This winter in Beijing, when you see young women sporting peculiar, intriguing cube designs on their coats and skirts, you can be certain that fashion designer Alicia Lee had everything to do with it. As she says, “‘The Cube’ represents a surrealistic world—one with no color and only the transformation of forms. It is a story about the ultimate loneliness.” Alicia’s designs aren’t always so dire, as apparent in her previous concept, “Hero of the Forest and Lord of the Opera,” which combines multi-colored pleats and fanciful headdresses. Her even more playful “Lost in Peach Blossom Land” collection shows a unique perspective on culture while experimenting with natural high-tech fibers. These original couture collections can be found at Alicia’s Sanlitun store, Willow Willow, which also carries a very accessible ready-to-wear line and the coolest collection of unique collector T-shirts in the capital. “My store is a treasure trove of distinctive pieces,” she says. “Whether it’s an interesting book, colorful sticker or wacky jewelry, I try to find things that appeal to the more discriminating young professional—not the everyday norm.” Beijing is grateful to have a designer with such a playful yet sophisticated heart.

Name: Alicia Lee
Occupation: Fashion designer owner of Willow Willow
Nationality: Chinese

Fashionista: MeiLi Autumn
For more style analysis or fashion insight, visit MeiLi's website, www.MeiLiAutumn.com
Photographer: Tao Zi
Hair and Makeup: MeiLi Autumn