(smartshanghai)
Updated: 2006-08-29 10:03

I thought I'd hate 5 on the Bund's Design Republic. I pictured white walls and black clad staff sneering at me as they stood next to strange leather chairs with no price tag. Nothing could have been further from the truth, although the staff do wear black.

Designed and owned by American-trained Chinese architects Rossanna Hu and Lyndon Neri, the man responsible for the makeover of 3 on the Bund, the space was conceived as both a store and gallery space. All oak, concrete, and brushed bronze, with plenty of glass. "One of our goals is to bring design to the people in Shanghai," says PR manager Angela Hua. "Many people come in just to look around". The staff is pretty friendly and seems used to people wandering in for a look without necessarily buying.

Beginning at 15rmb for a Design Republic postcard, prices finish off at 434, 590rmb for a very sexy limited edition bowl of silver fruit by Japanese designer Kazuyo Sejima. Kitchen and tableware is well represented with Alessi, littala, Stelton, and Menu. Stemless Reidel wine glasses go for 140rmb a pop and the famous Philippe Starck citrus press, the one that doesn't work and looks like a three-legged metal spider, is 600rmb. Moleskin notebooks from 120 to 180rmb are another more affordable option. Some of the more interesting furnishings are two chairs by Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi, best known for his Cathedral Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and a collection of chairs by Danish master Arne Jacobson.

On a smaller scale, DR also stocks miniature classic design chairs by Vitra; your chance to own a Corbusier for your hamster, or furnishings for Barbie's new minimalist Wallpaper inspired loft. Jokes aside they'd be a perfect present for anyone with a design fetish. DR is also beginning collaborations with local designers to make their own line of furnishings that can be customised to meet client's needs.

If you're interested in design this is a great place to come and have a look. The pieces are well chosen and include some of the biggest names in the field. You may not be able to afford it, but then again, maybe you can. As for me, I have my eye on a certain silver fruit bowl. Or maybe an eggcup to start.

Design Republic
Location: 5 on the Bund