More changes like this

CITYLIFE / Weekend & Holiday

More changes like this

By Amy Fabris-Shi (That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2007-07-16 10:06

In Concession-era Shanghai, popular rhetoric held that the British (with
their Bund and banks) could teach you how to do business, but the French
could teach you how to live. Sitting with a glass of wine in the sunny
courtyard of Ferguson Lane, one might venture the opinion that little has
changed.

"It's like Xintiandi for locals," says Coffee Tree owner Neil Greer of
the new lifestyle hub, set back off leafy Wukang Lu. First-time
commercial developers Shanghai Cornes Property Management Co Ltd brought
in a trio of international architects to transform the former office
block tucked behind a row of red-brick terrace homes. The space has been
re-imagined with sheet glass and wooden boardwalks connecting the various
heritage outhouses, and neat alfresco areas trimmed with hedges and rose
bushes. The funky tenant mix combines offices, three complementary F&B
outlets, a Philippine spa (set to open in early July) and several niche
boutiques heretofore unseen in Shanghai.

Finish your wine and mosey along to the following:

Pistis-Impeccably chic friends Fristine Cho and Yunee Cho have interior
design and consultancy backgrounds and make regular buying trips to
Italy. Using the ��something I would put in my own home�� criterion, they
have collected some beautiful pieces of premium Italian furniture and
accessories for the innovative (and rich) home buyer. The launch
collection includes unique woven baskets, an embossed leather desk and
giant upright candles with diamante bands (supposedly all the rage in
Italy right now). The loft office will also be the headquarters of their
interior consultancy services.

Bliss-Blending chinoiserie and shabby chic, Bliss stocks an eclectic
array of pretty ceramics, quirky bits of d��cor and jewelry, and pouches
made from Asian-inspired textiles. The silk baby booties are particularly
adorable.

Dutch Items Shanghai-Dutch designer Jolie Van Beek addresses the need for
affordable fashions in "western sizes, design, quality and taste" with
her easy-to-wear linen separates and footwear range.

Rosa Gallica-At the entrance to the lane, Rosa Gallica sells beautiful
(and very affordable) blooms delivered fresh from the Dutch owner's
greenhouse in Kunming, along with potted herbs and other gorgeous
greenery.

Ferguson Lane
Location: 376 Wukang Lu

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Please click here!

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Editors' Picks 

� Enjoy an easy life in a busy city

� 24-hour convenience stores satisfy your late night cravings

� Color your life green

� Master storyteller has something to say

� Looking after your skin naturally

Beijing Guide 

Eating out: A small quiet Italian restaurant
Bars&Cafes: The communal punchbowl
Weekend&Holiday: To the moon and back
Shopping: Luxurious bath
What's on: Tribeca steps out

Shanghai Guide 

Eating out: Time for the lanes
Bars&Cafes: A town to have fun
Weekend&Holiday: More changes like this
Shopping: For little angels
What's on: Sticking it to the man

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