2012 Feb 20 The Spend Commandments: Luxbible
Luxbible is not for the nouveau riche or the bargain shopper. Only a fashion-savvy cosmopolite could fully appreciate the elite offerings of this luxury lifestyle platform.
“Luxury is defined by experience, price is just a product,” Luxbible preaches. And the “experience” begins well before you’ve even entered the premises.
Everything has been carefully tailored to meet the needs of China’s increasingly discerning consumers, from the secluded location (in tranquil Lido Park, overlooking a scenic lake) and the unique brand portfolio (mostly international niche designers) to the top-notch customer service (complimentary product maintenance and a no-hassle returns policy).
This boutique took over the former Collective Luxury spa space a few months ago, but has only just finished with renovations. They carry the same exclusive range of all-natural beauty products as before, with the addition of exquisite clothes and accessories.
Like more and more incoming labels, Luxbible first debuted via its e-commerce site, Luxbible.com. Founders Miao Lu and Larry Liang explain that they wanted to combine “online accessibility with offline luxury retail components.” The two make a formidable team. With years of experience in fashion and public relations in New York, Miao provides the vision and expertise behind luxury living, while Larry is the brains behind the execution. They work with freelance buyers based in London and Milan who handpick each season’s collection.
Most of their products are by up-and-coming designers (i.e. MSGM, Costa Noir, Chatcwin, AVIU), many of whom have been suppliers for top fashion houses like Balenciaga and Marni – and sell like-quality constructed outerwear, denim jeans and fitted dresses for about 40 to 60 percent of the price.
You’ll notice few items bear flashy emblems or even name tags. “Some people are more label-conscious,” Miao shrugs. “Our customers know what quality is, and don’t need to be defined by brands.”
That is not to say established high-fashion brands aren’t available here. You’ll find vintage Gucci sunglasses and Chanel jewelry, as well as eveningwear by Lanvin and Valentino. But Miao wants her clients to be guided by their eyes and hands, rather than a fumbling desire for status.
Just because you have money does not mean you have taste. Luxbible only has eyes for those who do.
Indulge in: 5+1 Annapurna double-threaded wool knit (RMB 7,000)
Also try: Joyce, Lane Crawford
Luxbible
Daily 11am-8pm. 6 Fangyuan Xilu (inside Lido Park), Chaoyang District (6435 3855) http://shop.luxbible.com
朝阳区芳园西路6号丽都公园内
Photos: Courtesy of Luxbible
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