The LINE, a brightly lit street-side concept store, has opened on Changle Lu, selling handmade jewelry by European and Chinese designers as well as all-natural candles, lip balm, and homemade hand cream. Easy to miss but full of goodies for holiday shopping, the shop gives a permanent home to a number of indie brands you may have seen around the various markets.

*** A tiny sliver of a shop, the walls of The LINE display handmade jewelry going up to about 600rmb, from designers including the European Zoaje and Makre, and local designs from Point Lines, Paulieposh, Clab, and Anise.

Zoaje earrings

the LINE earrings

Most pieces are simple and earthy, all picked by owner Kelly Wang. Wang also runs WALK the LINE on Anfu Lu, a shoe store stocked with the latest from international brands; they come straight from the factory with slight defects so she can sell at a competitive price, from 400-800rmb (in sizes 35-40). WALK the LINE has the same minimalist style as the LINE.

Makre necklace

The most striking collection in the LINE comes from Makre, inspired by Asia and “unconditional love” from Serbian sisters Marina and Katerina Erdeljan. Pieces are made of brass, steel, recycled silver, silk, crystals, and gems, all with fair-trade materials from Asia and Europe.

40g soy wax candle

220g soy wax candle

The LINE also sells their own line of jewelry and essential oil-based natural products such as candles, lip balm, hand cream, and air fresheners. These are made in a small workshop where Wang and her partner Jessie Miao decide on ingredients and scents. Candles are a bit pricey (as homemade candle tend to be) ranging from 48-128rmb. The colorful 40g candles would make a good stocking stuffer. 'Tis almost the season!