Gilded accents, and folklores of the haute couture label—Schiaparelli—whisper through a keyhole, with a glimpse into a whimsical realm where fashion dreams are manifested. As a first, the Parisian fashion house founded in 1927 by Elsa Schiaparelli, has debuted in Shanghai, China, with a pop-up and retail exhibition titled ‘Through the Keyhole,’ crafted under the creative direction of Daniel Roseberry. Unveiled on 18th October, this gilded exhibit traces the brand’s rich history and steadfastness to its surrealistic tour de force trompe l’oeil niceties, and gold elements at the heart of Shanghai’s eminent Plaza 66 mall. 

The Tale Of Two Worlds

In an era where mindfulness increasingly shapes consumption, Bellini states, “This first opus in China is part of our global strategy to extend our international presence.” The Shanghai Plaza 66 Mall—a crowning jewel of high-end retail luxury in China, captivates patrons with its sumptuous interiors and a curated selection of brands, serving as the perfect backdrop for this opulent exhibition. Within this setting, the eccentric pop-up showcases Roseberry’s designs—including accessories, jewellery, haute couture creations, and ready-to-wear pieces—paying an ode to the brand’s characteristic allure.

Unlocking The Gilded Rêve

A colossal gilded key-hole-shaped assembly materialised at Plaza 66 mall’s heart while reflecting the Parisian fashion house’s philosophy. In an ode to the brand’s surrealist motifs the pop-up’s façade glimmers under the natural light streaming through the mall’s acrylic roof, transporting the patrons to the brand’s historic salons. On the ground floor of Shanghai’s Plaza 66 mall, a gilded key-shaped case—visible only from the floors above—serves as the pièce de résistance, infusing a dash of glimmer to the mall’s neutral palette. 

Upon entering, a hammered gold edifice in Schiaparelli’s iconic colours serves as the atrium’s centrepiece. This hammered surface is adorned with the label’s emblematic features: the Keyhole, the Anatomy—Mouths, Torsos or Ears—and the Measuring Tape, all pay homage to surrealism. The striking façade additionally houses petite alcoves featuring smithereens like—Doja Cat’s crimson ensemble from MET 2024, the phoenix gown from the Fall 2024, with ethereal bags and jewellery—from Roseberry’s envisaged collections.

Also Read: Sabyasachi’s Flagship Store In New York Is A Maximalist Celebration Of Heritage

A series of key-shaped openings within the façade’s trompe l’œil moulds entices patrons to unravel an uncanny collection of the brand’s archetypal tchotchkes. On stepping inside the pristine white space, patrons are transported to the salons of Place Vendôme, designed by French interior designer Jean-Michel Frank. The interiors feature symmetrical wainscoting, sculptural plaster sconces, and Schiaparelli’s signature gilded hammered consoles, where one can browse the Spring-Summer 2024 and Fall-Winter 2024 ready-to-wear collections, all while reflecting the brand’s essence. 

Also Read: Hype Culture Meets High Design At This New Streetwear Store In Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda District

Alongside its five fêted boutiques across the globe, Schiaparelli opens a portal to its gilded realm, where sculpted anatomy motifs and the iconic Keyholes shimmer whispers of Parisian elegance. Within the secluded Salon Privé suite of Plaza 66, Roseberry’s creations enhance the immersive experience for patrons by offering them exclusive fittings until November 8.