By Yang Di (Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2007-07-31 10:17

On peaceful Yongfu Road, Platane's eye-catching exterior and enchanting window display are certain to attract your attention. The sleek lifestyle boutique welcomes anyone who has knowledge of, or interest in, "original design" and the pursuit of a high-quality lifestyle.

 

Former Australian fashion editor Sandra Shimith and French lawyer Laetitia Charachon opened the boutique last September. The duo combined their life experiences and international postings to create a store that showcases a global modern approach to living.

 

The shop is filled with a hodgepodge of soft furnishings and whimsical everyday items, with a distinctly designer vibe. The gorgeous products from Leslie Chen's designer wall tiles to leather Australian handbags and modern Chinese porcelain create the feeling of a gallery.

 

"We decided to open Platane because we individually became frustrated that we could not find things that we expected to see in Shanghai," Shimith said. The duo both felt passionate about the area around Yongfu Road which seemed like the ideal setting for this small boutique.

 

The shop's philosophy is to provide a carefully edited selection of home and lifestyle products with affordable prices in an inviting atmosphere. Stock includes ceramics, flatware, soft furnishings, glassware, lighting, books, deluxe travel guides, scented candles, children's gifts, Egyptian cotton T-shirts and a small, exclusive, Mongolian cashmere range.

 

The look is modern with references to European and Eastern aesthetics. "The products in our shop are often exclusive to us, several things we design ourselves or collaborate with designers, and some pieces we source from all over the world," Shimith said.

 

The Australian and French pair have an eye for unique and trendy lifestyle items. They have collaborated with ceramic makers in Jindezhen to create a collection of stylish ceramic homeware infused with modern elements.

 

Customers are delighted to find a collection of wall tiles designed by Chen, who won her "Young Designer Talent of the Year" in 2006 by Elle Decor China.

 

Her interpretations of ancient Chinese design elements blend gracefully into the contemporary environment. The wall tiles are perfect for wall finishes in kitchens, bathrooms or for highlights in dining or lounge areas.

 

They can even be built into the surface finishes of the furniture or incorporated into other elements of interior decorations.

 

"Chen is a very talented designer. We would like to support more creative talents like her," Shimith said.

 

In terms of future plans, Shimith said their mission is to expand their exclusive range of "Platane" products which includes ceramics, a wallpaper line, slippers, travel pillows, tablemats, a jewelry range and linen napkins.

 

"Small runs of products mean that the stock is constantly being updated and there is always something new to be tempted by," Shimith said.

 

Platane
Address: 127 Yongfu Rd (close to Fuxing Rd W.)

Tel: 021-6433-6387