Cold cement benches swathed in woolly pelts. Asphalt floors offset by bronze and mirrored walls. Sleek leather couches made unpretentious by lovingly worn creases. One feels very small at Alexander Wang’s second store in the world, a 4,000sqm space that perfectly captures the brand’s aesthetic contradictions: austere but natural, functional but flattering, and trendy but timeless.

Named after the designer’s Chinese zodiac sign and surname, Mouse Ji – which first gained its foothold in Paris and then expanded to the rest of the world – is returning to its roots at last. The man behind this women’s clothing brand, Ji Pingsheng, became the first and only Chinese designer to be sold at Galeries Lafayette, the top luxury department store in France. Sanlitun Village North claims his first store in the mainland.

Diamonds serve as the most romantic of gifts, whether they’re in the form of earrings, pendants or, of course, engagement rings. But if you’re unlearned in the intricacies of diamond selection, they can be a challenging investment here in Beijing.

The word that comes closest to capturing its essence is confidence. Short for “swagger,” “swag” is determined by the way you carry yourself: your speech, your gestures and of course your style of dress.

Big shoes to fill – so does this shop make the cut?

Unless you’ve already tied the knot, you’re likely unaware how starved for options Beijing is for wedding apparel. Overseas returnee Violet Li (and wife of Ed Hung, founder of NLGX Design Store) hopes her first Beijing shop can finally fill the gap between fashion and bridal wear.