Down in the leafy French Concession, at a cross street where people are selling music-y things, there is a dress shop that draws the attention of passersby with its vintage-slash-glamor look. And of course, there is the rather unusual name: William the Beekeeper.
The owner, Cairn Wu, is a Chinese-American who arrived in China three years ago, and is already known to Shanghai’s small fashion community through her flagship store, Kaileeni. William the Beekeeper is her new store opened this past February, which has the designer / retailer embracing the timeless vintage look.
"I am really into vintage. And by vintage, I mean it is a look that you cannot attach a time line to it." Cairn especially likes the San Franciscan style. "It is so put-together but is effortless at the same time."
Expect to see flowing dresses and classic pieces at the same time. And for those who insist on one-of-a-kind outfits, the Bee has it. "Aside from Kaileeni, we support upcoming clothes and accessories designers who want to make a name in fashion," Cairn explains. "I personally choose the collection. And if I don't like it, it doesn't stay."
The big question is: Why William the BEEKEEPER? "We sell honey too!" The honey comes from her husband's family farm in far-off Honolulu, Hawaii. "They are organic and definitely taste better than the ones in China." A bottle of honey is 340g (12oz) and costs 130rmb.
So what came first, the honey or the clothes? "Definitely the clothes." Cairn and her husband thought of putting up a concept store, and everything just clicked. William the Beekeeper opened just after Chinese New Year this year, but with her good business sense, she has been attracting new clienteles and keeping old ones too.
William the Beekeeper will soon be adding more outfits for guys, as well as stocking non-apparel knick-knacks and gift items. However, for the moment, ladies who have the bohemian-Audrey Hepburn personality will fall in love with shop.
Clothes sell for around 300rmb to 1000rmb.
William the Beekeeper can be found at 84 Fenyang Road, near Fuxing Road, French Concession. They are open 10am to 8pm Tuesdays to Sundays. Mondays are by appointment only.
