Stocking fashion, fine china and more, some of the city’s best boutiques also boast on-site cafés
1. Alter
There’s always something new to peruse at this slick boutique in Shanghai’s famed Xintiandi, a pedestrianised area bringing modern art and fashion to the city’s old-school shikumen architecture (a mishmash of Chinese and Western building styles that first appeared in the city in the 1860s). Founder Sonja Long Xiao swaps in fresh designers with each new season, with a focus on up-and-coming Asian brands. Currently on the racks are Thailand’s Vinn Patararin, South Korea’s YOHANIX and Long’s very own Rolling Acid label. If that’s not enough to tempt you, the in-store Spread the Bagel outlet – which serves up New York deli-style bagels – just might.
2. DOE
Street-savvy urbanites flock to this Xintiandi favourite, where items are displayed on minimalist metal rails and wooden boxes against a backdrop of exposed brick walls, slate-grey flooring and wooden shelves. You’ll find offerings from Jordan, FUTUR and retaW, as well as in-house lines. Don’t leave without grabbing a coffee from the tiny café under the stairs.
3. Project Aegis Co
This store occupies a two-floor former colonial villa opposite the Pushkin monument in the former French Concession. Inside, Shanghai’s gents can avail themselves of a host of international brands alongside local labels such as East-meets-West menswear brand Three Society. Also on offer are decent brews on the second-floor Project Aegis Coffee Bar.
4. Zenlifestore
This multi-award-winning boutique specialises in contemporary Chinese arts, crafts, jewellery and furniture. Many of the gorgeous made-in- Shanghai offerings – such as hand-painted crockery and ceramic tiles at the Xintiandi location – are designed by the store’s founder, Wang Zhen. The second floor hosts a cosy café with lovely views out onto the tree-lined street below.
5. Mia Fringe
Located on shopping street Huaihai Zhong Lu, this space serves up a little bit of everything. Besides items from global and domestic designers, Mia Fringe also features a chic café that doubles up as a restaurant and bar. Grab a coffee on the first floor and browse more affordable collections from the likes of Free People and Saint James, or head upstairs for higher-end offerings.
Singapore Airlines flies to Shanghai daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: 5 local hotspots to visit in Shanghai
This article was originally published in the May 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
