Chip Rountree is a perfect example of how living in Beijing is great for cultivating one’s inner fashionista. “For most of my life I have worn clothes that blended in with the mountains,” explains Chip, who hails from the Rockies. “Since moving to China, I’ve found myself drawn to brighter, more outlandish colors. It’s my way of bringing color into this grey city.” Chip also brings color to this city with his poignant photography, the most recent of which will be on display through September 6 at Da Feng Gallery in 798, at his and former Fashionista Bradford Kessler’s joint art show “Origin of Life.” Chip finds his fashion muses in the old Chinese women that live in the hutongs. “Their combinations of floral-patterned tops and psychedelic MC Hammer pants are absolutely brilliant,” he explains. Most of Chip’s clothing, including his neon Ganesh shirt, are gifts that he acquires in his travels. However, he credits Quiksilver for the boardshorts. His killer lenses are from Glasses City. Chip’s style has been described as an eye-shocking blend of “Hetero Surf Prince” and “Boyfriend you would only introduce to parents in order to piss them off.” To fulfill such lofty style ideals he often checks out the Xuanwumen Walmart while he waits for his photos to develop, and sometimes peruses the shops along Dongsishitiao. Recent purchases include a “sweet pair of moccasins” from #74 on Dongsibei Dajie. If you don’t catch Chip at his photo exhibit, look out for him playing a mean guitar in his band, The Redbucks. He will most likely be sporting a self-designed Dongbei floral print tank top, a 1970s Hasselbald camera at his feet and his signature sexy boyish grin lighting up the room.

Name: Charles "Chip" Rountree
Occupation: Photographer and musician
Nationality: American

Fashionista: MeiLi Autumn
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Photographer: Tao Zi
Hair and Makeup: MeiLi Autumn