From The Straits Times    |

My recent trip to the Chinese capital was the most fun I’ve ever had there and it wasn’t only because I got a chance to party with a New York fashion wunderkind (pictured below). Yeah, the latter might not happen to everyone, but a lot else can in just 24 hours. Here’s my guide on making sure your whirlwind stay is oh-so-fashionable.

Alexander Wang Beijing Store Opening Party

#1: Stay in super cool boutique hotel, The Opposite House, in the trendy Sanlitun district – modern Zen design, art in the lobby, 99 rooms only.

#2: Tour the northern part of the Sanlitun Village outdoor shopping mall (just turn left when you get out of the hotel). Then salivate at the gleaming flagship boutiques that range from Balenciaga to Maison Martin Margiela.

#3: Dine at hot pot chain Hai Di Lao – rumour has it Chinese supermodel Liu Wen is a regular.

#4: Have a shower post-dinner. Your clothes will stink from the open-air cooking at Hai Di Lao – so not cool.

#5: Attend a bash hosted by Alexander Wang, the celebrated New York designer whose Fashion Week after-parties are likened to rock concerts. Watch out for drunk guests spraying champagne over one another.

Alexander Wang Beijing Store Opening Party

#6: No Wang bash to hang at? Cocktail bar Mesh at The Opposite House will give you the same dose of beautiful people and strong drinks. Try the Chili Martini.

Alexander Wang Beijing Store Opening Party

#7: Do not forgo sleeping on the custom-made, 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton bed in your room. You’ll wake up feeling like Linda “We don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000” Evangelista.

#8: Wear your biggest shades to the airport. You’ll need it.

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Read more about Noelle Loh’s meeting with Alexander Wang in “The $32 Million Boy” on page 222 of the August issue, out now.