Ray P. Lee of FEI Space

FEI Space just under went its latest renovation, still stocking the same range of impressive labels – from American cult favorite Alexander Wang to much-hyped Chinese designer Zhang Da – along with exclusive new additions. Starting this month, FEI can officially claim credit for guiding Topman’s (and soon Topshop’s) first entry into the Chinese mainland. Here, creative director Ray P. Lee dishes on sex saddles, wedding photos and why he thinks 798 has changed for the worse.

What’s the concept behind FEI?
Connecting the worlds of fashion, art and design, China and overseas, established and emerging.

Why redesign it?
We change the space every season. This time our intention was to make the space easier to read “retail.” We get accused all the time of not nearly being commercial enough.

What are the positives and negatives of running a store in 798?
798 has a very particular vibe – it’s truly a unique compound whether one likes it or not. But it’s touristy, there are too many students and it lacks edge. It’s not really a shopping destination because most retail in 798 is cheap tourist tack that lacks originality and content. And don’t forget about all those brides in ballgowns everyday on every corner in 798 taking their wedding photos. Very odd!

You’re half-Chinese and speak little of the language. How are you received in Beijing?
I’m received like anyone else who speaks just enough. I’m good with my hands when I get really stuck. Seven years later and so far, so good.

If you could only sell one thing in your store, what would it be?
We’re considering turning FEI into a sex shop next season, so FLEET ILYA’s fetish collection of luxury restraints for the sexually playful. They have a great saddle to turn your partner into a human pony.

Your store has been likened to a “flea market” before – do you agree with this comparison?
Flea market, really? Never heard that one before. Couldn’t be further from the truth. A friend wrote in the New York Times that we are like a “creative bazaar.” That’s more like it.

FEI Space. Tue-Sun 10.30am-5pm. B-01, Dashanzi 798 Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5978 9580)

Photo courtesy FEI Space