Expanding upon Prada's creative collaboration, a cinematic dining experience births within the heart of Shanghai, masterminded by the visionary Wong Kar-wai.
Prada Opens First Standalone Restaurant in Asia, Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai, in Shanghai
On July 30, 2025, Prada unveiled its first standalone restaurant in Asia, Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai, located at No.186, North Shaan Xi Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai [1]. The restaurant, which offers an all-day cafe service and a fine dining experience, is a collaboration between Prada and renowned arthouse director Wong Kar-wai.
The concept of Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai draws inspiration from the philatelic concept of Tête-bêche—a pair of stamps printed in opposite orientations—symbolizing reflection, adjacency, and correspondence. This concept visually connects Milan and Shanghai, blending Italian and Chinese cultures in a sophisticated dialogue [1].
Wong Kar Wai's design for the restaurant channels the distinctive aesthetics of his seminal films, such as In the Mood for Love and Happy Together. The interior showcases Wong's cinematic vision, evoking the mood and style of his films, while balancing cultural and visual contrasts, combining Prada’s timeless Italian elegance with the historic allure of Rong Zhai, a historic mansion in Shanghai. This creates a cultivated, refined atmosphere infused with cinematic charm and a play of mirrors and contrasts [1][2].
The main focus of Mi Shang’s Dining Room is a dining experience that reflects the fusion of the two cultures through cuisine, although specific dishes or culinary style details are not listed in the provided sources. The restaurant sits on the second floor of Rong Zhai, while the third floor, called The Apartment, is an invitation-only space showcasing Prada’s heritage, bespoke services, and cultural programs [2].
Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai is positioned not only as a restaurant but also as a "living cultural space," hosting biannual art exhibitions and cultural programs centered on urbanism, design, and heritage, continuing Rong Zhai's legacy as a salon for artistic exchange [2].
Prada's engagement with cinema is a significant part of its brand identity, having collaborated with directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Danny Boyle, and Ava DuVernay. The group has also championed film conservation and funding initiatives. The Prada in-house cinema, named after Franco-Swiss director Jean-Luc Godard, further emphasizes Prada's commitment to the world of cinema [3].
This comprehensive cultural and gastronomic project marks Prada’s expansion into Asia with a unique standalone dining venue [1][2][4].
References:
[1] Prada. (2025). Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai. Retrieved from https://www.prada.com/us/en/mi-shang-prada-rong-zhai
[2] Rong Zhai. (2025). Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai. Retrieved from https://rongzhiai.com/mi-shang-prada-rong-zhai
[3] Prada. (2025). Cinema. Retrieved from https://www.prada.com/us/en/cinema
[4] Prada. (2025). Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai Opening. Retrieved from https://www.prada.com/us/en/news/mi-shang-prada-rong-zhai-opening
[5] Prada. (2025). Bar Luce. Retrieved from https://www.prada.com/us/en/bar-luce
In Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai, a unique fusion of cultures is reflected not only in the food and drink offerings but also in the entertainment and overall lifestyle experience, blending Italian and Chinese cultures in a refined and cinematic atmosphere. This infused space, hosted by Prada, serves as both a dining venue and a living cultural space, featuring biannual art exhibitions and cultural programs.
