Local Talk: Nanchang Lu
Local Talk: Nanchang Lu
Sharply contrasting the brash bustle of its parallel street Huaihai Lu, Nanchang Lu exudes a quiet charm reminiscent of forgotten times while presenting an eclectic range of shops, cafes and boutiques. While you walk past men playing card games on the pavement and stalls being carted around, this street will immerse you in Shanghainese culture, instead of detaching you from it, while you shop; making a wander down this street a trip worthy of your time.
Preziouz Clothing
If you’ve had the pleasure of walking past this clothing store, it surely would have stopped you in your tracks. The utterly exciting and innovative collections demonstrate the use of digital printing, lace work, colour and the popular body-con style in a modern and flattering way. Whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind staple for your wardrobe, or something a little more extravagant for a special night out, Preziouz will serve well as the go-to shop to dress you for that show-stopping moment.
Preziouz Clothing. 234 Nanchang Lu, near Sinan Lu
Cashmere House
With enough spools of wool to drive any excitable cat into a frenzy, and with highly skilled staff, this store is armed with all you could possibly need to create your own custom-made cashmere creation this winter. The bustling activity of ladies at work is the first thing you see when you enter the store. They mean business and will deliver; you simply have to walk in with your specifications and leave it to them. They also offer a selection of classic style ready-to-wear sweaters, produced by the same manufacturers as the Italian cashmere brand ‘Loro Piana’.
Cashmere House. 140 Nanchang Lu, near Sinan Lu. Tel: 6384 9582. Web: www.jingcashmere.com
Chinese Ink Painting Shop
This secret haven is much more than your average art stop. It could well be a historical landmark. This shop is the home of Lu Duo Jia, his wife and his elderly mother who all live amongst the art that they offer for sale; their lives utterly inseparable from the invaluable collection of antiques and skillful paintings he himself paints and sells. Welcoming a customer means welcoming a guest into their home. Naturally, it all begins with being provided with your very own pair of slippers to wear around the house. Previously run by Lu’s father, this endearing shop has been around for years, and a visit to the home-cum-shop promises retail, as well as a novel cultural, experience.
Chinese Ink Painting Shop. 134 Nanchang Lu, near Sinan Lu.
Tel: 5386 3997
L'Amour Toujours
If there is one area where women should demand the best of what the fashion world has to offer, it is lingerie. L’Amour Toujours has curated an impressive selection of brands hailing from all around the globe including Victoria’s Secret and La Perla, as well as other boutique brands. Whether its comfort and fit or provocative exhibition you are driven by, you will be spoiled for choice at this treasure trove. With a selection so wide, you can enjoy the thrill of wearing sexy lingerie under your winter clothing to add a little spring in your step.
L’amour Toujours. 117 Nanchang Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu. Tel: 5459 1366
Lost And Found
Settling into a new home involves a careful selection process, particularly when it comes to the basic necessities such as the dining table, chairs and cabinets. Lost And Found is a furniture store that recognises the importance of this process and provides beautifully crafted pieces made from the highest quality materials, including Chinese walnut and teak, with an emphasis on craftsmanship; influenced by Oriental, Scandinavian and Danish design among others. The store itself is beautifully designed and well organised. All three floors are atmospherically lit and echo the layout of a real home. Lost And Found comes complete with a Sculpting In Time café on the bottom floor, serving speciality coffees and exhibiting ceramic home ware by various artists.
Lost And Found. 116 Nanchang Lu, near Sinan Lu. Tel: 5306 0600
John's Tattoo
A retro neon sign hangs over the door of this eclectic tattoo shop, inviting you in to discover its warm interior which has been overrun by the owners’, affectionately hoarded, lucky cats, carved skulls, candles and hookahs. Framed works by the artist John Wang, hang proudly on the red wall above the red couch, which welcomes customers and visitors alike to have a cup of tea with John himself while discussing tattoo culture and design. Starting from RMB 1,500, the experienced colour work and design capabilities of the owner will be at your service, guiding you through the exciting venture of getting inked.
John’s Tattoo. 97 Nanchang Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu. Tel: 6385 1248
Longkou
This boutique store is a testament to China’s increasing importance in the world of fashion. With impressive technical endeavours such as the manipulation of silk into origami-like tops and the reinterpretations of traditional cuts reinvented through expert drapery and new laser cutting technology. The attention to detail of the clothing lines presented in this store is definitely worth investigation, and in true Shanghai style, they also have a few fake LV print scarves hanging on the wall for good measure...
Longkou. No. 66-62 Nanchang Lu, near Yandang Lu.
Tel: 182 1760 6167
