2012 Aug 14 Right at Home: Vega Zaishi Wang Moves to the Hutongs
It was only a matter of time. When she first opened up shop in Jianwai Soho, most people were befuddled by her choice of location. Vega Zaishi Wang’s designs are full of history, quirk and soul, attributes more common to Beijing’s hutongs than its commercial district.
At last, Vega looks right at home. We found her drawing upstairs in a corner surrounded by books and candles, just a few steps away from her rooftop terrace.
The gray brick structure now housing her workshop-studio wears her sleek logo, announcing to passersby that unlike its neighbors, it wants to be noticed.
Some of the standout furnishings look familiar – the same antique sewing machine, oversized scissors and spools of thread have been thoughtfully rearranged to suit its new surroundings. Unlike her first store, Chinese influences pop up everywhere, from the lattice staircase to the traditional courtyard.
Her earlier designs occupy the second floor, while her latest pieces are arrayed alluringly around the entrance. This season, she’s updated traditional Chinese hues by pairing them with modern textures and shapes, in the form of military-green jackets with leather sleeves, gradient red wool coats and black-and-gold capes. Her new collection is much darker than before, just the way we like her.
Vega Zaishi Wang
Daily 10am-7pm. 63 Yanyue Hutong, Dongsi Nandajie, Dongcheng District (5900 2279) www.vegazaishiwang.com
东城区东四南大街演乐胡同63号
SUBWAY: 400m northwest of Dengshikou station (Line 5)
Photos: Mitchell Masilun
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