These huge brands are hardly boutiques, but the newfound presence in China of Forever 21, Top Shop (via Fei Space) and Maison Martin Margiela (for H&M) couldn’t go without a mention. There are floors of sequins at Forever 21, a British invasion at Fei Space’s Top Shop pop-up store, and we're anticipating some bold looks from Maison Martin Margiela for H&M, when their collection goes on sale tomorrow (this Thursday).

Forever 21

With four floors of on-trend clothing and accessories, this US brand has invaded the south end of Nanjing Dong Lu ever since its launch at the end of September. The first and second floors offer themed sections ranging from schoolgirl prep to sequined club gear, with areas for Grandma’s floral prints, stripes, neutrals and jewel-toned eveningwear. These sections are so color-coordinated that you could form an entire outfit within each one. For guys who get trapped here holding their girlfriends’ purses (I saw more than a few), there’s a corner on the third floor with affordable denim, casual wear and a good selection of skinny ties. The fourth floor accessories section has everything from shoes, jewelry and hair accessories to intimates. This floor is dangerous. I spent an hour picking up enough jewelry to match my entire wardrobe, plus a floral kaleidoscope iPhone case I just had to have, and gawking at the rainbow display of lace underwear, going for 21.9rmb -- which makes Hanky Panky seem like a rip-off at 20USD a pop. I tend to go for more trendy purchases at Forever21, since the quality will rarely last past a couple of seasons. It’s a good place to try out looks, stock up on costume jewelry and get the basics you tear through.

Top Shop Pop-up Shop by Fei Space

In terms of selection, Fei Space’s Top Shop Pop up Shop puts Madame Mao’s Dowry’s selection of Top Shop garms to shame. This space features an entire floor of apparel, including designer collection items, a few throwback summer pieces, some accessories, a whole wall of menswear and a variety of ready-to-wear pieces from seasons past. I found a gorgeous short-sleeved, floor-length black satin gown that was like a glammed-up Morticia Addams frock, and there are more than a few NYE-worthy cocktail dresses for less than 1000 kuai. The main section offers some good deals if you don’t mind wearing last season’s clothes. Then there are sale items sprinkled throughout, including a rack of coats at 50% off, from last year. But for a brand that’s known for its affordability, I have to say the designer-collection items run steep. We’re talking more than a five-time mark-up from their current UK sale prices. Even with international shipping, these pieces would be cheaper to here buy online in the UK and ship to China – provided you can deal with delayed gratification (right now, Top Shop is also offering free worldwide shipping on orders over 100GBP). Fei Space is supposed to get a new shipment of goods in on November 20. In the meantime, those snaps above are our favorite picks.

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

Debuting at H&M stores worldwide tomorrow (Thursday, November 15), Maison Martin Margiela’s capsule collection for H&M is said to be one of the final designer collections for the mega brand. This particular guest designer comes with legions of dedicated fashion-forward fans who embrace the brand’s avant-garde style and aesthetic. If you follow fashion, you may remember Maison Martin Margiela’s unforgettably strange headwear that pranced down the runway last year (think crystal-encrusted fencing masks). As the hype builds for this radical collection, H&M has put out a look book giving us a glimpse of the fashion we can expect to see in the store and on the streets later this week. The collection will be up for sale on November 15 (stores open at 8am sharp – so set your alarms early). The stores seem to be expecting some big crowds and lines comparable to the chaos they experienced upon launching their Comme des Garcon for H&M collection in fall 2008. Only three H&M branches — Huaihai Lu , Nanjing Xi Lu and Superbrand Mall — will stock the line, so choose wisely, line up early, and dash to the racks with all the purchase-power-passion you can muster on a Thursday morning. Pieces worth waking up early for include these white sneakers going for less than 900rmb, this asymmetrical black dress and more playful pieces like the bra-top leotard, glove-strapped purse, upside-down bag, and this amazing leather jacket. Check out the entire collection and look book here. Update: at the Huaihai Lu branch the Maison Martin Margiela stock is already starting to dwindle, and it's only half way through its first day of sales. If you're really desperate for a particular sold-out item, there's a shady guy outside with about ten stuffed bags full of the collection's merch that he's selling for sticker price + 200rmb. Sold out items include the bra-top leotard, glove pouch, glove-strapped clutches, metallic silver and pink candy clutches, most menswear, and only limited sizes of shoes still remain (we didn't see any of the sneakers, unfortunately). If you don't mind putting up with a fashionable crowd and chaotic displays and staff, then best head down ASAP to see what's left.