Tory Burch’s limited-time special concept store debuted at Shanghai Kerry Center. Brand spokesperson Liu Wen, actors Ren Min, Lu Yuxiao, and singer Xu Ruoqiao attended the opening surprise party. The new concept store will last until the end of the year to welcome the new look of the brand’s Shanghai Kerry Center flagship store (original location )

Tory Burch held a surprise party on April 24, inviting brand spokesperson Liu Wen, actors Ren Min, Lu Yuxiao, and singer Xu Ruoqiao to attend the party.

Brand spokesperson Liu Wen wears a Tory Burch funnel-neck twill T-shirt, rivet trousers, drop-shaped earrings, a rivet belt, T-strap ballet flats, and carries a Kira cat rhombus quilted mini flap shoulder bag

Actor Ren Min wore a Tory Burch cat print T-shirt, twill overalls, domed earrings, T-strap ballet flats, and carried a Kira diamond quilted handbag

Actor Lu Yuxiao wore a Tory Burch knitted curved dress, domed earrings, transparent high heels, and carried a Kira cat diamond-shaped quilted mini flap shoulder bag

Singer Xu Ruoqiao wears a Tory Burch solid color string bikini top, denim jacket, denim overalls, Patos high-heeled sandals, pendant earrings, Kira necklace, Miller earrings, and carries a T Monogram jacquard mini bucket bag

The new concept store is modeled on the limited-time special concept store built by Tory and Humberto Leon on the iconic Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, bringing the style of Los Angeles to Shanghai. The exterior and interior of the concept store are composed of cat portraits captured by photographer Schels.

Tory encountered the work of photographer Schels many years ago and was immediately attracted to his series of animal portraits. She said: “Walter’s photography contains a humanistic feeling. He looks at the animals, and the animals look back at him. He gives animals the same respect as humans, highlighting their unique personalities and emotions.”

Photographer Schels is best known for his portraits of various artists as well as celebrities. His works are full of warmth and tension. He began photographing animals when he was still young. Walter said: “As a child, animals were my friends, and our relationship was very close. Animals neither pretend to be themselves nor ask themselves: ‘Am I beautiful?’ They are not shy and just be themselves.”

Humberto, a visual merchandiser by training, added: “The photos are very eye-catching. They’re stopping and thought-provoking. I knew Tory loved the photography so much, so I wanted to incorporate it into the space. I wanted to create a sense of being there. The feel of the exhibition hall is simple but powerful.”

The floors and booths throughout the space are wrapped in custom-made plush blankets, creating the texture of a cat climbing frame. Humberto also invited artist Aranza Garcia from Chuch Estudio in Mérida, Mexico, to create a custom series of pink ceramic bases, arranged in groups of nine throughout the space. Key pieces from the collection are displayed on these plinths, or on furry stands and suspensions.

The limited-time special concept store will stock the brand’s 2024 spring and summer series. The new store will continue to operate until the end of the year to welcome the new-look Tory Burch Shanghai Kerry Center flagship store (original location). Tory Burch has branches in many places in Shanghai, including New World Daimaru Department Store, First Yaohan Store and Ganghui 66 Plaza Store.