S O N G . F A N G . T E A

For the first couple of weeks in our new city, I reverted to drinking coffee first thing in the morning after years of enjoying a steaming glass of tea. I did not bring my favorite tea and my first few attempts to find an equivalent proved unsuccessful. That is, until I came across “Song Fang Maison de The” in my new neighborhood.

There is no shortage of tea in China, as you probably know, so when I strolled by this spot I didn’t pay particular attention to it, until I caught a glimpse of their stunning logo. My eyes were drawn to the colors immediately. Weeks later, I have not grown tired of gazing upon the simple rendition of the tea farmers on the somewhat vintage, somewhat modern colored background.

The graphic approach is the use of simple colors, bold form and an illustrative style that is reminiscent of the Communist Era propaganda posters that are prevalent throughout China. The colors, at first, seem standard, but thinking about it further, I doubt that any other blue and any other red would be as stunning of a combination.

The shop itself is a beautifully restored three level building in the former French Concession. I love, upon first entering the space, to be greeted by the wall of perfectly turquoise tins of tea displaying the logo that I speak so highly of. A view that is simple at first glance, but offers layers of detail once you are closer to it.

The tea is fabulous as well. A perfect earl grey blue (which satisfies my craving for the tea I enjoyed at home) and a Lhasa blend, which is a black tea with oolong and vanilla, have quickly become lone occupants in my empty cabinet. Every time I reach in to retrieve the little turquoise package, so thoughtfully designed, and prepare a cup, I am thoroughly delighted. The pleasure that this beautiful package brings to me is a constant reminder of how design is so important to all the little things that make up our daily life.