Try It Medium Rare: Juicy Finds in Sanlitun Village

The cement floor and walls are cold and sleek. There are few decorations to detract from its drabness, with the exception of a dark wooly rug, a wooden stage and the words “medium rare" emblazoned behind it via a video projector. Right away, your eyes are drawn to the clothes, which at first glance appear equally unadorned – until you take a closer look at the nuances in fabric, texture and shape.

A space you can't just stumble upon but must set out to find, this new addition to Sanlitun Village North is Medium Rare's first branch outside of Hong Kong. The independent boutique has been catering to Hong Kong’s niche fashion market since 1996, stocking mainly emerging Japanese talents (the Viridi-anne, nude:masahiko maruyama, SiVA), along with a select few from New York (InAisce) and Italy (forme d'expression) who embody the same avant-garde spirit. The cutting-edge designs run the gamut from dark and artistic to earthy and relaxed, sticking to monochromatic tones and draped silhouettes.

While pricey – they carry some of the same labels as high-end department stores Lane Crawford and Joyce – any one item could give your closet instant fashion cred. The pieces are unique and conceptual, and require an unfettered soul to appreciate them.

Also try: Exception de Mixmind, Aura

Medium Rare
Daily 1-10pm. Unit N2-32, 2/F (above the Alexander McQueen store), Sanlitun Village North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6417 5932) www.mediumrare.com.cn
朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯Village北区2层N2-32

Photos: Judy Zhao