Coco Chanel once said that she only drank from a Lalique glass, even when drinking coke.

Many wealthy Chinese have already started to enjoy this kind of luxury lifestyle, realizing that drinking wine from a fine crystal glass does help enhance the flavor and elevate the experience.

Lalique, the leading French crystal maker and jewelry designer, provides Chinese customers with more choices to uplift the quality of their daily lives. At its newly opened flagship store at Plaza 66 on Nanjing Road W., shoppers are able to find all kinds of exquisite crystal ware, from vases to decanters, bowls to candelabras.

"Far from being mere collectors' items, the Lalique products can become part of their owners' lives," says Olivier Mauny, president of Lalique. "The most meaningful homage one can pay to the talent of the Lalique artists is to infuse the objects they have fashioned with life."

The Plaza 66 store is currently the largest of all the Lalique stores in China.

"Lalique has a long history in Shanghai," says the Frenchman. "Rene Lalique (founder of Lalique) once produced some beautiful decorations here, including some of the decorative glass that can still be found at the Peace Hotel."

Mauny says the company also wants to introduce the French art de vivre to Chinese customers.

An exhibition featuring 10 pieces of limited-edition Lalique crystal works worth more than three million yuan (US$375,000) was organized outside the store, as part of the celebrations for the new store opening.

The "Amber Cactus Table," priced at 1.235 million yuan, is made of clear crystal, reflecting, under the lights, various shades from amber through to cognac. It took between eight and 10 weeks to craft each of the eight legs and they each weigh 14 kilograms.

The "Imperial Vase," inspired by the dragon which resembles the power of Chinese emperor, was launched worldwide in 2002 with a limited production of 99 pieces; each one takes months to accomplish.

Also created in a limited quantity of 99 pieces, the "Peonies vase" features brilliant transparent blossoms that are surrounded by delicate green leaves.

Compared with Lalique, Swarovski, the world leader in cut crystal, offers a wide range of crystal products that are more affordable. Swarovski's spring/summer 2008 range is inspired by the fusion of art and design and the desire for individual expression.

This "Classic" direction is effortlessly chic, sporty and functional, with a focus on white, gray and black all accented with light pinks and mint greens. Key pieces include jewelry created in bold chains, streamlined and twisted shapes to add a touch of 1960s fashion.

The "Harmony" direction is created on an ascetic theme with a reference to the crafts of Northern Europe and Ireland. The dominant colors are natural grays and blues; hemp and white. Crystals are used in a discreet and subtle way to make functional jewelry pieces such as belt buckles and closures; long necklaces and amulets in brass.

The "Glamour" direction features crystals in bright, earthy colors combined with gray, black and white and metallic shades. The jewelry emulates the glamor of the 1920s with undertones of ethnic interest - big amulets, super large charms, tassels, wood, head-dress, antique silver, horn elements and boldly carved long pearl necklaces.

Lalique flagship store
Location: Plaza 66 No. 1266, Nanjing Xilu
Tel: 021-62790910