Symbolic move: Shanghai Tang opens 30s mansion

The 15,000-square feet store on Duddell Street in the Central district was designed by Shanghai-based architect Design MVW and boasts an impressive three-storey façade crafted from etched glass and brass. In the double-height foyer a 2m-wide layered crystal chandelier forms the Chinese shou symbol of longevity.

The womenswear floor features a peony brass inlay on the wooden floor, fan-patterned screens and semi-circular surround seating to evoke a 30s Shanghai-style boudoir. On the menswear floor Chinese silks line the walls in the imperial tailoring atelier where customers can order bespoke suits.

This is a great example of how luxury brands are incorporating the trend for Renaissance Retail into their flagship store designs.