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Deep Dive into Hongqiao New World Pearl Market

2018-04-14 Shirani ShanghaiWOWeng



The ‘Hongqiao New World Pearl Market’ (also known as the ‘Pearl Market’) is a three-floor hotchpotch of shops at the junction of Hongmei Lu and Yan’an Lu. Less overwhelming than most markets, it is a great one-stop destination to pick up souvenirs, gifts, bags and shoes, and of course jewelry ranging from the costume to semi-precious stones and the real-deal of pearls. You can also get things tailored, buy homeware items and furniture, and Christmas nutcrackers all year round! Who doesn’t need these?


But how do you know which shops are reliable? Here is our ‘hit-list’, sourced from the local experts.

 

Cashmere crush


Have a cashmere crush but don’t really know where to get the good stuff? Not quite part of the market, but still part of the Pearl City building, is well-known cashmere guru Philippe Le Bac. With a few branches around Shanghai, stop for a stare at their beautifully styled windows and fondle their lush fabrics (cashmere in winter and bamboo or cotton for spring/summer). Also featuring accessories ranging from scarves and hats (for all seasons) to gloves, belts and bags, their items may not be market-or-bargain priced but are well-made.



Want something carefully crafted when off the rack just won’t do? Pure Cashmere (#3-39E) on the third floor of Pearl City will indulge your requests for tailor-made cashmere sweaters, dresses, sweater-dresses, and also kids clothes!



Tailor-made

 

If bespoke tailoring (non-cashmere) is what you are after, and you need that something stunning for a special occasion, check custom Qipao and dress haven Alaoni (#1-003) on the first floor. They make outstanding Qipao’s in luxurious fabrics such as velvet or silk with hand-painted motifs and also ball gowns for your night with a prince. Tailoring you like Suzy Q, bargaining hard is what you’ll do!

 


More everyday threads you’re thinking of? Choose fabrics and designs for custom-made suits, coats, jackets, or dresses from Tony & Helen (#3-39C). Well-known in the community, they can cater to your black-tie tuxedo needs or simply take up a hem.

 


Need a basis for comparison or want something else? On the same floor, also visit Mr. Liu and his wife at Shanghai YaiTai Fashion (#3-031). Take your own material, use theirs, copy a garment or utilize their door-to-door service!

 


Bags and such

 

If travel baggage is what you are after, check Travelmate (#1-017) on the first floor, a suitcase and bag shop. Make small talk with the shy smiling grandma sitting out front then snap up all manner and size of bags from the cabin to large check-ins to versatile backpacks and other travel bag-phernalia. Nab one for the day to lug all your shopping around! The rest of the first floor and third floor also have handbag shops (and knock-offs) of all sizes and colors.



Jewelry

 

It’s not called ‘Pearl City’ for nothing. On the second floor, enter jewelry haven and rows and rows of pearls will bedazzle you. For the reliable real-deal see Kay of Kay Pearl (#2-079) and tell her your aspirational designs or colors.

 


Round the bend and opposite the corridor lies the lovely Laura Pearls and Jewelry (#2-017) with well-presented and sophisticated sets of pearls. If you have in mind a specific design, she can copy that, along with a variety of stones.

 


Pearls not really your thing? Go and see Susie at Susie’s Jewelry (#2-008) for all manner and color of sparkly semi-precious stones including Pomellato inspired rings. Susie will cater to your whimsical color co-ordination needs with multi-colored pearls and other gems. She also custom-designs and sketches ideas for you, giving approximate quotes.


 

Want more street-friendly options? Follow the corridor to the left enter Charles Jewelry (#2-002). Featuring classic sets of jewelry, silver, as well as chic chinois-inspired bracelets and pendants for gifts, Charles will also design and make you a custom piece or repair and replace parts of broken or jewelry.



Want even more street-cred? Laurie Jia of Laurie’s (#2-016) will also keep you hip with great silver sets options and designs.



For the truly unique and beautiful, see Sissy at Sissy and Thomas (#2-038). Featuring unusual and exotic pieces as well as classic earrings, bracelets and rings at affordable prices, Sissy can even make you something on the spot if you specify material (e.g. silver) and color!

 


Keep walking the corridor around the bend till you see a vast open area with lots of stalls of eclectic and fun (cheap!) jewelry. Whether you’re dolling up for a night out or for a costume party, this is your place.



See Linda Jewelry (booth No. 3) for delicious arrays and trays of pearls and strings of beads in fun combinations and colors.


Toys, tea and DVD's


Birthday party to go to? Christmas rolling up? Need to fill kiddie goodie bags? Head to Wish Toy Shop (#3-31 &3-27) selling (gasp!) real toys. From playdough, the latest fidget-gadget to walking and talking dolls, Lego and remote-control cars that’s not like the other (fake) stuff - it’s here. Also, stock up on little everyday items like craft kits and bubble fluid!



Following the corridor further around, find Tony, of Fox Movies shop (#3-332). Tell him the series or latest movie you need or let him recommend something novel and new for you to try. Discuss the latest sci-fi flick with him!



Need a break from walking and a mini refreshment? Want a gift that can be usefully consumed? Head to Love Tea House (#3-731), settle yourself in and talk to ’tea master’ Juny about different varieties of tea whilst sipping a cuppa.



Homeware

 


Need a housewarming gift or to decorate a new house? Follow the corridor around from the toy store to Simply Living (#3-721) for modern Chinese homeware, decorative items and some furniture. Pick up a knick-knack, farewell gift or garden stool for your pool!



Need to warm up the casa? By the top of the escalators, is carpet showroom Pak Persian (#3-305) featuring handmade carpets from Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. Talk to Sohail Jan about your carpet color and size needs.

 


Take a break, but first, shoes!


If your shoes aren’t made for walking and you’re getting tired, hit up the middle of the third floor for a myriad of styles and colors. Be sure to try them on for comfort and size as not all are made equal!



Thereafter, turn down the corridor and treat yourself with a well-deserved pamper at Vogue Nail (#3-328). If no one else is there, they’ll even pop in a movie for you so you can watch that instead of your nails dry!



Parched and hungry? Go down to the first floor, exit the building and turn left. Go up to the second floor of the next building (still part of the market) and enter Vedas, Indian restaurant. With favorites such as Butter Chicken, Tikka and Masala, order the Tandoori Lamb, Curried Okra, Peshwari Naan and Mango Lassi!



Now you probably feel like a nap so roll on home lugging your stash and…relax! Don’t forget to store those nutcrackers for Christmas (found on the first floor).


Hongqiao New World Pearl Market

Address: 3721 Hongmei Lu

Hours: Daily, 10am - 9pm


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