Located on the North Bund, W Shanghai – The Bund draws upon colonial glamour and futuristic motifs, with nearly all 374 guestrooms featuring views of the Huangpu River due to the uniquely curved frame of the building's edifice.
Shanghai, China – W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, stole the scene in China with the recent premiere of W Shanghai – The Bund. The grand opening party, themed to capture the hotel’s design narrative of ‘Captivating Contrasts’ was attended by over a thousand guests including local and international media, industry influencers and personalities. Taking center stage at the Premiere was Chinese rapper VAVA, who debuted a song specially written for W Hotels from her yet to be released album. Additionally, in celebration of the hotel’s opening, the premiere also kicked off the first stop of the traveling Xiao Long Bao – an iconic Chinese delicacy – cart tour, with stops to be made across Asia, London and New York.
“Shanghai is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, fueled by its endless energy and appetite for what’s new/next,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “As an industry innovator, we are thrilled to showcase W Shanghai – The Bund through the W brand’s Premiere tradition, bringing to life the brand’s passion points through pulsating music, edgy performances and bold fashion. The performances have all been designed to reflect the sky high bold ambition of Shanghai, an explosive juxtaposition of modernity and heritage to create a vibe unique to the city.“
Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Chinese rap queen VAVA at the WET Deck of W Shanghai – The Bund for the celebration of the Premiere
Sassy street sounds
Shanghai – The Bund owned the night with headlining act Chinese rap queen VAVA, performing ‘Happy Everyday’, which was inspired by the passions of the W brand. VAVA, with close to a million followers on her social platform, is a true trailblazer in the thriving female rap scene in China, sparked a feisty and flirty presence with her skilled vocal range. Risen to fame through The Rap of China TV show, she has been credited with propelling Chinese hip hop mainstream. With daring lyrics and a ‘lust for life’ attitude, VAVA perfectly embodies the bold and spontaneous spirit of W Shanghai – The Bund, always embracing the limitless ambition of the city.
“I am pleased to be part of the grand opening of W Shanghai – The Bund, a hotel that takes fashion and music to new levels in Shanghai,” said VAVA. “I have long been a fan of W; and it’s a great privilege to perform in an electrifying new venue bringing people closer through music.“
VAVA also performed alongside an energetic dance routine – the brand’s take on China’s signature ‘Square dance‘ – set against a backdrop of hi-tech visuals on gigantic screens. Perfectly capturing the design concept of ‘Captivating Contrasts’ in true W Style, the dancers dressed in pajamas – a common scene amongst Shanghai’s elderly – revealed their modern hip hop outfits. The glam party scene continued with local A-list DJ Cara delivering a killer set of tunes to finish on a high.
High octane energy and glamour throughout the night
From the WOOBAR, to the hotel’s all-day dining venue, The Kitchen Table, to the WET Deck, guests were treated to a myriad of performances in true W edgy, sassy style served by fun-tastic drag queens and waiters and waitresses in high fashion outfits. WOOBAR displayed a melting pot of high art and digital technology through a captivating GIF party, while the WET Deck pool party revealed hidden images found under the sun umbrellas and brought to life by performing synchronized swimmers. The daring visuals amidst a gripping light show were accompanied by eclectic soundtracks of acclaimed underground band Cola.
W Hotels debuted a 3-meter-tall Xiaolongbao cart installation, kicking off a tour series at select W hotels worldwide
Xiaolongbao on the road
In celebration of the opening of W Shanghai – The Bund, W Hotels debuted a 3-meter-tall Xiaolongbao cart installation, kicking off a tour series that will soon see the installation at select W hotels in Asia, New York and London; eventually returning at the soon-to-open W Suzhou. A nod to Shanghai’s iconic bicycles often stacked sky-high with delivery goods – a scene common on the Shanghainese streets – and Shanghai’s famous soup dumplings, the cart features playful colours such as pink, purple and turquoise intertwined with eye catching acrylic materials. Hotels across Asia will feature special food and cocktail menus inspired by Xiaolongbao and the city of Shanghai, including a specially curated music playlist by W Shanghai’s music curator. Currently on display at W Shanghai’s Electric Laneway, the installation is a stirring photo and epicurean opportunity.
Located on the North Bund, W Shanghai – The Bund draws upon colonial glamour and futuristic motifs, with nearly all 374 guestrooms featuring views of the Huangpu River due to the uniquely curved frame of the building’s edifice. Designed by the acclaimed G.A Design, the hotel showcases an exciting combination of historic and modern influences, such as Hai Pai – the art of combining the old and the new, East and West. This is evident in both the hotel’s location, perfectly positioned between the Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River, as well as the surrounding locale, where Art Deco buildings sit alongside opulent Chinese mansions.
Photo caption: Marriott International and Sinar Mas Group executives celebrate the Premiere of W Shanghai – The Bund. From left to right: Carol Zhou, Senior Director, Luxury Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International; Teguh Ganda Wijaya, CEO, Sinar Mas Group; Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide; and Christian Humbert, General Manager, W Shanghai – The Bund
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