Melanie Morana
Where are you from?
I’m from Germany, but my husband is Italian. He works at the Italian Embassy.
How many kids do you have?
Two daughters, 9 and 4. They attend BSB and Ivy Bilingual.
Where are your clothes from?
This jacket is from the Silk Market. My boots are from Yashow. I bought this shirt in Xi’an.
How would you describe your style?
Not too complicated. Nice and easy.
What do you look forward to doing in the warm weather?
Having a salad outside at Assagi.
How do you help save the environment?
I biked here today. I try to not use plastic bags, and I try to remember to turn off lights, and turn down the heat.
Darlene Wang
Where are you from?
St. Louis, Missouri.
Have you lived here long?
On and off since 1990. My husband is the president of Boeing China.
Do you have kids?
One son. He’s getting married in the US soon.
Where’s your necklace from?
Thailand. This top is by a German designer here, Kathrin von Rechenberg.
Describe your style.
Classic with a contemporary twist. I would love to say that I’m a trendsetter.
Your favorite restaurants?
Sureño and Bei. I also love Duck de Chine in 1949-The Hidden City. And Maison Boulud.
How do you help save the environment?
Through the committee of the Beijing International Society. We bring organizations to talk to the public about the environment, art and culture in China.
Marcela Brito
Where are you from?
Viña del Mar, Chile.
How long have you been here?
Two months.
How old is your daughter?
18. She studies Mandarin at BSB.
What does your husband do?
He’s a navy officer.
Where are your clothes from?
These are Tommy Hilfiger pants, Hush Puppy shoes, and I bought my bag in China.
How would you describe your style?
Classic.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Bella Italy.
Where are you headed right now?
To Yashow for scissors to cut my daughter’s hair.
What’s on your mind about the environment?
We need to find a way to control smog and pollution. There should be more non-smoking sections in China.
Carter Malik
Where are you from?
New York.
How long have you lived in Beijing?
Five years.
How many kids do you have?
My kids are older – 28, 27, and 21. My daughters, the two oldest, live in Beijing. One is a graphic designer and the other has her own soap company.
How would you describe your style?
Diplomatic. I wear pearls.
How do you help save the environment?
I support groups of artisans in Yunnan who make handicrafts out of local, raw materials in Shangri-la.
Where do you like to eat?
Hatsune and Salt.
Tuija Ronkainen
Where are you from?
Tampere, Finland.
How long have you been in Beijing?
Six months.
Do you have kids?
A 15-year-old boy who goes to WAB and an 18-year-old girl who goes to ISB.
What does your husband do?
He works for Nokia.
Where do you like to shop?
Around Pinnacle Plaza in Shunyi.
Where are your clothes from?
I got these shoes in Hong Kong. My shirt is Lacoste. My glasses are Miu Miu.
How would you describe your style?
Relaxed. I wear jeans a lot.
Tell me about your jewelry.
My earrings are gold elephants from Thailand.
What do you do for the environment?
I try to recycle, but it’s difficult here.
Where do you like to eat?
South Beauty in the Ginza Mall.
