The Fashion Girly’s Guide To Clothes Shopping in Shanghai
Travelling to China in pursuit of fashion? Check out these cool clothing concept stores in Shanghai for a trendy wardrobe update.
By Alby Permana,
Tokyo reigns supreme when it comes to vintage finds, Bangkok is known for its street markets, and Seoul is a hotspot for trendy beauty brands. Shanghai, however, offers a completely new and innovative retail experience quite unlike the rest. Go round the streets of Anfu Road or Huaihai Road, and you’ll likely find yourself immersed in a futuristic concept store, and within the same block, transferred into a European-style space with an east-meets-west perspective.
The city dubbed as the “Paris of the East” is primed to be the shopping destination – partly thanks to the recent boom of Shanghai Fashion Week which spotlights emerging Chinese designers and exciting pop-ups across the city (see: Burberry Streets at Shanghai). In these retail spaces, “experience” isn’t just a tactical buzzword, but rather something that is truly considered.
If you’ve already gone through the usual brands, we’ve got you covered – here are cool fashion stores in Shanghai worth adding to your itinerary for clothes-shopping during your next trip to China.
BEST PLACES TO SHOP FOR CLOTHES IN SHANGHAI, CHINA
1. Maison Dongliang
Set in a restored heritage British mansion, Maison Dongliang is a multi-brand store with dedicated corners for brands such as Phoebe Philo, The Row, Maison Margiela, Alaia, and Lemaire – not unlike Dover Street Market. In fact, it’s the first retailer to stock Lemaire in China. The interior leans minimalistic and warm, where East-meets-West is a deliberate choice that makes luxury shopping as comfortable and welcoming as your own home.
Address: No. 188, Wuyi Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China
2. Society of Home
At Society of Home, you’ll easily spot relaxed pieces that will fit in with your everyday wardrobe, yet are versatile enough to dress up for special occasions. Amidst its minimalistic facade, the space offers a calming, warm atmosphere with a cafe that awaits downstairs when you’re done ticking items off your wishlist. At times, it also hosts pop-ups, workshops, and community gatherings – Copenhagen-based brand Tekla is one of the most recent guests that took over its first floor.
Address: 1st Floor, Building 2-4, No. 78, Huqiu Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
3. Moromoro
Somewhere in between coquette and retro-cool is Moromoro. The brand’s motto “25% sweet, 25% cool, 50% retro” describes not only their product offerings, but the retail space that feels less like a merchandise store and more like a cosy home straight out of an anime. Their pieces hold a certain level of attitude, while also bringing a dose of whimsicality to cater to your inner child.
Address: No.528-530, Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
4. Looknow
With four stores in Shanghai, Looknow has an expansive curation of both international and local emerging brands. The Looknow Park Concept Store at Huaihai Road, in particular, spans three floors of a semi-open building with brutalist interiors, while the one at Wukang is brighter with flowers and plants decorating the space. Here, expect to find trendy pieces and popular brands like Gimaguas, Paloma Wool, Hyein Seo, Damson Madder, and more.
Address: Four outlets located at 286 Wukang Road, 245 Madang Road, 156 Anfu Road, and 1008 Middle Huaihai Road
5. Shushu/Tong Flagship Store
We can’t possibly talk about Chinese fashion labels without mentioning Shushu/Tong. If you’re already familiar with its soft frills and exaggerated bows, its flagship store in Shanghai will exemplify your experience with the brand even more. Floral patterns on white carpets cover the floor and walls, dark stained wooden furniture decorate the room, and racks upon racks of clothes to choose from – the store is a dreamy mix of nostalgia and childhood wonders.
Address: 2F, JC Plaza, No. 1225 West Nanjing Road, Jingan District, Shanghai
6. Rouge Room
Don’t skip the vintage hunt in Shanghai – there’s plenty to discover and Rouge Room has got some of the best picks for the Y2K girlies. The shop sits on the second floor of an unassuming building where you’ll find a mix of both the old and new. From vintage Chloe and Versace, to gems from underrated Chinese designers, it’s worth taking your time to browse through everything, especially if you’re looking for graphic tees and statement accessories.
Address: Yanqing Road No. 104
7. Mason Prince Flagship Store
Many will say Mason Prince flagship store is a must-visit, especially if you’re a streetwear enthusiast. The label’s store in Huaihai spans three floors, with surreal installations – including a life-sized hyper-realistic sculpture of a man playing a video game on their second floor – that transform a simple shopping experience into an immersive, dopamine-inducing activity.
Address: 528 Huaihai Middle Road
8. Labelhood House
If you’re looking to expand your dictionary of Chinese designers, Labelhood is one store you shouldn’t miss. Recognised as an incubator for emerging local designers, it is one of the first stores to stock items from then-underground talents like Uma Wang and Mark Gong. Beyond fashion offerings, it’s definitely worth taking a look at their beauty and lifestyle selections. A visit feels like exploring a guide map to China’s fashion trailblazers where you’ll leave with deeper knowledge and better clothes.
Address: No. 796 Julu Road, Jing’an District
9. An Action A Day
An Action A Day is a brand advocating women’s empowerment and beauty. Everything is lensed through a clean aesthetic and considered with care, from the materials of each piece to the packaging that is eco-friendly. The same goes for its first retail space along Yuyuan Road, a homey setting that’s zero glitz, just full-on cosy and comforting.
Address: 1382 Yuyuan Road, Changning District, Shanghai