For Brandnü, helping the local community through “green-based,” environmentally-friendly charity projects is of utmost concern, says owner Nathan Zhang. Founded in 2009, Brandnü is a clothing and accessories store that upcycles donated products and uses profits to help women in need. “I raise money from both my shop and international schools,” explains Zhang. “I donate most of my stuff to disaster areas or migrant worker communities.”
The store provides a platform for urban creators to unite with rural artisans. Brandnü is modestly decorated, featuring clutches made from woven magazine strips, eclectic jackets, dresses, pants, and small handmade toys and keychains. “This year, we are focusing on upcycling and patchworking more bags and blankets,” says Zhang. The shop is expecting new designs later in the summer and is even mulling a new location in the near future. Popular items include patchwork upcycled handbags (RMB 500) and quilted blankets (starting at RMB 680). If you like a good steal, most of the donated mint-condition clothes are only RMB 30 apiece. Emily Thomas
Tue-Sun 10 am-10pm. 61 Wudaoying Hutong (just west of Vineyard Cafe), Dongcheng District (186 1406 0601) www.brandnuproject.com, weibo.com/brandnu 东城区五道营胡同（葡萄园西侧）61号
Photos by Mitchell Pe Masilun
This article originally appeared on p15 of the beijingkids July 2013 issue.
Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com
