Aigle: Quality Clothing For the Elements

The next time Beijing floods, the vulcanized wellies on your feet may get you further than the tires on that cab you’re finally able to hail. But snowy or rainy days are no time to discover that the sole of your shoe has fallen off or that your boot’s “rubber” is actually some concoction that is water-soluble. The heartbreak of a shoddy shoe can be cured, however. We prescribe a dose of good ol’ French craftsmanship in the form of rain boots by Aigle, whose weatherproof pedigree goes all the way back to the rubber patent purchased in 1850 from Charles Goodyear.

Those rain boots do feature prominently in their Wangfujing store, but the label offers everything you could need for looking fashionable while being outdoorsy (or trudging through a torrential downpour), from wool scarves (RMB 580) to heavy winter jackets (RMB 5,800). Craftsmanship may not be synonymous with shopping in China, but the next time you have cause to curse Yashow and its knock-offs, maybe head to Aigle. You’ll never tire of quality.

Also try: American Eagle Outfitters, Toread

Aigle. Daily. The Malls at Oriental Plaza, 1 Dongchang’an Jie, Dongcheng District 东城区东长安街1号东方新天地

By subway: 100m from Dongdan or Wangfujing station (Line 1)

Photo: Mitchell Pe Masilun