Shanghai at night must have been beautiful back in the roaring twenties of China. Old buildings still stand in this harbour city of millions, their presence a reminder of its textured history. One of them is a restored 1918 villa, now home to a cinematic conversation between Milan and Shanghai, spoken in the design language of Prada and brought to life with the vision of Hong Kong based and Shanghai born director Wong Kar-Wai.
Prada Rong Zhai, a historic residence in the heart of the metropolis, was meticulously restored over six years and completed in 2017. Built for industrialist Rong Zongjing, the villa remained in the family for generations before Prada acquired it in 2011. The restoration brought together Chinese and Italian architects and artisans to preserve its original grandeur while opening it to a new role as a cultural landmark.
Long before immersive experience became a fashion buzzword, Giorgio Armani shaped a universe that extended from Armani Casa to restaurants and hotels. In Shanghai, Prada presents its own vision with Mi Shang, the brand’s first stand alone fine dining space in Asia. To me, it feels like the kind of place where you could step straight into a scene from one of Wong Kar-Wai’s films. The atmosphere captures the director’s poetic concept of tête-bêche, mirrored reflections that complement each other. A softly lit corridor recalls the hotel scenes in In the Mood for Love, leading to a library that blends Chinese craftsmanship with Italian design. Part of Mi Shang is designed as a café, recalling the social hubs of 1910s Shanghai, with intricate woodwork restored by local artisans. The mood shifts between cinematic nostalgia and contemporary elegance.
Interior of Rong Zhai, courtesy of Prada, film still In the Mood for Love, courtesy of Block 2
For me, there is also a personal note. My first journey to China was such a joy. Visiting Beijing, Shanghai and beyond with a group of friends, I began to understand certain values my parents held and the meaning behind the paintings with rounded mountains I had seen all my life. Until then, I never truly understood them. After the visit, everything fell into place like a puzzle. That understanding makes Wong Kar-Wai’s presence in this setting feel even more resonant. The director’s heritage now feels woven into the space, and its colour palette takes me back to my parents’ Chinese-Indonesian restaurant, with polished woods, kitchen gods and other statues, and soft pink and mint green tablecloths.
Seeing the images of Rong Zhai, I am in awe of its beauty, yet I recognise in it the same values that guide my own work — the meeting point of cultures, styling as storytelling, and details that resonate beyond trends. Rong Zhai captures that spirit with heritage, craftsmanship and style composed into a living set. One day soon, I plan to be there in a cheongsam, an experience high on my wish list.
Images courtesy of Prada; In the Mood for Love by Wong Kar-Wai courtesy of Block 2.
Discover: prada.com
