Ash casts cloud over city's lovers of luxury

The latest eruption of volcanic ash over Iceland has caused an explosion in the cost of European luxuries consumed in Beijing.

Residents in the capital who chase the latest trends in European fashion and food have often used "agents" in Western countries to purchase commodities on their behalf.

The agents, who mainly comprise Chinese people working or studying overseas, typically operate online stores in their spare time and charge a 10 percent commission on the cost of the purchased goods.