Design design design
(Design and Community: near Taikang Lu, Shanghai)
Another shot of one of our favourite areas we have so far discovered in Shanghai; these lanes were full of surprises, not least that there is a thriving design community. It feels too European to be in Asia here, and the prices generally reflect that too! We noticed these words on a corner, just sitting above junk and bikes and other detritus. It feels as if you could walk these lanes for days and never see it all – we kept turning a corner to find ourselves somewhere familiar, or guessing where we were headed and being proven completely wrong.
In one little shop, there were printed t shirts, bags and purses lining the walls, as well as smaller sets of illustrated postcards and such. I ended up buying a good, strong canvas bag with a lovely cassette print. We spoke to Simon, who owned the shop and it turned out that he was a former mobile phone designer, turned designer / shopkeeper. Ying explained that we had come from a similar background and also mentioned *pipless jam. I have since received word that Simon is interested in my work! This is such an exciting prospect for me, and hopefully will lead further – one of my plans for China is to spend much more time on writing and illustration, and so far both are moving forward.
You are in brick lane. Fantastic. You should apply for a job there. By the way, i have nominated your blog for the best travel blog, on the peoples choice award. Its because its amazing, please dont kill me.
An update. In 5 mintues you have 2 votes!
I will definitely vote! I love reading your blog everyday Rosie. Can you put the link to vote up here please? Glad you both are having such fun, I’m very jealous.
Fxx