(June 2013, Shanghai) The Shanghai K11 Art Mall is officially opened to the public after a grand and innovative inauguration at its location on Middle Huaihai Road in Shanghai on June 28.

The opening event was a glittering affair, distinguished by the presence of an utterly unique outdoor double-decker merry-go-round stage. The stage formed a stunning centerpiece to the non-stop 11-hour opening celebration, which drew an audience of over 10,000 guests. Fascinating art performances and programs incorporating interactive elements to explore the three core elements of the Shanghai K11 culture: Art, People and Nature, were held. Specially commissioned for the opening ceremony, 11 exquisitely designed and decorated art horses from designers of top international brands, renowned artists and the K11 art team were displayed around the art mall. As the giant music box - another unique installation at Shanghai K11 - started to unwind, the distinguished environs of Huaihai Road were illuminated by the opening of this innovative art playground. Towards the end of the opening ceremony, thousands of balloons were released by participating guests, to reciprocate the pursuit of the origin of art, and to unleash the imagination and aspiration of everyone, like a constellation where different orders co-exist and evolutions continue forever. As Mainland China’s first art mall, Shanghai K11 will serve as a place where innovation, fashion and culture coexist, and become a new fashion landmark and an art playground for Shanghai as an unprecedented art and shopping destination.

K11: Art & Lifestyle as One

Adhering to the three core elements of Art, People and Nature, K11 aims to offer the public a unique five-sense experience of art and fashion in the glamorous heart of Shanghai. This innovative idea comes from Mr. Adrian Cheng, the Founder and Chairman of K11 Concepts Limited, an art lover who dreams of blending art with business, and bringing art into the daily shopping and entertainment life of the public.

K11 also serves to encourage and foster sustainable development of the local artistic community through the K11 Art Foundation. With the establishment of art villages in Guiyang and Wuhan, and the creation of the 3000sqm chi K11 Art Space in Shanghai K11, the public will now have exclusive access to the work of China’s most exciting artists.

K11 aims to manage, rejuvenate, and remodel the local social culture within an amazing urban multi-cultural community and is committed to integrating this with natural spaces and sustainable operation, an attitude indicated by a multidimensional natural landscape with a variety of local plants, a roof garden, vertical greening, and urban farming. This innovative green structure has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification by the U.S Green Building Council, the internationally recognized standard for excellence in sustainable architecture.

Unveiling an Iconic Shopping and Lifestyle Location

The grand opening ceremony of Shanghai K11 Art Mall demonstrated the outstanding selection of brands that value the venue’s unique placement. Renowned designers including Carrie Chow, Wang Yang and international fashion brands DOLCE&GABBANA, LOVE MOSCHINO, Max Mara, MIXR（MiXTRA?）, PAULE KA, collaborated with K11 to create eight specially commissioned art horses. In addition to the works of young emerging artists from the K11 Art Village and the one printed with QR code, there are a total of 11 art horses around the Art Mall, demonstrating the creative yet fashionable atmosphere that distinguishes K11. Echoing these art horses is the fascinating double-deck merry-go-round opening stage. With a phenomenal singing performance by Nicole, an opera artist travelling all the way from Paris, the opening ceremony was a moment of pure beauty and joy that perfectly sums up the ‘art playground’ concept that K11 celebrates.

Multi-dimensional Excitement Through Diverse Interactive Experiences

Various interactive programs within and outside the mall were designed to provide customers with continuous and exciting engagement throughout the 11-hour opening celebration. Three carriages, representing Culture, Design and Fashion, paraded down Huaihai Road to the delight of the public. Within the mall, pantomime artists in dramatic costumes performed on various floors alongside a magician, who surprised guests by performing tricks while disguised as a K11 customer service officer. The animal farming, art sculpture cake, art latte and the candy bar in 4/F Kocktail were all popular attractions with customers. At the same time renowned artists, business celebrities and mainstream media continued to celebrate this big occasion at the after-party held at the Roof Garden on the sixth floor of K11. The 11-hour event was an artistic journey with surprises aplenty, perfect for guests who have been anticipating the fashionable, quality lifestyle that K11 represents.

Resident Brands with a Shared Vision

Shanghai K11 Art Mall brings together nearly 100 international and local brands in one remarkable location. It is a hub for fashion and accessories, skin care and global gourmet. In addition, international fashion brands like Bally, Burberry, Chloé, DOLCE&GABBANA, Max Mara have set up concept stores that showcase the unique tastes and influence of K11. With its innovative multi-platform setting, Shanghai K11 can satisfy high-end consumption needs, and contribute to the development of Huaihai business district into one of the world’s most stylish urban quarters.

A Dazzling Future for K11

In the next seven years, the K11 brand and multi-cultural community will launch in key cities throughout China, where the brand will bring its unique vision to an even greater number of people that value art and culture. Since its soft opening on 18 January 2013, Shanghai K11 has fast become a popular spot among fashionable and cultured individuals. Current monthly mall traffic is close to 1 million and continues to grow. K11 will expand its art journey to 11 cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shenyang, Haikou, Ningbo, Guiyang, and other locations.

－END－

-END-