Cath Kidston entered China’s market recently with a unique offering for local xiao qing xin fans (小清新 or little freshness, for more: Haier Looks to Connect Style and the Environment). DIY would be part of the lifestyle and emerging housewife culture.

A change from “eating for safety” to “having an organic lifestyle” is slowly but steadily coming to the fore for Chinese youth. When organics is mentioned, most people immediately think of “healthy” -- but also “expensive.” Organic products in China have been regarded as a guard against food safety issues. However, some young tastemakers prefer organic products for other reasons. We asked one woman how organic fits into her life beyond food safety and asked an authority on organic consumption to comment on the movement's development in China. What we found was an image that was more holistic than just keeping safe; the appeal of organic can be linked to larger lifestyle and aspiration changes.

Japanese convenience store brand Lawson is bringing a Japanese icon to China – in a big way. According to Manabu Matsura, President of Lawson, the first Ultraman character themed store which is situated near Zhongshan Park will not be the last. We took a trip to check out the Lawson door meets character franchise mash-up.

Eternally youthful ‘Snoopy’ has been the world’s top dog since 1950. In celebration of his 60th birthday, the iconic ‘Peanuts’ characters have been featured on limited-edition product collaborations with a diverse range of designers. The ‘Peanuts 60 Years World Tour’ has reworked and immortalized the original gang with designs by Arts & Science, N.Hoolywood, mastermind Japan, OriginalFake, Hysteric Glamour, Lacoste, Converse, Longchamp, Loopwheeler, Mulberry, MEDICOM Toy, Aprosio & Co, Joujou, Lucien Pellat-Finet and Baccarat.

Chinese jewelry brand SAXX (谢瑞麟) has also released a range of limited-edition diamond jewelry inspired by the loveable pooch. Happy birthday, dear Snoopy!


Hip Hong Kong-based brand collective Clot Inc. recently opened ‘Man Is In The Forest’, a pop-up concept store in Shanghai dedicated to the legacy of Walt Disney. The concept shop was designed to showcase CLOT X Disney products and other Disney collaborations from streetwear brands and artists from around the world. ANTIPAST, Bounty Hunter, Cassette Playa, Charlotte Tarantola, devilrobots, Dr. Romanelli, Han Cholo, Hysteric Mini, Johnathan Saunders, Milkfed, Secret Base, Campana Bros and WHIZ Limited  have all put their mark on the Disney-devoted garments, accessories and collectible toys.

Following the massive success of their ‘Alice in Wonderland’ collaboration with Disney, popular Hong Kong fashion label b + ab has launched a collaborative autumn/MPMwinter range with iconic Japanese brand Hello Kitty. Japanese Artist Nagi Noda reinvented Hello Kitty’s logo on b + ab designs, including tee shirts, tote bags and slippers. Highlights of the sixteen-piece range include both a sweatshirt and cape with a Hello Kitty shaped hood.

Cynthia, 24

Executive assistant, Shanghai


Popular professional kid celebrities: Ashida Mana (Japan) Jacky Wong (Hong Kong) and Zhang Aiqing (half Chinese and Indonesian)

Most Chinese remember Jin Ming as the first and certainly one of the most popular kid celebrities featured in Chiung Yao’s romantic novels. Lately, the role of celebrities has changed. While many celebrity kids draw attention there is also a movement (similar to what we are seeing in the adult world) to include less famous – but still adorable - kids.

Audiences are not looking for a packaged celebrity, they easily fall for a kid despite (and often because) he or she is just an ordinary kid. Taiwanese twins Sandy and Mandy fall into this category. Their site has logged almost 2 million visitors and they count over 236,000 members.