Most emerging local brands target the increasingly influential Chinese consumer, not us humble expats. And when they do come after us, they tend to meet with limited success. Not the case with Dutch Items Shanghai, a Shanghai-based boutique designed by and for expat women. D.I.S opened its first shop in 2007, but already has four branches and counting – the latest of which is in Hong Kong. None in Beijing yet, but thanks to their recently launched web shop, Beijingers now have ready access to their high-quality clothing and accessories as well.

On May 5, 2006, Englishman Dominic Johnson-Hill and his wife opened the first “creative shop” in Nanluogu Xiang, back then still a quiet hutong. They sold two T-shirts their first day. Five years later, the brand – which specializes in capturing the diversity of daily Chinese life through iconic images – has catapulted into the limelight.

Ladies had their turn yesterday. Now for those of you fellas scratching your heads wondering what beachwear is like for you, read on. We want you to be looking your best at the Beijinger’s Ninth Annual Bar & Club Awards, and as ready for an afternoon of drinking in the sun as you’ll ever be.

While Western luxury brands are currying favor from Chinese consumers left and right, China Fashion Week always serves as a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go. Still, CFW Fall/Winter 2012 – again sponsored by Mercedes-Benz – kicked off to more public interest than ever before on March 24 and concluded with a lavish closing party last Sunday, April 1. A total of 41 fashion shows took place during that time; we have rounded up photos from all the top fashion shows and parties below.

Plastered T-shirts’ Nanluogu Xiang branch shut down for renovations last month. When it reopened a couple weeks ago, it unveiled a shiny new stage.