8459 9514) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号大山子798艺术区
Wo2
Don’t expect to see a lot of monotone here. Basic pieces in bright colors designed by the storeowner (RMB 125-500), Melissa-brand neon jelly shoes (RMB 500-1850), and kitschy designer vintage can be found at this small shop, nestled by a courtyard in the middle of a bustling street. Vintage Balenciaga dresses go for a fraction of their retail value (RMB 1,100).
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm. Dashanzi 798 Art District, Zhongyi Jie, Chaoyang District. (5978 9144) 我的二次方, 朝阳区大山子 798艺术区中1街
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We figured the October holiday would be a good time to try some of these walks out (if you haven't already been), so here we go, starting with a classic.
