When it comes to multi-brand high-end retailers in Beijing, the list has been exclusive indeed – only I.T, Lane Crawford and The Swank. Now Mr.Ms has joined the club.

Ladies and gents, if you’ve ever wanted to smell like tomato, vinyl or even dirt, Demeter Fragrance Library will realize your craziest aroma fantasy. Founded in 1993 in New York, Demeter specializes in fragrances based on familiar, everyday scents.

Here’s the second installment of our Beijing 2010 preview: what’s opening, who’s coming, when it’s happening, where to play and what lies ahead.

We have to say Xu Jinglei is an all-around genius. Not content with being an actress, director, singer and even editor, she’s now branched out into jewelry design. Cats are the inspiration behind her first collection.

The holidays are a gift-wrapped opportunity for you to express affection for friends, lovers and parents in a tangible way. If you pride yourself on giving innovative presents, here’s a few places to look as you do that last minute Christmas shopping.

Make a statement with the original and exclusive pieces of this edgy fashion boutique-cum-studio Sforzando, run by 24-year-old Vega Wang. A graduate of the UK’s Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, Vega recently set up her own business in Beijing and has released her first collection “Loneliness Stays Forever.”

Winter is looming and with it Beijing's dry air, making moisturizers essential. Most consumers assume that the prices of beauty products are directly proportional to their quality. But what’s the real difference between a 500-kuai facial cream and a 20-kuai product? Certainly, products from the high-end European cosmetic giants may have additional features, such as anti-aging, whitening, etc, since they spend more money on research and development. On the other hand, they also spend a ton on advertising, marketing, luxury packaging, etc. If you’re on a budget and simply want a basic, effective moisturizer, here’s a list of reliable options.

In a city where many take themselves all too seriously, this is a store with a sense of humor. Look at that name – perhaps intended to scare off a certain type of squeamish customer – and take note of the unorthodox opening hours listed below.

Since launching three years ago, Source has become an insider’s favorite in Shanghai thanks to its exclusive selection of street styles. Its Beijing store opened recently in a space spanning 800sqm at the World City mall.

After the visual stimulation of wandering a gallery or museum, you want the tactile pleasure of taking those cutting-edge artworks into your very own hands. These stores oblige by selling affordable art-inspired items.