Spending summer in Shanghai means looking fresh and keeping cool in sweltering humidity. While you may see elderly Chinese residents wearing their silk pajamas in the streets (50 years ago this was seen as a sign of wealth and prestige), today’s trendsetters are taking their style to the next level thanks to a visit to this luxuriant metropolis. Never fear if you forget a frock — the city’s chicest boutiques offer key pieces so jet-setters can look their best while visiting Shanghai’s attractions this season. These are our picks for the city’s best retail stops:
Mix and Match
Run by Shanghai socialites Sara Villarreal and Brenna Vega, The Villa carries the latest stateside trends from New York and L.A. Situated in the heart of the tree-lined former French Concession, this gorgeous store is mixing and matching prints, peplum, textured fabrics, pastels and chunky necklaces. Embracing looks from [Joseph] Altuzarra and pairing Tibi pastels with edgy pieces such as perforated leather crop tops and biker jackets, they’ve curated fabulous looks that work for a Sunday brunch at The COOK located inside the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Kerry Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai or a fancy dinner at Pelham’s inside Five-Star Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund just by a change of shoe and accessories.
Preppy Patterns
Those staying across the river in Lujiazui, Shanghai’s financial district, will be well-suited staying at Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai. The hotel carries Voyage Swimwear by up-and-coming designer and yachting enthusiast Brittany Harris, with preppy map patterns that cover their signature men’s boardshort-style bathing suits. These comfortable trunks are ideal for globetrotters who want to catch rays on the South Bund beach or head out to Dianshan Lake for a weekend yacht party.
Playful Prints
Located in Jiashan market in Luwan and at the new K11 Shopping Mall, MIXR boasts a comfortable and playful spring/summer collection, adopting monochrome minimalism, bold florals, aqua tones and clever geometric prints. Discover stylish shoes styles such as slingback heels and wedges, which prove comfy for cruising around historic Xintiandi or popping up to the top of the Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong for dinner.
From Cashmere to Eco-Conscious Clothing
Just behind Five-Star The Peninsula Shanghai lies one of the city’s most upscale malls, Yifeng Gallery, and its newest menswear installment Heather Grey Wall. The curated boutique by Japanese designer Kazuki Kuraishi, which feels industrial and loft-like in its design, houses men’s cashmere knits by British label Cash Ca and casual emblazoned tees by designer Mark McNairy. Women seeking lightweight knits for a laid-back lunch or spa day on Ferguson Lane will want to head to Tianzifang to shop at eco-conscious line Shokay’s flagship store. The company sources an exotic yarn from Mongolian yak’s wool, and its pastel scarves or tunics in classic stripes are comfortable yet chic.
Photos Courtesy of The Villa
