Shanghai- for the love of travel and jewelry...
From the RockHill Archives
I originally wrote this after returning from Shanghai in the spring of 2016. Years later, these photographs still make me miss this extraordinary city—and remind me how deeply my time in Asia influenced the way I see color, texture, and design.
I love to travel, and I’m reminding myself of that as I recover from a recent 10-night trip to Asia. Jet lag is the yin to travel’s yang, I suppose.
This wasn’t my usual time of year to make the trip, and it was such a gift to see Shanghai again in all of its spring glory. I was able to take a day away from work to enjoy some of the quieter, more peaceful corners of the city, meet new friends, return to a favorite restaurant that Melissa and I loved, and visit the flower market—which is always a treat for someone with a serious love of flowers.
And, of course, there was jewelry.
During the trip, I designed more than twenty new pieces. Many were created as small-batch designs, inspired by the materials I discovered and what was available at the time. Those limited finds are part of what makes the process so special. The pieces were then handmade with care by me or by two incredibly talented women I had already been working with for more than six years when I wrote this.
Shanghai is a remarkable city—one that can fascinate and frustrate in equal measure. It is difficult to describe how quickly it changes, yet it still feels so familiar each time I return.
Having had the opportunity to live there for two years changed the way I see the world and continues to influence my creativity. My life has been enriched by that experience and by every return trip I’ve been fortunate enough to make.
Looking back at these photographs still brings back wonderful memories of a city, a season, and the inspiration behind so many RockHill designs.
Shanghai, I still miss you.
— Lynette
Room with a view- 52nd floor of the Renaissance Hotel Zhongshan Park Shanghai
Morning walk in Zhongshan Park-peonies in bloom!
Zhongshan Park Shanghai-yin yang- harmony and balance with my favorite Joseph Seibel metallic, made for walking sneakers!
Morning dancing- I could have watched for hours, and they make it look so easy and graceful.
Juxtaposition of old and new in Shanghai. Taken from the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel Yu Yuan Garden. Maybe the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, will be open to the public on my next visit.
Hongqiao Flower Market Shanghai- one of my old and still favorite places in the city.
Succulents are popular in Shanghai too!
Xintiandi, a pretty part of the city! For an interesting article on 'Why Xintiandi isn't Shanghainese,' click here.
The Langham Hotel Xintiandi Shanghai- the distinct windows of the Andaz Hotel are in the background. While taking a peek at the hotel, I was surprisingly connected to Facebook and Instagram. I returned 5 days later to try again with no luck, and these blossoms were finished for the year.
My last morning walk in Zhongshan Park, Shanghai.
Have you been to Shanghai? If yes, what's your favorite restaurant, hotel, market, etc? I'd love to hear about your experiences!
