The boom era of homegrown Chinese brands has kicked off a little while ago, and now they’re forging their way into the high street of major cities. Women’s fashion brand TU was founded in Shanghai in 2015, and has since expanded across town with a string of branded standalone boutiques across the city. Owned by the Shanghai Shiran Garment Co., the brand name is a nod to the French word tu, which means ‘you’, and aims to appeal to a young and aspiring demographic with fashionable, contemporary silhouettes and use of only natural materials. As of late, TU expanded its retail network yet again, opening a sixth standalone store at Tian’an 1000 Trees, a striking mixed use complex and shopping centre alongside Suzhou Creek that forms part of a prestigious urban redevelopment of the same name. Occupying a 161 sqm. (1,733 sq.ft.) unit on the second floor and features an interior design by Shanghai-based architecture practice Tens Atelier, and it’s one that adheres to the nature-inspired theme of the complex.
Consequently, the indoor space has been approached as an outdoor venue where people come to meet each other, and yes, TU‘s newest store does just that. Beckoning passers-by inside is a coffee counter, serving various concoctions, flanked by seating right in front and three low and wide steps that not only usher them further into the store, but also blur the boundaries between outside and inside. Taking centre stage inside is a sunken plaza in bright orange which features additional seating but also serves as a display for accessories, jewellery and fragrances. Right above, the ceiling protrudes downwards in an equally striking green hue that extends across the entire shop, mimicking tree foliage in an abstract way. Lining both side walls are various display areas, while in the back section two fitting rooms can be found, and concealed from shoppers, a large storage space. The new TU store carries the brand’s full range of apparel, in addition to a curated range of eyewear, fragrances and jewellery from other brands.
TU
Tian’an 1000 Trees, 600 Moganshan Lu, Second Floor
200060 Shanghai
Telephone: +86 21 62363379
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