the Beijinger

You’ve already met its sister chain, Zara. Now say hola to Spanish label Massimo Dutti, the classy-not-splashy chain from the Inditex group, Europe’s largest clothing retailer.

Most of us grew up thinking of cobblers as just funny figures from folk tales.  Here in China, though, having footwear made to order is a feasible and affordable option.  If you've ever longed to own a pair of shoes that fit you perfectly, consider the following shoemakers.

Most Chinese designers have set their sights on international fashion hotbeds like Paris, Milan and New York. At least one, however, has her eyes fixed firmly on China.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but wearing the right makeup never hurts. Below is a selection of Beijing stores that sell cosmetics for all facial types and price ranges.

“Two-person yoga” is how Tai Dian Massage Salon defines their Thai-style massage. This signature treatment (RMB 150 for 60min) aims to alleviate stiffness and fatigue with assisted yoga poses, in which customers are gently twisted and stretched by a therapist. As part of the “yin-yang balance” theory that undergirds Tai Dian’s treatments, masseurs serve female clients and masseuses work with male customers.

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.

Spanish streetwear label Bershka has arrived at Solana Mall, joining its sibling brands Zara and Massimo Dutti in a kind of retail family reunion. Bershka targets teens and younger twentysomethings by offering a wide collection of playful tailored T-shirts, funky party dresses and sparkly bling. Prices here, as compared with its sister labels, are more affordable.

Getting a 20-kuai manicure at a cramped, noisy salon in a clothing market is like gobbling fast food. Don’t you deserve better? The following salons offer you thoughtful service and a chance to exhale.

The Red Star Design Awards are the equivalent of the Oscars in China’s design industry. Though not nearly as prestigious as the world-class Red Dot Awards, it’s an important platform to encourage and promote up-and-coming local designers. Now Red Star has launched its official store, wittily using China’s international calling code (+86) to indicate the provenance of the designers they feature.