I am so proud to announce the official opening of our first stand alone High Tea Salon and Boutique in Chengdu, China. After several years in the making, I feel excited to see my creative vision turn to reality and achieve one of my dreams to expand my High Tea concept internationally.
The new store is located at the recently opened Taikoo Li retail complex in the beautiful city of Chengdu, an opulent environment that sets a new standard in shopping and dining. Taikoo Li provides everything a modern Chinese consumer could possibly need or want in one luxurious complex while maintaining the quaint feel of a boutique lined side street. With neighbours such as Miu Miu, Cartier, Tiffany, Hermès, and Jimmy Choo, amongst others, I feel very much at home!
Chengdu itself is one of the fastest growing cities for luxury goods. Residents of Chengdu have a strong desire for Western labels and to immerse themselves in Western culture. It is for this reason that I was invited to bring a taste of Australia (and Europe) to their city and introduce what has now become a very popular growing trend in Australia and around the world.
I must boast that the salon itself is pure luxury. Combining high end architecture with beautiful interior design, the aim was to create a feeling of ambience and splendor. Featuring white marble floors, bronze and copper fit outs, bespoke white leather furniture and an opulent outdoor courtyard, it invokes the sensation of indoor/outdoor living perfect for their warmer climate (It feels a little like being in the north of Queensland in Spring, however all year round).
Further to providing a fitting environment to view and purchase the full range of our designer products, I really wanted to create a unique and indulgent eating experience. Being a real foodie at heart (I’m Italian after all), this was my chance to delve into the culinary world of gourmet eating. So as well as providing a Western style High Tea that our Company has become known for, there is also the offering of a full à la carte menu prepared by one of Hong Kong’s best known international chefs, featuring a fusion of Eastern and Western delicacies. With produce that is sourced from the finest countries in the world including Australia, there is something to suit every refined taste. To complete the experience, an extensive cocktail and French champagne offering is available for the highly social and stylish Chengdu crowd to induge in.
Chinese press, fashion and tv celebrities attended the official opening of the store. The occasion gave me a chance to get a little dressed up and wear my ‘Sunday High Tea best’; an Alexander Mc Queen dress (with a touch of pink of course) with a pair of killer Valentino black patent stiletto shoes.
After making a speech and signing a few autographs l felt very special indeed! The night was feminine, fashionable and fun and certainly memorable to say the least. But what I remember the most are the truly wonderful and friendly people of Chengdu that I will feel an everlasting connection with and look forward to visiting next time around…stay tuned for more…
No. 9 Dongda Street, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, China