If there’s one lesson this industry has taught me, it’s that magic often happens when you least expect it—and on the tightest timelines. Case in point? Last week’s whirlwind trip to Shanghai with Michael Kors for their The Walk global campaign launch.
One minute I was sipping coffee at home, the next I was boarding a flight to a city I’d never visited but had always dreamed of crossing off my bucket list. (Cue the “wait, is this real life?” panic-packing session.) Though the trip was shorter than I’d hoped, every moment was packed with the kind of energy only Shanghai can deliver. Here’s a peek behind the scenes.
First Impressions: A City That Never Sleeps (Literally)
Shanghai is sensory overload in the best way—neon-lit skyscrapers towering over ancient temples, the scent of sizzling street food mingling with luxury perfumes, and a rhythm that feels both chaotic and perfectly orchestrated.
Highlights:
✔ The Bund at night (where the skyline looks like a cyberpunk dream).
✔ French Concession’s tree-lined streets (a serene escape with boutique cafés).
✔ Yuyuan Garden’s zigzag bridges (because no trip is complete without getting lost in 16th-century Ming Dynasty beauty).
The Walk Event: Glamour Meets Street Style
Michael Kors’ The Walk campaign celebrates urban energy and individuality—and Shanghai’s vibrant street style scene was the perfect backdrop.
Behind the Scenes:
- Pop-up installations that transformed the city into a wearable art gallery.
- Local influencers and global faces mixing high fashion with Shanghai’s signature edge.
- A front-row crash course in how to wear sequins at 10 AM (hint: confidence is key).
24-Hour Shanghai: How to Fake a Longer Trip
With only a day to explore outside events, I mastered the art of the “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” itinerary:
Morning:
Breakfast at a xiaolongbao spot (soup dumplings so good I nearly cried).
Quick scroll through Tianzifang (artsy alleyways packed with indie shops).
Afternoon:
Power shopping on Nanjing Road (where I learned “just browsing” is not a concept here).
Tea ceremony in a hidden teahouse (because adrenaline crashes are real).
Night:
Cocktails at a rooftop bar (with views that made my phone storage weep).
Late-night street food feast (when in doubt, follow the locals to the longest line).
What I Learned: Embrace the Whirlwind
- Jet lag is temporary, memories are forever. (Also, caffeine works wonders.)
- The best discoveries happen when you ditch the plan. (RIP, my Google Maps itinerary.)
- Packing light is a superpower. (I survived with just a carry-on—miracle status.)
Your Turn!
Ever taken a last-minute trip that blew your mind? Or have a Shanghai must-see I missed? Share below—I’m already plotting my return!
*(P.S. Shop my Shanghai looks [here]—because yes, that sequin jacket *was* worth the suitcase space.)* ✨
