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We take a first look of the new Shanghai Tang Mansion
Ever since the news of US apparel brand Abercrombie & Fitch taking over Shanghai Tang’s Pedder Street location was announced in March 2011, there has been a stream of endless speculation as to where Shanghai Tang will relocate its flagship. The new store on 1 Duddell Street may no longer be an industry secret, but prior to its grand opening on April 26, AsiaTatler.com paid an exclusive visit to the new Shanghai Tang Mansion.
From planning to project completion, it took Shanghai Tang 14 months, and a well-awaited 14 months it was. Upon arrival, the exterior of the boutique, though grand as it may look, immediately gives off a vibe more welcoming than its predecessor.
A step into the 15,000-square-feet boutique (the old flagship occupied 12,000 square feet of space) and you will be greeted by the grand foyer decored with a crystal chandelier towering above the double-height ceiling. Its hardwood floor to beautiful orchids, lighting, wooden lattice, and even the choice of music, is impeccably designed to demonstrate a contemporary Chinese theme.
“Everything was done by Design MVW, a design firm that was founded by French architect Virginie Moriette and Chinese designer Xu Ming,” explains store manager Joey Tang. “The fusion of modern designs and traditional Chinese characteristics are retained, while the store feels very much like an actual mansion.”
Answers to what used to occupy 1 Duddell Street vary from “jewellery retailer” to “housewares trader”. Our verdict is this: the newly renovated space puts its former body into oblivion. Every compartment is lined with dark wood and in most cases, light-coloured ceiling for spaciousness, while every lattice and wooden shelf comes with distinct motifs or cuts. The four-storey mansion is largely divided into six parts: women’s wear, men’s wear, children’s wear, tailoring corners, men’s polo and home. Each part has a devoted room, colour and theme for its specific group of shoppers.
The children’s corner, for example, is highlighted in a yellow shade with a playful miniature changing room. The women’s and men’s departments see different hues and an embossed peony and dragon on the wall, respectively.
While special colours and themes are accentuated, there’s no shortage of impressive furniture to dazzle. The display table in the polo corner constructed with polo mallets, and the slightly worn-out couch that is also on the men’s floor inevitably exude old Chinese charm taking inspiration from the 1950s. Another jaw-dropping feature in the boutique is the silky, handmade wallpapers found in the fitting rooms that are meticulously designed.
The new boutique is crafted with a more contemporary touch that surpasses its former self in design. The visit was a delightful one, making the grand opening ahead all the more exciting.
According to Shanghai Tang, the all-rubble fourth floor will be transmuted into a café restaurant, Duddell's, due to a confidentiality agreement with a partner. This space will be ready by the end of this year. Follow us here or on Facebook or Twitter to be the first to know all the latest in luxury lifestyle in Hong Kong.
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