“The best of 5000 years of Chinese tradition exploding into the 21st century…”

Thanks to a Hong Kong based brand, the reputation of "Made in China" is quickly changing.  When people hear the phrase, they will no longer think of mass-produced products from a peripheral part of the world.  Instead, they will think haute couture, east meets west fusion, elegance, comfort, vitality.   Founded in 1994 by Hong Kong businessman David Tang Wing-Cheung, Shanghai Tang sets out to create the first global Chinese lifestyle brand.

Translated into English, Shanghai Tang means "The Bund", the historic embankment in Shanghai fabled for its colonial structure and known as the birthplace of Shanghainese glamour. The name Shanghai Tang evokes the elegance and charm of fashionable Shanghai in the 1930s.  "It was a time," Tang says, "when the west actually met east in a concerted way. This was a direct confrontation between the two and how western influences superimposed themselves on a totally Chinese city. When you have that sort of juxtaposition, all sorts of funny things would happen."

The Imperial Tailors of Shanghai Tang ensure that each piece captures and evokes Chinese glamour. Reviving the diminishing art of "Chinese haute couture” (delicately crafted apparel), they are the few remaining masters of traditional Shanghainese tailoring. With them, Shanghai Tang counts itself as one of the lucky, last few bastions of the venerated, classical craft.

"Shanghai Tang is the best of 5000 years of Chinese tradition exploding into the 21st century," says Tang.   "I think it's comfort, it's being bright, being cheerful, this is not somber. With a touch of humor, in a sense you would have crazy lining so that you know that there is a joke inside. Also we pay a great deal of attention to our fabrics. We are serious about good quality, and that's important."

Shanghai Tang's products are renowned for combining traditional Chinese design and motifs with tongue-in-cheek humor and contemporary sensibility.  In hard goods, its products are created for everyday use, emphasizing functionality, and always integrating the use of the Chinese motifs into their design. Shanghai Tang always uses the highest quality of materials, workmanship and much inventiveness in the construction of all their products