After my ranting and raving at QANTAS, I find that I am due the princely sum of $AUD 3k! Thank god for the corporate travel insurance.
So cashed up and eager to obtain a new “bag of fruit” I hit the ultra premium Plaza 66.
Walking into the mall, I am almost mesmerized by the Zegna store, and very nearly walk into the faux river, which consists of some heaped up white gravel and some classy mirrored floor tiles. Possibly one of the lamest “decorative features” I have ever seen, but it does scream Communism, as there are a team of sweepers and cleaners charged with keeping a straight edge on the white gravel. After I had kicked two size 11 holes into the side of it 4 stern looking old Chinese ladies appeared to fix up my footwork.
So I roll into Zegna, suits they have are within budget but I can barely get one of my arms into it. Two shop assistants finally manhandle me into said garment and attempt to convince me that the “slim fit” and “vintage style” are back and that it’s totally me. I’m feeling kind of like the incredible hulk, so very gingerly peel the jacket off, trying not to rip it.
Beaten but not defeated I hit, Emporio Armini, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Dunhill, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi and finally Prada. What turned out to be suit shopping, turned out to be a good opportunity to practice my “do you speak English” and numerals in Mandarin.
Other than Mandarin practice, Plaza 66 is a great place to see the wealth divide between the new rich and poor in China. Across all 4 floors that I went to, it was pretty much just me and bored floor staff, no one else shops there.
After this disaster, I repaired to Carrefour and stocked up on durps and toiletries. Sure the deodorant was in the shaving section and my hand sanitizer was next to the dubiously translated “Lady Cleaning Liquid”, but I am now smelling sweetly and will be able to attend work tomorrow in a state of cleanliness, even though I will probably be in full mufti
