When art- and publishing-world maven Carla Sozzani opened 10 Corso Como in Milan nearly 25 years ago, she forewent any niche marketing, compiled goods from all lifestyle disciplines—fashion, food, art, music—and dubbed it a “concept destination.” Concept stores come a dime a dozen now, but hers is still the taste-making nucleus, with a small constellation of outposts: Seoul, Shanghai, and as of late November, 10 Corso Como Beijing. The 1,100-square-meter store in luxury mall Shin Kong Place was designed by American artist Kris Ruhs, who infused Beijing culture (royal colors of red and gold) with nods to Italy (a sculpture garden, kaleidoscopic light fixtures) to create a space as beautiful as its offerings, which range from Diptyque candles, Saint Laurent bags, and assorted garments of designer denim to cocktails, French pastries, and a fine-art gallery. —Gabrielle Lipton

This article originally appeared in the December/January print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“High Concept”)