Hong Kong–based retailer Blanc de Chine — which literally means “White of China”—brings an Eastern elegance to its Fifth Avenue flagship store with fluid architecture and Zen-inspired fashion. The Blanc de Chine name also refers to the eight elements of simplicity, serenity, harmony, purity, subtlety, sensuality, functionality, and comfort. The company seeks to fuse Chinese values, designs, and craftsmanship with Western fabrics, styling and technology.

An expansive two-story window beckons passersby into the bamboo-laden, tranquil space. Once inside, (primarily) women encounter revamped Chinese pieces hanging against the walls of the main floor—from modernized Qipao dresses to comfortable but fashionable “leather silk” jackets and skirts. A series of display cubes that runs the length of the store showcases smaller items like hand-carved, wooden purses; rare, Vicuña scarves; and intricately crafted jewelry.

Up the spiraling staircase, men looking to make an adventurous fashion statement can choose from a variety of Mandarin jackets or the popular, updated scholar’s robe. Each garment is made from the finest cashmere or silk, and to further drive home the store’s harmonious approach to fashion, each piece is tagged with a mini-tutorial on the guiding principles of Blanc de Chine: simplicity, serenity, purity.

This upscale retailer occasionally holds its own fashion show on-site, as well as being a participant of “Fashion’s Night Out” every February and September.