Gentlemen: consider the masters of seduction. Do you think James Bond would have had his way with the ladies if he wore a stained tank top and cut-offs? I think not. Can you imagine Cary Grant or Gregory Peck wooing a beauty in Birkenstocks? No way. Now, boys, I know comfort is important to you but there really is no excuse for being a fashion victim in Beijing these days. The city's selection of casual menswear has grown exponentially in recent years with styles to fit most budgets and tastes. So don't settle for less than the best. Treat yourself to some new threads - you're worth it!
For the latest street-and surf-wear from Japan, Korea, and the US of A, hustle on over to Dongsi. This 'hood is home to Hot Station which sells fittingly 'dope' T-shirts, pants, shorts, jeans, jackets and shoes from Paul Frank, Quicksilver, Tommy Hilfinger, Kangol, Feuk, Pou Dou Dou, Diesel, Billabong, Adidas Super Star, Puma, CK, Bad Boy, Mombo, Rocawear (JayZ's label), Pellepelle, Mo Jeans, Levis, and Converse - to name just a few. Are you playaz getting this down? This is leisurewear at its best.
Nearby is Hack&rs, which is not a clubhouse for computer geeks, but a shop offering the essential fashion hardware for the modern maverick: '70s-style Californian T-shirts emblazoned with mystical sayings like 'Quote Revolt' (RMB 150) as well as sneakers, knapsacks and manbags (yes, manbags) starting at RMB 250.
A few strides away on Ping'an Dadao is a wholesaler's heaven, where guys can pick up the basics for cheap. Qingqing Waimao Jingpin sells good quality name brand T-shirts (RMB 90, but do bargain), jeans and shorts (starting at RMB 50) by Nike, Adidas, Puma, Converse, Levis and CK. This shop also has an extensive selection of baseball caps (RMB 10), leather basketballs (RMB 90), hiking gear and fly footwear (RMB 100). Enjoy!
Travel further west to the Kuanjie intersection where you'll discover a great little boutique, Liuxing Zhibiao, which specializes in selective imported menswear. Terrific T-shirts and pants start at around RMB 100. Easy riders with a motorbike but no babe should vroom on even further west along Ping'an Dadao to Rong Yan. This hole-in-the-wall clothing depot sells well-known names like Harley Davidson (RMB 100+) and Levis alongside less famous brands like Pacific Trail, and Joe Rocket Ballistic. The shop also carries killer biker boots and other tough-guy accessories. If you prefer the air-conditioned convenience of shopping malls, check out an outlet of Tony Jeans. This is where the more established man about town can stock up on classic essentials, like work shirts and pants (RMB 250).
And now fellas, it's time for Judy's fashion tip: leave your preppy boarding school clothes in the closet where they belong. Real women prefer men dressed in hip casual designs by Jack & Jones. The Danish company's outlets are filled with versatile and stylish mid-range quality items at mid-range prices (RMB 200) that are perfect for a casual day out or a late night at the jazz joint.
(Agencies via Xinhua September 28, 2003)
