Dating back to the 1920s, the neo-classical twin villas at 796 Huai Hai Lu, were built by comprador Mr. Jiang Bing Sheng. The first villa, on the east side, was built in 1921, and its twin on the west in 1927. During renovation process, little has changed about the elegant garden houses: they have been lovingly restored with great attention to detail, right down to the original staircase and stained-glass windows, reviving the sumptuous heritage architecture.
Located in the East Villa of 796 Huai Hai Lu, the Vacheron Constantin Mansion boasts a lavish space to charm watch lovers and collectors globally. Offering a private retail atmosphere, the villa features a full collection of watches, including antique pieces, and offers its "Atelier Cabinotiers Special Order" service, the first and the only of its kind in the world within Haute Horlogerie circle. The special collector's salon offers a safe service for customers' prestigious Vacheron Constantin watches. In the Customer Service Center of the Vacheron Constantin Mansion, for the first time ever, the Swiss manufacturer has sent a Master Watchmaker, Alexandre Kerguen, from Geneva to be based in Shanghai to offer various after-sales service, which previously was only can be done in Geneva, now watch maintenance from the very basic watches to the high complication watches, repair and maintenance can be done locally. Alexander Kerguen will not only head the Customer Service Center but also take care of the collector's salon to create a dialogue with Chinese watch lovers and refer the information back to Geneva, to best serve Chinese consumers. Through this innovative interaction, the brand can establish a strong relationship with the customers in order to present its supporters with its tradition in a realistic way. Joining us today from one of the brand's two founding families, Mr. Jean Constantin and Ms. Odette Constantin, are here to share in the brand's spectacular development and dedication to its name as the world's oldest watchmaker. Also Juan-Carlos TORRES, Chief Executive Officer of Vacheron Constantin, in Shanghai today, said of this grand opening, As a watch brand with 253 years of history, records have been found indicating that Vacheron Constantin sales to China date back to the end of the 18th century. China today is home to twelve of Vacheron Constantin's twenty boutiques around the world, which shows the importance of this market to Vacheron Constantin. The Vacheron Constantin Mansion, Shanghai combines a retail experience with a Customer Service Center, special order & bespoke services, and a Collector's Salon. This new launch demonstrates Vacheron Constantin's long-term commitment and close connection to Chinese market.
The West Villa is host to the hidden Alfred Dunhill Shanghai Home. One of the world's finest British luxury menswear and leather luggage brands, Alfred Dunhill offers a dream collection of "toys for boys" at 796 Huai Hai Lu. With three Alfred Dunhill Homes globally, reflecting the brand's four pillars of masculinity, functionality, quality and Britishness, these Homes flawlessly blend a luxury retail concept with elegant lifestyle. The Alfred Dunhill Shanghai Home contains a Travel and Discovery Room, featuring the brand's well known superior leather luggage and accessories, exclusive limited edition products and iconic pieces. It also offers the first of its kind in China, the "Vintage Programme" which is a vast collection of antiques, also located on the ground and first floors of the Home. The second Floor features an impressive menswear emporium replete with a White Shirt Bar and a dedicated menswear area offering both formal and casual wear for the modern gentleman. The Home also holds an exclusive grooming space as well as a bespoke tailoring service; headed by a Savile Row trained Master Tailor - Daniel Williams. Mr.John Durnin, Chief Executive Officer of Alfred Dunhill Asia Pacific Limited, in Shanghai today for this special occasion noted, Alfred Dunhill has established the Homes of Alfred Dunhill, which thus far are located in the heart of Mayfair, London, Ginza Chuo Street, Tokyo and now in 796 Huai Hai Lu, Shanghai. Each Home is distinct, but offers the familiar Alfred Dunhill service and brand quality, uniting the modern gentlemen's pursuit of a luxurious lifestyle with the ultimate in a retail concept experience.
Complementing these two world-class luxury brands, the villas are also host to the KEE Club and ShanghART, making it a true lifestyle destination in Shanghai. Located on the 3rd and 4th floor of the twin villas, KEE is a prestigious private club from Hong Kong, renowned for its range of clientele and offers fine dining as well as entertainment space for socializing in an exquisite environment. ShanghART is in a modern building just behind the east side of the twin villas, and occupies 200 square metres. One of China's leading contemporary art galleries, ShanghART's collections gives this ultimate lifestyle destination its final touch. In addition to everything on offer in the villas themselves, a delightful English garden will greet visitors. The delicate and exceptional garden is an essential part of 796 Huai Hai Lu, reinforcing the atmosphere of calm and peace in the middle of the city in a tranquil and refined space.
Time could cease at 796 Huai Hai Lu: An old Shanghai scene intricately blended with luxury and art flavour, a vanguard concept retail initiated by the world's top brands, Vacheron Constantin and Alfred Dunhill, an atmosphere of beauty and enjoyment at any time of the day or night and a taste of culture through contemporary art, harmoniously merge for the appreciation of the finer things in life.
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