Shanghai Tang Silk Road Collection

by: Sandra Raicevic Petrovic

Shanghai Tang Silk Road Collection is the new collection of fragrances inspired by the glamour and culture of Shanghai. It belongs to the famous brand Shanghai Tang which excels in luxurious clothing items for men and women and the tradition of Chinese tailoring. This house was founded in Hong Kong in 1994 and its founder David Tang used to emphasize that the fashion they pursued was inspired by clothing items from the 1920s and 1930s combined with modern elements.

The new collection of fragrances Shanghai Tang encompasses eight editions, five of which are for women and three for men. The collection was created as a fragrant journey from Europe to China and it was named after the Silk Road, the lucrative Chinese silk trade, 4000 miles long. The Silk Road was initiated during the Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.). The collection was inspired by the rich fabrics, décor, lively colors and mystery of Silk Road, which were intertwined in each of the eight editions by perfumer Carlos Benaim. With this collection he managed to revive the fragrances of ancient caravans that used to carry Chinese treasures to the Western world. The collection pays respect to the opulence of Chinese culture through several aspects and offers mystic contents of the unique compositions. 

The compositions created by Carlos Benaim for Shanghai Tang convey his exciting experience from amazing journeys through China. He used characteristic raw materials for each of the fragrances, reflecting the luxury and glamour of ancient Chinese tailoring skills. He created eight compositions for the eight fragrances of the collection, since number 8 is considered the lucky number in Chinese culture. Eight is the symbol of balance, prosperity, good omen, promise of happiness colored in aura of infinity. In the West, number eight is also a powerful symbol which, if depicted horizontally, denotes infinity.  

The flacons and outer carton feature Chinese symbol SHÒU denoting longevity. Longevity is considered one of five blessings, along with wealth, health, love and virtues. These five blessings traditionally represent five most important Chinese life goals.

Women’s fragrances of the collection are: Gold Lily, Spring Jasmine, Rose Silk, Orchid Bloom and Oriental Pearl, while men’s editions are Jade Dragon, L'Orient and Mandarin Tea. Fragrances for women are available as 60 ml Eau de Parfum, while the editions for men are obtainable as 100 ml Eau de Toilette. The fragrances are packed in wooden, lacquered boxes of high quality. 

	GOLD LILY The composition provides a vibrant contrast between ginger-lily and musk
	SPRING JASMINE The composition blends jasmine absolute with floral heart, accentuated with olibanum and bamboo
	ROSE SILK Gentle and delciate scent of magnolia petals mixed with rose petals
	ORCHID BLOOM Shades of velvety orchid embellished with red berries zest wrapped in sensual musk
	ORIENTAL PEARL Rich and decadent fragrance blends aromas of amber, benzoin, labdanum and intense patchouli
	JADE DRAGON Elegance and freshness of amber accentuated with juicy bergamot and tea leaves
	L'ORIENT Texture of Atlas cedar enhanced with leather and nutmeg to create a unique, strong and prominent blend
	MANDARIN TEA Vibrant mandrines and juicy neroli blend with tea notes, lemon zest drops nd refreshing petitgrain, creatng harmony full of freshness and optimism

The advertising face of the collection Shanghai Tang is model Du Juan, who is the first Chinese model to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris, and more photos of her have appeared in Vogue China than of any other celebrity. She did runway shows for Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel and Valentino, as well as for numerous advertising campaigns for such brands as Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli, Swarovski, Yves St. Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Anna Sui, Uniqlo and David Yurman. Photos of the advertising campaign for the Silk Road collection were taken by Mario Testino.

The collection of Shanghai Tang Silk Road was launched end October 2014 in China.