OHEN co-founders, Anja Bucher and Lu Blade-Bittle, recently headed to Shanghai for Interfilière, an international trade show bringing together the world of lingerie, textiles and intimate apparel. It’s where fabric mills, lace makers and industry specialists come together to share new materials, techniques and ideas — and where we go to find the laces, trims and mesh that will shape future OHEN collections.
Shanghai recommendations
Where to stay
Our hotel was in the Former French Concession, a creative pocket of Shanghai known for its tree-lined streets, independent fashion labels, concept stores, art galleries and some of the city’s best cafés. We stayed at the Blackstone M+ Hotel – a beautiful boutique hotel inside the historic Blackstone Apartments cultural block.
Where to eat
We loved The Blend – an unknown but delicious fusion restaurant at 88 Tongren Lane. It was unexpected but delicious in terms of it balance of western flavours (think burrata and tomato) with more traditional dishes (e.g. watercress and pork springrolls).
We also loved Cheers Burgerhouse for one of the best burgers we’ve ever had. Simple and unassuming, this gave us something we didn’t think we needed after so much traditional Sichuan food.
For coffee, try a Dirty at Slab Town, or a Flat White at Coffee Surround.
What to see
Like any good city, the best way to see Shanghai is to walk around. Wander through the longtangs, the traditional lanes where locals live, and pop into any of the hundreds of boutiques stores and cafes.
For art and culture, try Cheruby, an artist collective and residency that holds year-round exhibitions, experiences and shows.
Where to shop
For great vintage, head to Times Remake on Fumin Road – they have an incredible collection of vintage band tees, Levi’s, Issey Miyake, Vivienne Westwood and more.
Miu Lab on YongKang Road blends vintage treasures and contemporary designers in a curated mix of fashion, art and design, housed in a concept boutique and showroom tucked down a quiet Shanghai alleyway.
If you’re shopping for the boys, Hardware creates workwear-inspired menswear that is playful and functional.
For all things beauty, head to Harmay on Anfu Road, it is a unique blend of a retail beauty store and an experiential cultural space that holds some of the world’s best beauty brands.
Imagery: supplied.
