How to Shop Shanghai with Designer Anna Quan

Even if you haven’t heard of Anna Hoang, there’s a good chance you’ve seen her work in the form of her fashion label, Anna Quan. The label can often be seen on fashion bloggers such as Sara Donaldson of Harper and Harley and Amanda Shadforth of Oracle Fox. Or perhaps you saw supermodels Karlie Kloss or Kendall Jenner parading the Australian designer’s threads in perfectly planned paparazzi shots. Clean yet structured lines and exceptional tailoring (think show-stopping, exaggerated, statement shirt cuffs) are Hoang’s signatures. In 2016 she made her mark at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Innovators event and is set to make her solo runway debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2017. Being a frequent visitor to Shanghai, Hoang knows the city’s style ins and outs. Follow her tips on what to buy and where, for the best Shanghai shopping.

For a designer splurge…

“Don’t miss The Bund – a boulevard that overlooks the Huangpu River. It has plenty of the biggest and most well-known European luxury designer brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Ermenegildo Zegna and Cartier. The evening is a lovely time to visit as the buildings light up which makes walking along the boulevard especially magical.”

For high-end wear…

“The IAPM shopping mall in the old French Concession on Huaihai Road is my pick. Expect to find brands such as Stella McCartney, Prada, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.”

For local streetwear…

“Head to the district of Xintiandi for lots of great local designer streetwear. There is a concept mall there I like to visit called Xintiandi Style. It specialises in homegrown Chinese designers such as Masha Ma and Qiu Hao, to name a few. It’s a nice change of pace from the European luxury brands Shanghai is known for and gives you a little something different.”

For shoes…

“If you’re looking for high-quality handmade shoes, head to Jack Peng’s. They create lace-up style loafers and flats in an array of beautiful leathers – made to measure from a cast of your foot. It’s a truly bespoke service.”

For homewares…

“I love a good browse through Muji at the IAPM shopping mall.”

For souvenirs…

“Visit the Yuyuan Bazaar for your last-minute souvenirs – but be prepared to haggle with the locals. You can pick up silk slippers, lacquered ornaments, wood carvings and jade statues.”