Take me back to Shanghai Tang

The New Year is fast approaching and I decided to take a little trip down the memory lane.

At the turn of the century* I was living in Hong Kong. That was a couple of years after HK became a Chinese SAR (Special Administrative Region) and also just after HK government moved the crazy Kai Tak Airport in an urban jungle (single runway amongst apartment blocks... imagine the thrill of landing!) to the current international airport.

image source: http://88bw.net/bio/hongkong-airport.html

Shopping being one of the national sports for the HK Chinese people it was inevitable to get the shopping fever whenever there was a big queue of people trying to get into shops.

The one place that I cannot forget is Shanghai Tang. Situated in the historic Pedder Building in Central it was the place to soak up the air of old imperial China with a modern twist. After a super fast MTR trip down to Central, when I stepped into the Pedder Building the time had stopped and I was in a different world. The smell, colours and music all sent me to the era which I can only experience in movies.

image source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HK_Pedder_Building_Shanghai_Tang_Shop.jpg

Fast forward four years. I visited Shanghai Tang in Paris near St. Sulpice in 2004. It was this time of the year. People were rugged up and kids were enjoying icy slopes artificially created by the city council. I must admit it wasn't quite the same walking into the boutique in Paris but I still enjoyed everything that Shanghai Tang had to offer: the quality, craftsmanship and design.

If you happen to own an item from Shanghai Tang you would know that it's not Made in China rather it is Made by Chinese.

What could I expect in 2008? Lots. I can even shop online. Granted, it is not the same as walking into Pedder Building. This is good old East meets West plus all trendy stuff. : ombre, knits, hobo bags, studs, adorned trench, barocade.. how about a quilted leather jacket!

I would do anything to go back there. So it happens there is Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter in January 12-15. One of the photographers I know will be there to shoot. Wish I had his job.

*In my book it was 1999 ticking over to 2000.

P.S. Being a total lazy ass I'm I didn't bother to wish you all Happy Holidays. While I'm preparing for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy marathon over the New Year's break I won't be so active. After all, it's over 12 hours long and we will definately attempt to watch all appendix DVDs as well. Anyways, happy holidays and hopefully catch you all in the New Year! Love always. Songy