Best for haute couture: Huang Yue
Designer Huang Yue (pictured) has been creating exquisitely structured pieces for over ten years. A graduate from the Central Academy, his studio Tian Shang is a lovely little refuge in Sanlitun. Having studied ballet, he really understands shape and form, and is a favourite of glossies and celebrities alike.
One of the limitations here is that you can't bring your own fabric. However, all his fabric is of the highest quality. These really are statement pieces, and he will include his own artistic input. Be prepared to commit though, as an evening dress can take up to a month to produce.
High quality also means higher prices, ranging between 1,000-4,000RMB, and potentially more for embroidered items. The end result will be an investment piece to last a lifetime.
Best for copying: Fei Fei
Xiao Fei is really great at copying, and has produced fantastic identikit versions of designer frocks. It's incredibly cost effective to get items made by her, but bring heaps of pictures, as the styles in her books haven't been updated since about 1972.
She charges 160RMB for a dress with no lining, and 180RMB with lining, going up to 200-280RMB for more complicated styles or more expensive fabrics. Don't expect her to create a design just for you – but her English is good enough to take direction.
Best for alterations: LinDa's
LinDa's on the corner of Dongdaqiao Lu and Guanghua Lu is the place to go for alterations. Lovely LinDa has also done extensive work for the surrounding embassies, including visiting ministers and their wives, and speaks phenomenal English.
All the material is sourced from Shanghai and Jiangsu, and she can knock up a frock in four days with only one sitting. An evening dress will usually be around 1,000RMB while a simpler day dress can range between 200 and 400RMB.
By Alice McInerney(Time Out Beijing)
Editor: Hao Di
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