Onitsuka Tiger

A retro running shoe brand that thankfully doesn’t cost the earth, Onitsuka Tiger is the second cool import from Japan to hit Beijing stores in a month. Founded in 1949, Onitsuka’s post-war aim was to raise capable children through the promotion of sport. When the country’s first basketball shoes appeared, they had a tiger emblazoned on the arch, and Onitsuka adopted the animal as its logo. Though back in the day Onitsuka’s designs were adopted by world-class athletes, it’s now become more of a fashion brand with a prestigious heritage. Nevertheless, comfy, colourful and on average costing around 600RMB, the footwear in this shop is well worth a trip to Xidan. Sizes go up to size 42 for women and 46 for men, and it’s worth looking out for zip-up track tops (788RMB) and neat men’s and women’s bags (from 198RMB) too. Onitsuka Tiger 4 Floor, 56, Joy City Mall (Dayuecheng), 131 Xidan Bei Dajie, Xicheng district (tel XXXX XXXX). Open 10am-10pm daily. Walking around this tiny, just opened store inside the Oriental Plaza is, frankly, a major disappointment. Considering Costume National is one of the world’s better known designer brands, one would expect a polished interior, experienced staff and a great selection of Italian designer Ennio Capasa’s casual tailoring and brightly coloured spring-summer pieces. Instead there’s but a handful of the clothes from the runway shows and the layout and sales women (of which there are far too many) do nothing to inspire you to buy the gear. Best to go to Lane Crawford for their selection – when presented well, this is an exciting label. Look out for off-the-shoulder dresses and tops for women, clothes in bold red and fuschia pink and skinny, blunt ties and laid-back suits for the men. Prices range from around 1,700RMB for a men’s t-shirt to 7,700RMB for a dress.