Pnyin - A mixture of originality

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CITYLIFE / Shopping






A mixture of originality


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.

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

Tel: 021-6433-6387























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