Shanghai Tang Mansion, Hong Kong

Panels of light illuminate the art deco detailing on the Duddell Street façade

(Image credit: press)

last updated 10 October 2022

The soul of Shanghai Tang may be back in Shanghai, but the retail heart is clearly in Hong Kong, where the brand has just opened a three-story 'mansion' on Duddell Street. At 1,400sq m, the three-storey flagship is the label's largest store and also its flashiest, with panels of light illuminating the art deco detailing outside.

The remarkable outfit of this Duddell Street heritage building is all the more impressive for its swift turnaround - just nine months from planning to launch, after the brand lost the lease on its former premises around the corner. The Shanghai-based interior firm Design MVW took its cues from ancient Chinese craftsmanship, bringing Chinoiserie into the present with bold colour-blocking, hand-painted wallpapers and towering wrought-iron panelling.

The lofty spaces are flooded with natural light, transported throughout the space via the grand stairwell at its heart. And though the sheer volume makes a big impression, the beauty is in the details. A multi-tiered crystal chandelier overlooking the foyer is shaped like the character for 'shou', meaning 'longevity'. Elsewhere, traditional Chinese lanterns reinterpreted as glowing white pendants guide visitors to the upper levels.

There is not a two-dimensional surface in the place. Vaulted ceilings are lit from within and inset in the shape of Mongolian yurts. Doorways take the shape of ancient round portals - and, in one case, the contour of an antique vase. The dark-stained flooring has intricate brass inlay and the shelving resembles antique lacquer étagères.

The interior doesn't take its flagship status lightly, nor does the merchandise. Available at Duddell Street only is Shanghai Tang's new range of bicycles, plus a children's line, a bespoke tailoring service, homewares and a fragrance bar.

Chinese cloud motifs in the fragrance bar

Custom brass pendants complement the inlay cut across towering wrought-iron panels in the reception area

Shanghai Tang Mansion staircase — The staircase was designed to resemble the former flagship in Pedder Street

A four-tier crystal chandelier also takes the shape of the Chinese character 'shou', meaning 'longevity'

stairwell with fashion clothing — The stairwell is a central feature, and a backdrop for the brand's latest looks

The children's area is a beacon with its yellow lacquered changerooms

The homewares section, with its typical round Chinese door

changing area with Chinese scenes wallpaper — Wallpaper in one changing area is painted with Chinese scenes

vibrant garden motifs wallpaper — Another is blocked with vibrant garden motifs

Shanghai Tang Mansion clothing — The interior's flamboyant palette sets off the label's saturated colours

Rich floral silks in the bespoke tailoring area

womenswear with brass inlay in the wood floors — In womenswear, brass inlay in the wood floors resembles a peony, symbolising romance and prosperity

In the menswear section, the inlay also takes the shape of the character for 'shou'

An island in the sportswear section is inspired by polo mallets; the ceiling resembles a Mongolian yurt

The menswear section is like a gentleman's club - with Chinese characteristics

ADDRESS

1 Duddell Street
Central
Hong Kong

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Based in London, Ellen Himelfarb travels widely for her reports on architecture and design. Her words appear in The Times, The Telegraph, The World of Interiors, and The Globe and Mail in her native Canada. She has worked with Wallpaper* since 2006.