Backstage dress. French Connection bag. Tony Bianco shoes. Seiko watch.
Ok, so laziest day to date. Embarrassed to say that I only got out of my pjs for the purpose of going to dinner and happy hour (meaning when I went to pick up groceries in the morning, yes, you know it, I was wearing pajamas, glasses, a messy top knot - the whole kit and caboodle!)
It was report writing day, the time to collate all the images and pictures we'd taken and discuss not only the trends we'd discovered but similarly ways these ideas could be translated and contextualised in the scope of the Chows jewellery line. Our findings? Basically, everything comes back to some kind of native, cultural reference. For Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana, this meant a reflection on South-American and European cultures through a use of bold, pop brights of deep, terracotta reds and Mediterranean blues. It meant references to the Spanish matador, lots of gold and embellishments and fringes and tassels and everything in-between; Day of the Dead in Spanish culture meant incorporating skulls, skulls and more skulls! The creations resembled some chaotic, eclectic mix of patterned and printed chunky beads that could have come from the bottom of some wonderful child's jewellery box. On the more oriental side, and what we thought was most relevant to our brand, was asian symbology through use of fans and zodiac animal imagery. We're super excited to bring our ideas back to the office next week!!
Morton's: However, when we finally made it into the sunlight, it was time to take up the happy hour (week-daily) specials - buy a 45 yuan cocktail (around AU$8-9) and enjoy unlimited steak (filet-mignon to get fancy) sandwiches. I had a cosmopolitan (highly recommended as some of the other were so strong they were nearly undrinkable for many of the girls) and a number of sandwiches well surpassing single digits (they're kind of small - that's my defence) A lot of the interns showed up and we all had a great time, unashamedly grabbing sandwiches with both hands at every passing plate.
Bar Rouge: We headed home to get ready for ladies night at Bar Rouge, arguably Shanghai's most famous club. Ladies Night meant free entry and free drinks for us gals (and free manicures - in the club!!) and the boys even got in free with a code (MVP haha - apparently this one generally works for the lads on most ladies night events) so that definitely added glimmer to the night. But not as much as the SPECTACULAR view! From the 24th story roof deck, we had an incredible view of the entire Shanghai skyline and, getting there early enough meant all the lights were still on, flashing in all their brilliance (lights go out at 11pm). We sipped at our fruity drinks, glowing with their electronically lit ice cubes and enjoyed the nights' Brazilian theme with dancers (of both the cultural and more 'exotic' kinds) pull tricks on poles that were incomprehensible to most! The atmosphere was intoxicating, and while Bar Rouge has no formal dance-floor (M1NT still wins hands down in that category) we made space to pull out some moves.
I'll have to make sure my nails are adequately chipped by next week to take full advantage of the on-site manicure staff. Can't wait!
Love Jess
xoxo
