Life

Peek at Guanghua's hidden high fashion

By Christine Laskowski (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-18 07:55

Celebrity designer Zhang Binqiao models a traditional Chinese tang zhuang in her store. ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY

Tucked deep within the Ritan embassy area, 15 Guanghua Road is easy to miss. But many celebrities and fashionistas know where it is and they are loyally devoted to the unassuming jewelry and clothing boutiques inside. METRO fashion decided to take a closer look at two of our favorite shops to find out more about these retail gems.

This qipao has a sheer layer on top with beads handwoven into it. Embroidered with lilies and cranes and incorporates smoked silk adding muted hues, like olives and lavenders to the color scheme.Price: 6,800 yuan

At first glance, Zhang Binqiao's No1006 Phoenix Gate Boutique looks nothing special, but appearances can be deceptive, as her handcrafted, intricate embroidered silk qipaos and jackets are highly in demand by the city's rich and famous. Singers and CCTV hostesses such as Zhou Tao can't seem to get enough of them.

Using high-quality silks and intricate embroidery, Zhang combines her creative spark with classic Chinese imagery - lotuses, cranes, bamboo - in her tang zhuang and qipao designs, all of which are one-offs. "Each piece takes on a life of its own, so it's impossible to make the same thing twice."

Many of her pieces incorporate a technique of smoking, not dying the color onto the silk, giving them rich, earthy hues. Prices non-negotiable, but Zhang said that for loyal customers she can work something out.

In her camouflage pants, spiky belt, and black polo shirt, Zhang Binqiao, looks anything but a traditional Chinese clothing designer. She looks like a young entrepreneur who would own a punk clothing store near Gulou.

When asked why she chose to have a shop on Guanghua Road and not in a more glitzy location, Zhang told METRO that she used to have a boutique in Jianwai SOHO, but it closed.

"Now, I prefer the feeling of this place. I can decorate how I like, with my paintings," she said. "It's more free, more intimate. Here you can chat, drink tea and coffee, and take your time and just talk as friends."

Yang Min, a loyal customer of Zhang's who has been collecting her clothes for the past decade, was in the boutique during the interview trying on a custom-made tang zhuang, she explained the reasons she kept coming back: "First and foremost, I really like Zhang," Yang said, smiling at her friend. "But I also come because she makes beautiful clothes for me."

"You see? We don't need lots of customers," Zhang said. "I have my old friends."

Peek at Guanghua's hidden high fashion