My dear fashionistas, welcome to another fashion adventure on the Mr.M blog! The September sun streams through the mighty canopy of ancient Chinese cedars as I pass through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, beginning another fashion and cultural chapter of my journey through Beijing, with my hands in the pockets of my Loro Piana trousers, feeling the merino wool of the ALPHA STUDIO grandad turtleneck sweater perfectly regulate my body temperature. Beijing in autumn offers that rare climatic balance when luxurious wool becomes not only an aesthetic, but also a functional choice, on the one hand warm enough for cold mornings, yet allowing the skin to breathe enough during a morning walk through the imperial complex of the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. This combination in a completely monochromatic beige palette, each piece has been carefully selected to reflect the philosophy I share with The United Nations World Tourism Organization – UN Tourism and Mandarin Oriental Qianmen Hotel, such as authenticity, uncompromising quality and respect for tradition meets contemporary elegance.

I am grateful to the United Nations World Tourism Organization for allowing me to explore Beijing through the prism of cultural heritage and modern interpretation of traditional values, as well as the hospitality of the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen Hotel, whose complex in the heart of an authentic hutong also became my base for photographing this fashion outfit. There is something deeply symbolic about wearing Italian merino wool as I walk through a complex that represents the pinnacle of Chinese imperial architecture, because both cultures celebrate craftsmanship, both believe in value that transcends time, and both understand that true luxury lies not in flashy labels but in the invisible details of craftsmanship.

ALPHA STUDIO: THE FLORENTINE STORY OF MERINO WOOL AND THE ARCHITECTURE OF KNOWLEDGE

When I first wrote about the ALPHA STUDIO brand, I did not expect that the story of an Italian knitting company would lead me into the world of knowledge architecture and the Florentine Renaissance. Founded in the nineties of the twentieth century in Florence, ALPHA STUDIO is not just another Italian knitwear manufacturer, it is a brand that has its roots buried deep in the Tuscan approach to craftsmanship where tradition and innovation do not clash but complement each other. The name “ALPHA STUDIO” is not accidental. Alpha as a symbol represents the beginning, the source, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, while “studio” evokes a dedicated approach to production as in any real fashion atelier, a space where craftsmen experiment, learn and perfect their knowledge and skills.

What makes ALPHA STUDIO special in the fashion ocean of Italian knitwear brands is their obsession with fiber quality and modern cuts that do not sacrifice comfort for aesthetics. While many luxury brands insist on narrow silhouettes that restrict movement, ALPHA STUDIO believes in “urban comfort”, a concept that my roll top with a slight stand-up collar perfectly illustrates. This merino wool sweater is not the classic turtleneck with a high collar that constricts the neck, instead, it has that elegant, slightly raised buttonless collar that suggests formality without being stiff and stiff. It’s a roll for the man who appreciates structure but rejects uniform, who wants warmth but doesn’t want the burden of fabric around his neck.

The merino wool used to make this roll comes from strictly selected sources where sheep grow in ideal climatic conditions, high mountain pastures where temperature fluctuations require the animals to develop extremely fine but resistant fibers. ALPHA STUDIO works directly with farmers who practice sustainable farming, which means that the merino wool is not only top quality but also ethically sourced. This approach is not a marketing story but an operational reality, the brand regularly publishes reports on its supply chain and certifies each batch of wool through transparent channels.

ALPHA STUDIO‘s Florentine heritage is visible in every detail of this sweater. Tuscany is not only the cradle of the Renaissance, it is a region where the textile industry has flourished since the Middle Ages, where the techniques of fabric production were developed and exported throughout Europe. ALPHA STUDIO continues that tradition through a modern context as their factory near Florence combines traditional knitting machines with modern technology that allows millimeter precision. Each roll goes through twelve stages of quality control before leaving the factory, and the production itself takes three times longer than with standard industrial products because ALPHA STUDIO uses slower knitting machines that create a denser and more durable texture.

The beige color of my roll is not simply “neutral”, it is a carefully calibrated shade that ALPHA STUDIO calls “Tuscan Sand”, inspired by the color of Florentine stone after the afternoon sun. When I walk through the Forbidden City, this color creates a fascinating dialogue with the gold-red tones of Chinese imperial architecture, yet neutral enough not to stand out from the surroundings, warm enough to exude aristocratic calmness. Merino wool has this natural ability to change shade depending on the light, for example in the cold shadow of the temple it looks almost grey-beige, while in the sun it gets a honeyed glow.

The technical superiority of merino wool is not a myth but a scientific fact. Merino sheep fibers are incredibly thin, averaging seventeen to nineteen microns in diameter, which is four times thinner than human hair. This finesse allows the fabric to “breathe” in a way that synthetic fibers never can. Merino wool absorbs up to thirty percent of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, which means your body stays dry even during physical activity. As I climbed the many steps inside the Forbidden City, this roller skate did its job of absorbing sweat and regulating temperature so effectively that I felt neither hot nor cold.

The ALPHA STUDIO sweater with a stand-up collar also represents a philosophical concept that is close to my approach to fashion, it represents the idea that elegance does not require sacrifice. Too often luxury fashion forces silhouettes that are impractical, materials that are delicate, designs that require you to behave differently than you would naturally. This roll, with its relaxed fit that still maintains structure, with merino wool that looks sophisticated but holds up well to everyday wear, with details like ribbed ends that prevent stretching, is true fashion for life, not the other way around.

LORO PIANA: THE QUIET EMPIRE OF FINEST CASHMERE

If ALPHA STUDIO is the Florentine story of merino wool, then Loro Piana is a centuries-old epic about the finest fibers on the planet. Founded in 1924 in Quarona, a small town in the Italian region of Piedmont, Loro Piana operated as a family company for six generations before becoming part of the LVMH group in 2013, but with the condition of maintaining complete independence over production and quality standards. This independence was not a luxury but a necessity, because Loro Piana has a reputation that has been built for more than a century, and that reputation rests on one simple premise: if you can’t make something of the highest possible quality, simply don’t make it.

The Loro Piana Reinga beige trousers I’m wearing are no ordinary high-waisted trousers, they are the results of a decade of research into the perfect fit for the modern man who wants elegance without being stiff. The Reinga model is part of Loro Piano’s classic trouser collection that combines timeless design with the finest materials, creating pieces that transcend seasonal trends and become permanent wardrobe staples.

High-waisted trousers are not a fad but a return to the vision of how trousers were traditionally cut before the mid-waist became the norm in the 1970s. Loro Piana studied old craft techniques from the 1930s and 1940s when trousers were worn on the natural waist of a man, not on the hips. This approach offers more than aesthetics because the high waist allows the pants to fall more beautifully, to create a continuous line without breaking at the waist, to support the body without tightening. When I photographed this combination at the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen complex, with a backdrop of traditional hutong architecture, the high waist of the pants created an upright line that fit perfectly with the geometry of the Chinese wooden columns.

The fabric of these Loro Piana trousers deserves a special story. It’s no ordinary wool, it’s an extremely fine blend of merino wool that Loro Piana mixes with a secret proportion of elastin (they’re not transparent about the exact percentage) which gives the fabric incredible resistance to creasing and the ability to return to its original shape. After a full day of walking around the Forbidden City, these pants looked like I just put them on, no creases at the knees, no sagging fabric, no loss of structure. Loro Piana calls this fabric “Super 130’s” with the addition of elastin, which means that the number one hundred and thirty refers to the fineness of the fibers (the higher the number, the thinner the fibers), and the elastic addition suggests that the technical component has not sacrificed the basic quality.

The beige color of the Loro Piana pants, they classify it as a “stone color”, is not identical to the beige color of the ALPHA STUDIO roll, which was a deliberate decision. The Loro Piana stone color has a slightly cooler undertone, a minimal grey-beige character that creates subtle depth when combined with the warmer beige ALPHA STUDIO merino wool. This type of monochromatic game where you can use different shades from the same color palette is a more sophisticated approach than looking for a perfect match. It allows each piece to retain its identity while contributing to the overall harmony of the fashion combination.

Loro Piana as a brand is fascinating because it actively avoids branding. You won’t find a large logo on these pants, the only sign of the brand is a minimal woven tag inside detailing the fabric and model. This discretion has always been a core value of the Loro Piano philosophy from the very beginning. The idea that their customers recognize quality through touch, through the feeling of how the fabric falls, through the experience of how each of their garments is worn over time, and not through visible offensive markings. In a world where many luxury brands use distinctive labels as the primary means of communicating value, Loro Piana insists that the value of each of their products speaks for itself.

OUTFIT

Turtleneck Sweater: Alpha Studio

Watch: Nivada Grenchen

Sunglasses: Façonnable

Trousers: Loro Piana

Sneakers: Carlos Santos

The production of Loro Piana trousers is fully integrated, which means that they control every step, from the selection of sheep (they have their own farms in New Zealand and Australia), through the spinning of the fibers (in their own spinning mills in Italy), to the final garment (ateliers in Piedmont). This level of control speaks not only of quality but also of ethical standards. Loro Piana is a pioneer in animal welfare certification through their sustainable fiber protocol which prescribes in detail how sheep are treated, how pastures are maintained, even how fiber is transported.

The high-waisted Reinga cut also offers a practical advantage, allowing strapless wear to look just as stylish. Loro Piana designed the waistband with an internal silicone band that prevents the shirt or sweater from slipping, meaning that the sweater falls smoothly over the pants without the need for additional layers. During my photo shoot in the Forbidden City, where I had to change poses frequently, this functional detail was invisible but crucial, the combination remained impeccably straight without a single moment with minimal adjustments.

NIVADA GRENCHEN ANTARCTIC GMT: SWISS INDEPENDENCE AND POLAR HERITAGE

On my wrist, the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic GMT Tropical represents a story that transcends watchmaking, it is the story of a brand that refused to die. Nivada Grenchen was founded in 1926 in the small Swiss town of Grenchen, a region that at the time was the epicenter of the Swiss watchmaking industry. During its golden age, between the 1940s and 1970s, Nevada Grenchen produced incredibly innovative watches, including one of the first automatic chronographs and watches that went on several polar expeditions, which inspired the name of their iconic model – Antarctic.

What makes Nivada Grenchen special in the modern context is the fact that the brand has experienced death and resurrection. Like many Swiss brands, Nivada Grenchen was nearly destroyed during the quartz watch crisis of the 1970s and 1980s when Japanese quartz technology decimated the Swiss mechanical industry. The brand ceased production in the eighties and remained inactive for more than three decades. But in 2018, a group of Swiss watchmakers and enthusiasts bought the rights to the name and began reviving the brand by reinterpreting their classic models using modern technologies but respecting the original design.

The Antarctic GMT Tropical model I wear is a direct descendant of the original Nivada Grenchen Antarctic watch from the 1950s worn by members of several polar expeditions, including the Swiss Antarctic Scientific Mission in 1957. The functionality of other time zones, the ability to track time in two different zones was not a luxury but a necessity for polar research where crews had to coordinate with bases that were often in different time zones. The Tropical variation of the watch, with a light patina effect on the dial, does not imitate aging but celebrates it, the designers studied how the original watches from the fifties look today after decades of wear and exposure to the elements, and created a dial that comes with that warm, slightly ocher patina that normally requires fifty years.

This watch, paired with a monochromatic beige combination in Beijing, creates an intriguing visual and conceptual moment. On the one hand, you have the imperial complex that represents the pinnacle of Chinese cultural and architectural power, buildings that have been closed to the outside world for centuries. On the other hand, you have a watch made for the opposite extreme, the open expanses of Antarctica, a region that does not belong to any nation, a territory that symbolizes international scientific cooperation. And yet, both the Forbidden City and the Antarctic watch share an obsession with precision, with isolation from the outside world (physical in the case of the Forbidden City, hermetic in the case of the watch) with durability that transcends generations.

The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic GMT Tropical uses the Swiss automatic Sellita SW330-2 GMT movement, which is actually an improved version of the legendary ETA design. Sellita is an independent Swiss movement manufacturer known for offering equivalents to the ETA model but with additional levels of processing and quality control. This second time zone mechanism allows independent adjustment of the hour hand, a critical functionality for travelers, you can change the local time without stopping the clock or affecting accuracy. During my time in Beijing, this functionality was consistently useful, allowing me to keep Belgrade time on the second belt hand while following Beijing time on the main hands.

The tropical dial, with its faded, warm brown tone, is not just an aesthetic decision. Original watches from the 1950s and 1960s used radium for the luminosity of the numbers and hands (a practice later abandoned due to radiation risks) and this radium would chemically react with moisture and light over time, causing the dial to develop a unique patina. Watch collectors pay a premium price for these timepieces because each has a unique patina pattern, no two dials are identical. Nivada Grenchen decided to incorporate this effect that comes naturally with aging into the new watch, creating a tropicalized look through special pigments that mimic a fifty-year-old patina.

When I photograph this watch in the context of the Forbidden City and the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen Hotel, the play of light on the dial creates an almost mythological quality, as if I am looking through a window into the past, seeing a watch that has already lived through decades. This is a meta-time experience: a new watch that looks old, photographed in a location whose history goes back centuries, worn by a person who documents fashion as something that is at once of this moment and yet so timeless.

Nivada Grenchen is also interesting as it represents an independent brand’s approach to luxury watchmaking. While mega-brands like Rolex or Omega have captured the upper market segment through marketing and distribution, Nivada Grenchen stands as an example of how small, independent manufacturers can create top quality watches at more realistic prices using expertise, historical credibility and direct sales. Costing a fraction of the price of comparable models from established brands, this watch offers two hundred meters of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, a Swiss automatic movement and a design with authentic heritage, all without the premium price tag that comes with big name branding.

CARLOS SANTOS LONNIE SNEAKERS: PORTUGUESE CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS SPORTS LUXURY IN THE HEART OF BEIJING

At a very first sight, the Carlos Santos Lonnie 1987 sneaker looks like a classic beige leather suede sneaker with a minimalist design that has become part of the contemporary uniform with a touch of casual elegance. But when you look a little closer, you’ll understand how they’re made and who’s behind them as these sneakers become a story of how traditional shoemaking can evolve into contemporary silhouettes without sacrificing craftsmanship.

Carlos Santos was founded in 1942 in the city of São João da Madeira in northern Portugal, a region that is the Portuguese equivalent of Italy’s Le Marche or Britain’s Northampton, that is, a geographical concentration of shoemaking expertise where generations of craftsmen have honed their skills. Unlike many traditional shoemakers who remained confined to the formal segment, Carlos Santos recognized that the contemporary men’s wardrobe requires luxury sneakers that carry the same craftsmanship as classic shoes but in a more casual format.

The Lonnie 1987 was named after the year Carlos Santos first began experimenting with sporty designs, although the final product was launched much later. These sneakers are made from full grain calfskin, not split leather, not surface corrected, but the premium full grain Italian calfskin normally reserved for dressy shoes. The difference is in texture, durability and the way the leather ages; full grain leather develops a patina over time, becoming sophisticated with wear rather than deteriorating.

The Carlos Santos manufacturing process for these sneakers is adapted from their Goodyear shoe stitching methodology. While the sneakers are not sewn using the Goodyear method (which would be impractical for casual footwear), they use Blake stitching construction, a technique where the upper is sewn directly to the sole on the inside. Blake stitching offers profile elegance (a slimmer sole with no visible hem) and flexibility that is ideal for walking comfort, while maintaining structural integrity that allows the sole to be replaced again and again when worn out, which is rare with modern sneakers that are designed as consumables.

The color of these Carlos Santos sneakers, they classify it as “Areia” (Portuguese for sand, that beige monochromatic theme again) is made to complement your outfit, not to match your pants and roll top. While ALPHA STUDIO and Loro Piana pieces are in warm neutral beige tones, Carlos Santos sand leather has a slightly grayish undertone, almost like a gray-beige hybrid with dark brown details.

The details on the Lonnie sneakers speak to the value of the Carlos Santos brand’s work in formal footwear. Instead of cheap glued tongues, they have a tongue that is sewn with multiple reinforcing seams. Instead of plastic lace ends, Carlos Santos uses metal ends with their logo. Instead of generic foam insoles, the insole is made from layers of tanned leather that molds to the shape of your foot over time, creating personalized comfort. Even the laces are waxed cotton instead of synthetic, a detail that most people won’t notice but which adds to the overall feel of quality.

Portugal has a long tradition in footwear production, but has often been overshadowed by Italy when it comes to international recognition. Carlos Santos is among the brands actively changing that perception, demonstrating that Portuguese craftsmanship is not inferior, just less advertised.

When I photograph these sneakers in the setting of the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen hutong, with traditional Chinese stone slabs underneath, a visual contrast is created between the modern design and the ancient environment which is exactly what these sneakers represent, contemporary comfort with traditional quality. The Carlos Santos Lonnie sneaker is proof that you can have casual elegance without sacrificing true craftsmanship, that athletic silhouettes can carry the same level of craftsmanship as formal footwear.

FAÇONNABLE SUNGLASSES: FRENCH RIVIERA PHILOSOPHY AND OPTICAL PRESTIGE

The Façonnable sunglasses that I wear in this combination were not a random choice, they are a French brand that is fundamentally linked to the concept of Riviera fashionable elegance, to a way of life where luxury is not easily recognizable, where quality is assumed without the need for emphasis. Founded in 1950 in Nice by Jean Goldberg, Façonnable began as a high-end tailoring atelier catering to wealthy clients who spent their summers on the French Riviera. The name “Façonnable” comes from the French word “façon” which means “way” or “style”, but with the connotation of craftsmanship, something that is “façonnable” is something that can be shaped, made with skill.

During its golden age, Façonnable was the brand worn by aristocrats and Hollywood stars vacationing in Cannes or Cap d’Antibes. But unlike many luxury brands that focus on dry formality, Façonnable has always been oriented toward refined casualness, a concept the French call “relaxed elegance.” It is a style where you wear a linen suit with sneakers, where you combine cashmere with jeans, where luxurious materials serve a casual lifestyle instead of some formal ceremonial occasions.

The shape of the glasses I wear is a direct successor to the designs that Façonnable has been producing since the seventies. The name of the shape refers to the specific shape, a rounded rectangular frame that follows the contours of the face without being aggressively geometric or too soft. It is a form that was extremely popular in the thirties and forties of the last century among European intellectuals, later adopted by the counterculture of the sixties and finally became a classic form that transcends trends. The Façonnable frame is slightly enlarged but not overly so, with thin handles that give a sense of lightness without appearing fragile.

What makes these Façonnable glasses special is the quality of the lenses, they use optical lenses with UV protection and anti-reflective coating. The lens material is premium optical plastic that is superior to glass in terms of impact resistance and weight, while maintaining excellent optical clarity. Full UV protection means the lenses block 99% to 100% of harmful rays, which is crucial for eye protection especially in intense sunlight like September in Beijing. An anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lens eliminates problematic flares that can occur when the sun is coming from the background, which was critical when shooting in the Forbidden City where the sun is constantly coming from different angles.

The frame color, brown tortoiseshell print with silver metallic accents is something every man needs. This turtle shell print has warm dark brown tones that work well with the beige tones of the skirt and trousers, while the silver accents are just the finishing touches. This type of thoughtful color coordination is the essence of French dressing, it’s not about matching everything perfectly but creating a harmonious palette where each element contributes to the whole.

Façonnable has had a tumultuous brand history, after a long history as an independent French company, it was bought by Nordstrom in 2007, later sold to the M1 group and finally ended up back in the hands of French management. Through all these ownership changes, the brand has maintained its commitment to certain quality standards and design principles. Their sunglasses, although not made in France (most high-end glasses are made in Italy or Japan due to specialized expertise), carry the genetic code of Riviera elegance, the idea that sunglasses are not just a functional optical object but an essential accessory that defines how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you.

MONOCHROMATIC PALETTE AS AN IDEAL FASHION SOLUTION?

The decision to wear a monochromatic beige palette for painting around Beijing in the Forbidden City and Mandarin Oriental Qianmen is not a coincidence, it was a conscious decision of mine that communicates a certain philosophy of refined yet casual casual elegance. The Forbidden City is visually overwhelmed with massive walls, shiny golden roofs, numerous artistic decorations, it is a place designed to demonstrate imperial power through color, scale and ornamentation. When you wear a fashion combination that tries to compete with that visual intensity with bright colors, bold embellishments and attention-grabbing elements, you just run the risk of getting lost in the whole story, or worse, showing disrespect for the cultural significance of this historic site.

The monochromatic beige palette allows me to be present without dominating or disappearing into it. Neutral tones create visual breathing space, allowing the architectural majesty of the Forbidden City to be the star while I remain present without imposing. At the same time, the selection of all luxurious pieces in different shades of the same color palette demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of men’s fashion, it is not an easy way to dress, but actually more difficult because it requires precise calibration of shades, textures and cut because we need contrast to hide imperfections.

The play of different textures within a monochromatic color scheme is key. ALPHA STUDIO merino wool turtleneck has a smooth, slightly matte finish. Loro Piana trousers have a subtle sheen due to their wool-cashmere-silk perfect blend of materials with numerous extras that make them provide excellent support to the wearer’s silhouette. The Carlos Santos leather sneaker brings a different texture with its full grain calf that catches the light differently than textiles. The Nivada Grenchen watch with a perfect brown dial adds a warm, vintage tone to the color. Façonnable sunglasses with a distinctive tortoiseshell print introduce an organic pattern that breaks the monochrome without destroying it. This interesting play of different materials in a similar color range creates visual entertainment that is sophisticated in every way.

Psychologically, monotonous dressing in neutral colors projects a certain confidence. He says “I don’t need bright colors or logos to attract attention, I believe in quality, not marketing, I understand that real luxury is in subtlety.” In an era where many of my fellow bloggers and influencers wear trendy and aggressive outfits designed to stop scrolling social media posts, minimalist monochrome stands out through its restraint. Especially in the context of heritage sites like the Forbidden City, discreet elegance demonstrates cultural intelligence, an understanding of when to step back and let the location shine.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL QIANMEN: HUTONG LUXURY AND THE CONTRAST OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN

The Mandarin Oriental Qianmen hotel complex, where I stayed during my recent stay in Beijing and where I took pictures of this outfit, deserves special attention because it manifests the same philosophy as the outfit itself, harmony between traditional and contemporary, respect for heritage with modern expression. This hotel is not just accommodation, it is an architectural statement about how luxury can exist within a historical context without destroying the authenticity of that history.

Beijing’s Qianmen District, located south of Tiananmen Square, was historically a commercial district, a network of hutongs (traditional narrow alleyways) bordered by courtyard houses where merchants lived and did business. During the Cultural Revolution and the subsequent modernization of Beijing, many hutong neighborhoods were demolished to make way for wide boulevards and tall buildings. But in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the value of preserving these hutongs as living history and the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen is a perfect example of how luxury hospitality can be integrated with hutong preservation.

The hotel is built within several connected courtyard complexes, respecting the traditional architecture of courtyard houses while introducing modern amenities. Walking through the hotel complex, you pass through traditional moon doors, traditional Chinese roofs and wooden structural elements, but inside individual pavilions you will find the most modern technology, contemporary furniture, museum-quality art. This opposing position is not shocking but incredible, designers understood that luxury is not about replacing the old with the new but about finding a balance.

During my stay, the hotel staff gave me access to certain parts of the complex for photography that are not normally available to the public, which allowed me to shoot the combination in the setting of traditional courtyard architecture such as gray brick walls, carved wooden doors, traditional lattice windows. This setting provided the perfect complement to my monochromatic beige combination as traditional Beijing courtyard architecture also relies on a neutral palette of grey, brown, black with occasional flashes of color from red lanterns or painted details.

The Mandarin Oriental brand itself, with a heritage dating back to 1963 when its flagship property opened in Hong Kong, has the distinction of being an Asian luxury hotel brand that truly rivals Western powerhouses such as the Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons. Their philosophy of “delicate attention” is manifested through small details, how the staff remembers all your preferences, how they anticipate needs before they are asked, how they balance service with privacy. During my photo shoot, hotel management arranged times when certain courtyards were less crowded, coordinated with security to access specific locations, even provided local advice on the best light times for different areas. This level of collaboration elevates the accommodation experience from mere collaboration to true partnership.

By photographing the combination in the courtyard settings of the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, I create a parallel image between what I wear and where I am. ALPHA STUDIO Merino turtleneck sweater with its Tuscan heritage meets Beijing courtyard architecture. Loro Piana trousers with its Italian meticulous craftsmanship against traditional Chinese architecture. Carlos Santos Portuguese leather sneakers step on the stone pavements of the courtyard centuries ago. This type of cultural cross-breeding, bringing European luxury to Asian historical heritage, proves that true quality transcends geographical boundaries.

The Mandarin Oriental Qianmen also provided the perfect base for exploring greater Beijing, particularly the Forbidden City which is a short walk from the hotel. Their concierge arranged a proposal for an early morning approach to photograph the Forbidden City (less crowds, better light), provided cultural context on the significance of the various courtyard buildings, even coordinated with my photography time around UNESCO regulations for commercial photography inside heritage sites. This comprehensive support made my work logistically feasible and creatively productive. These may be just ordinary pictures for you, but there is a lot of effort and work behind them.

UN TOURISM: DOCUMENTING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH FASHION

My collaboration with The United Nations World Tourism Organization – UN Tourism, on this Asia representation project represents a broader mission that I share: documenting how cultural heritage can coexist with and even enhance contemporary lifestyle experiences. UN Tourism, as the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, recognizes that modern travel is not just about sightseeing but about meaningful engagement with culture, history and local communities.

This project is not simply conceived as “I wear nice clothes in nice locations.” It is a demonstration of how luxury fashion and travel can be tools for cultural education. Each brand shown in this combination carries its own historical value, its own traditions of craft methods. When I set these brands against Beijing’s imperial heritage, I create a dialogue between different cultural traditions of excellence and value, between Italian tailoring expertise and Chinese architectural mastery, between Swiss watchmaking precision and imperial Chinese timekeeping traditions.

UN Tourism is increasingly focusing on cultural tourism as a mechanism of sustainable development. When tourists connect with the destination’s heritage on a more serious level of consciousness, not only visiting the sights but understanding, appreciating and documenting them, they contribute to the economic benefits that justify heritage preservation. The Forbidden City costs millions of dollars a year to maintain, and ticket sales from educated, respectful tourists help fund that preservation. By creating content that positions Beijing’s historic sites as sophisticated lifestyle destinations, not as museum exhibits but as spaces of living history where contemporary life and historical awareness coexist. Through my many travelogues and fashion stories, I contribute to presenting destinations and fashions that attract a demographic of travelers and fashion lovers who spend more time, explore more deeply and leave a lighter environmental footprint.

My approach to documentation involves extensive research. Before arriving in Beijing, I studied numerous materials about each city I would visit, their histories, architectural symbolism, role in the Asian system, and many other information. This knowledge informs where and how I photograph my fashion stories. I don’t pose randomly in random locations, each place is carefully selected based on architectural significance and visual harmony with the combination.

Cooperation with UN Tourism also includes a commitment to accurate representation of destinations. My blog content provides factual information about each destination. In my travelogues and fashion stories, there is no superficial approach “look how beautiful it is” but a deeper dive into the details “why something is beautiful, what it represents, how it is preserved.” This educational component is essential to the promotion of responsible travel as it helps potential tourists and visitors understand what they are visiting, how they can engage in the right way and why it is important.

TIMELESS MONOCHROMATIC ELEGANCE IN THE WORLD OF FAST FASHION

As I stand in the heart of the Forbidden City with ALPHA STUDIO merino wool keeping me perfectly warm against the cold September morning Beijing wind, with Loro Piana trousers that will serve me for years, with a Nivada Grenchen watch that respects decades of heritage, with Carlos Santos sneakers made using traditional methods, with Façonnable sunglasses that reflect imperial architecture, I realize that this combination and this photographic experience represents something more than fashion or a travel opportunity.

It is a manifestation of the philosophy that I have acquired through my many years of work, which is the idea that quality transcends time, that mastery deserves true documentation, that real luxury is not about conspicuous consumption but about informed appreciation, that cultural heritage, whether it is Italian tailoring tradition or Chinese imperial architecture, requires active engagement and respect, not just passive consumption.

Every piece I wear represents generations of excellence and expertise. Merino wool weaving techniques passed down through Florentine textile guilds. Loro Piana fiber sourcing methods developed over decades of direct work with livestock communities. Swiss precision watchmaking that survived the quartz crisis and was reborn through the dedication of the enthusiasts who raised it from the ashes. Portuguese shoemaking craftsmanship that maintains traditional manufacturing methods in an era of mass production. French optical excellence that balances functionality with style.

This photoshoot, supported through collaboration with UN Tourism and Mandarin Oriental Qianmen hospitality, goes beyond typical fashion blogging. It is a cultural documentation project, a comparative study of how different societies achieve and maintain excellence, a visual essay on timeless intersections between craft traditions separated by geography but united by quality.

In a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion, expendable, superficial, this combination at this location serves as a reminder that some values ​​transcend trends, that authentic luxury lies in essence and not in appearance, that respected cultural engagement is richer than selfie tourism, that quality craftsmanship, be it Italian knitwear, Chinese architecture or Swiss watchmaking, deserves our attention, appreciation and patronage.

This is the mission I share with UN Tourism, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, as well as with brands such as ALPHA STUDIO, Loro Piana, Nivada Grenchen, Carlos Santos, Façonnable, demonstrating that modern life and historical awareness are not opposing forces but complementary perspectives, that we can embrace contemporary comfort without abandoning traditional wisdom, that we can travel the world while respecting the cultures we encounter, that we can enjoy luxury while supporting the craftsmanship that makes that luxury meaningful.

Today I tried to convey to you the beauty of autumn elegance and refinement, that’s why I prepared this outfit for you with a lot of love, I believe you will like it. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or any message for me, you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social media channels, which you can find on the CONTACT page. See you soon!

With Love from Beijing,
Mr.M

This post is sponsored by UN Tourism, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Loro Piana, Alpha Studio, Nivada Grenchen, Façonnable, Carlos Santos brands. This post represents my personal and honest review of the destination, services and products provided.