While Shanghai may lack the cultural attractions of Beijing, it eclipses the capital when it comes to shopping. Over the last decade, Shanghai has embraced its past, present and future to create a sizzling melting pot of a city. Futuristic skyscrapers frame the skyline next to elegant concession buildings housing stylish bars and restaurants while the shopping is some of Asia's finest.

All of the major international fashion houses, including Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton are already well represented in the upscale malls springing up all over the city. But the real reason to come shopping in Shanghai is the highly skilled Shanghainese tailors, who offer custom made clothes at rock bottom prices, as well as homegrown talent such as Hai Chen's Blue Shanghai White, whose designs blend old and new Chinese traditions. Many ex-pats, including Parisian Virginie Fournier and DaneTrina Targett, have also set up shop here, offering their own version of Chinese chic with a twist.

Suzhou Cobblers
If you're looking for the perfect gift, stop at Denise Huang's Suzhou Cobblers. This Shanghai-born graphic designer was inspired to create a line of hand-made slippers by the colourful embroidery produced in Suzhou, just west of Shanghai. Located just off The Bund, Huang's colours range from eggplant purple to turquoise and each pair is embroidered with an ancient motif: bamboo, goldfish, and cherry blossoms. Baby clothes and children's accessories are also sold here. Expect to pay $55-85 for a pair of slippers, and if you can't make it to Shanghai, the slippers can be purchase directly from her website.

Suzhou Cobblers
17 Fuzhou Road (in Chinese say: why-ton, fu-joe-lu)
Room 101
Phone: +86 (0) 21 6321 7087
Opening hours: 10am-6pm

www.suzhou-cobblers.com

Blue Shanghai White
Just two doors down from Suzhou Cobblers is Blue Shanghai White, where Hai Chen sells her stylish line of ceramics. Her designs combine traditional Chinese techniques reshaped into modern forms, and she also sells furniture and tableware which is inlaid with blue and white ceramic tiles. Vases and teapots range from $35-$60 while furniture is $250 and up.

Blue Shanghai White
No. 17-103, Fuzhou Road and 369 Zizhong Rd.,
Phone: +86 (0) 21 6323-0856 and +86 (0) 21 6385-5406

Shiatzy Chen
Top Taiwanese designer Shiatzy Chen has just opened her second Shanghai store earlier this year. She describes her style as “neo-Chinese chic.” Her designs combine elements of the East and West with just a touch of Audrey Hepburn: her collection includes prim pleated skirts, sharply tailored white shirts, and elegant evening gowns. Chen's accessories are also worth a look, which include men's silk slippers and housewares. She also has a store on Paris' Rue St Honore.

Shiatzy Chen
The Bund, Number 9
No.9 Zhong Shan Road
Phone: +86 (0) 21 6321 9155

Dong Jia Du Fabric Market
Just writing "fabric market" brings back fond memories of going absolutely nuts here. The Dong Jia Du market, located in the Nan Shi (old town) district, is a one-stop shopping nirvana for custom-made clothing at rock bottom prices. The best way to navigate the market is to find a stall with fabric you like- everything is available here from denim and corduroy to boucle, as well as linen, silk and cashmere. For the more adventurous there's even gold lame and something resembling a shag carpet. Make sure to take note of the stall's number as you browse. Each stall also works with a tailor who can whip up designs in a day or two. Some people recommend asking the fabric merchant to burn a scrap of silk to make sure its real (synthetic stuff will melt). Prices vary, but expect to pay roughly $10 for a linen shirt, $12 for lined wool trousers, and $30 for a man's lined corduroy blazer.

Dong Jia Du Fabric Market
(ask your hotel concierge for directions)
Opening hours: 9am-5pm daily
 
Annabel Lee
If you like Shanghai Trio, you'll love Annabel Lee. This tiny shop sells high-quality silk, linen and cashmere products. We liked her cashmere scarves that were lined in silk on one side, as well as the super-soft silk underwear, silk passport holders and cashmere blankets lined in silk. Annabel Lee is also a great spot to pick up little gifts to bring home, including silk boxes and tissue holders.

Annabel Lee
Unit 3, House 3, North Block,
Xintiandi, Lane 181
Tai Cang Road
Tel: +86 (0) 21 632 00045
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:30-22:30; Friday and Saturday, 10:30-23:00

www.annabel-lee.com

Layefe Home
This concept/lifestyle store is like a mini Colette, selling a carefully edited selection of clothing, scarves, jewellery, silk cushions and ceramics. The flagship store, the brainchild of artist Chen Yifei, is located in Shanghai's Xintiandi district, and the vast majority of the goods, including the hand-embroidered bed linen and lacquered wooden trays, are all made in Asia.

Layefe Home
12 North Block, Xintiandi Plaza
181 Lane, Tai Cang Road
Phone: +86 (0) 21 632 60716

www.layefehome.com

Rouge Baiser
Located in the chic shopping arcade Le Passage Changhai in the French Concession, Rouge Baiser is a terrific shop for stylish children's clothing. The shop is owned by Parisian Elise de Saint Guilhem, a former corporate lawyer, and many of the designs are based on her grandmother's patterns but are brought up to date with touches like embroidered dragonflies and lotus flowers. The shops also stock embroidered linen tunics, bedspreads and pyjamas. Custom orders are available and she also ships internationally. Hungry shoppers should also stop by Ginger, also located in Le Passage, a stylish café which sells hot pear tea, homemade ginger ale and delicious pastries.

Rouge Baiser
299-2 Fu Xing Xi Lu
Phone: +86 (0) 21 643 18019

Plaza 66
Plaza 66, which is walking distance from The Portman Ritz-Carlton, is the most luxurious mall in Shanghai. All the major European fashion houses are here, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Chanel and Christian Dior. Be warned though; prices are often 30% higher than they are in the West so bargains won't be found here.

Plaza 66
1266 West Nanjing Road
Tel: +86 (0)21 6279 0910
Open: daily, 10am-10pm

Paddy Field
Just around the corner from the quirky Madame Mao's Dowry shop is the sleek furniture and home design emporium, Paddy Field. The shops sells South east Asian inspired homewares. Accessories are made from stone, leather and mother of pearl. Paddy Field can also create custom furniture in about three weeks, and will also ship internationally.

Paddy Field
No.30 Hu Nan Road
Phone: +86 (0) 21 6437 5567

Shanghai Trio
Shanghai Trio is the creation of Frenchwoman Virginie Fournier, who collaborated with two other ex-pats (a Frenchwoman and an English woman). The trio fell in love with China's silk and cashmere but wanted to have more modern designs. The result, Shanghai Trio, has a glam Oriental with a stylish (dare say French?) twist. The boutique sells a range of soft furnishings, such as tablecloths and linens, but the best bets are the small silk accessories, including the bags, purses, business cardholder, scarves and shawls. The colours used are vibrant turquoises and oranges, as well as more delicate roses and lilacs. The line is also sold at Anthropology in Singapore.

Shanghai Trio
Unit 5, Building 1
181 Taicang Road, Xintiandi
Phone: +86 (0)21 6355 2974

Jooi Design
Located in the International Artist Factory building, off Taikang Road, Jooi is the brainchild of the young Danish entrepreneur Trina Targett. She sells delicately embroidered silk evening bags and shawls, as well as clothing with an East meets West fusion. One dress that caught our eye was a Diane Von Furstenberg-esque black wrap dress with yellow piping and a kimono-like belt. Although we didn't need any more cushion covers, we couldn't resist buying a few here.

Jooi Design
International Artist Factory
Studio 201, 2nd Floor
Lane 210 Taikang Road
Tel: +86 (0)21 6473 6193
Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily