Global designer brands add new energy to West Nanjing Road

english.shanghai.gov.cn

West Nanjing Road is experiencing an exciting influx of fashion innovation as international designer brands from New York, Seoul, and Ho Chi Minh City open new stores along the iconic shopping street.

This development brings diverse global design perspectives to one of Shanghai's premier fashion destinations. Here are three new designer stores worth exploring at Reel Mall.

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[Photo/Jing'an district]

Sea New York: A New York touch in Shanghai

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An interior view of the Sea New York retail store [Photo/Jing'an district]

Founded in New York in 2006 by childhood friends Sean Monahan and Monica Paolini, Sea New York has built a reputation for its blend of delicate lace, intricate embroidery, and vintage-inspired details that combine artistic flair with everyday wearability.

On Aug 31, the brand's first store in China, located at Reel Mall, unveiled its upgraded space, bringing its romantic and playful aesthetic to West Nanjing Road.

Gia Studios: Vietnamese craftsmanship meets modern minimalism

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An exterior view of Gia Studios [Photo/Jing'an district]

Gia Studios, founded in 2018 by Vietnamese designer Lam Gia Khang, draws inspiration from its name "Gia", which means "home" in Vietnamese. The brand combines traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship with modern minimalist aesthetics.

A fourth-generation member of a tailoring family, Khang embraces the philosophy of "less is more" in his designs. His work features clean silhouettes, refined tailoring, and neutral tones.

Recto: Seoul minimalism for everyday wear (opening soon)

Founded in 2014 by designer Jiyoon Jung in Seoul, Recto has earned international acclaim for its distinctive minimalist aesthetic. The brand is known for challenging traditional boundaries between menswear and womenswear through a gender-neutral approach.

Clean silhouettes are enhanced by details such as gathers, asymmetry, and deconstruction, resulting in everyday pieces that balance practicality and distinctive design.

 

Source: WeChat account of Jing'an district government