September 10, 2019

Homegrown furniture and design label, Scene Shang opens its doors at Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel. Guests cross the tiled threshold into a light-drenched world with original high ceilings, sensorial Eastern silhouettes, and exceptional objets d’art. Over cups of hand-blended tea, visitors drink in a new understanding of time, history, and culture, poring over pieces that breathe new life into nostalgic design ideas.

With a serene apartment-like scenography in contrast with Scene Shang’s Beach Road shophouse flagship, co-founders Pamela Ting and Jessica Wong imagined the Raffles Hotel store as a space surrendered to nature and the ages. To express the patina of time, the duo worked with artists who painted an aged moss relief on the walls, adding green vines and creepers within the store. Specially sourced vintage wood trim with emblematic Western-style leaf mouldings and geometric Chinese Great Wall style links skirt the walls.

Respectfully reclaiming this romantic, lived-in ambiance, Ting and Wong added personal touches: the tiled entrance comprising of small hexagons—a shape valued in Asian cultures for stability and harmony, form abstract plum flowers, symbolising strength and beauty. In a wink to their own journey, the tiles replicate the foyer of Scene Shang’s spiritual birthplace: their art deco apartment building in Shanghai some 5 years ago.

Drawing from the Middle Kingdom and reanimating the glory of a 1920s Shanghai in its art deco exuberance, Scene Shang is in constant dialogue between East and West; the classic and the modern. This dynamic red thread guides exceptional Asian craftsmen and renowned local artists such as Arthur P.Y Ting whose storied Singapore streetscapes flank the store’s entrance.

In addition to art and award-winning designs such as the Jia Ju Rocking Stool, iconic The Banker Desk Lamp, and collection of home fragrances also available at Scene Shang’s flagship, the Raffles Hotel store is home to the Yan Sofa, Scene Shang’s first sofa design proudly made in Singapore. The pure leather covers and the fine down feathers cushion inserts contribute to making the whole experience of lounging a pure moment of comfort and luxury. The store also offers a curation of exclusive, limited-edition collectibles. These objects employ the use of exquisite materials, such as rare marbles from the personal marble supplier to the sultans, as well as hand-selected leather from producers responsible for supplying to the finest French luxury brands.

Classics such as the Shang System (Scene Shang x Larry Peh edition) and The Maverick Armchair in specific colourways can only be found at Raffles Hotel. Lifestyle accessories such as the Brass Chinese Chess Set designed by Wendy Chua and Gustavo Maggio made by local craftsman, Mr Yee from Hup Yick amplify this refined, yet light-hearted Chinese art of living. Scene Shang Raffles Hotel also offers an exclusive monogramming service, enabling guests to personalise furniture, homeware or gifts with names, blessings, or well-wishes in round brass talismans.