W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), stole the scene in China with the recent premiere of W Shanghai – The Bund. The grand opening party, themed to capture the hotel's design narrative of 'Captivating Contrasts' was attended by over a thousand guests including local and international media, industry influencers and personalities. Taking center stage at the Premiere was Chinese rapper VAVA, who debuted a song specially written for W Hotels from her yet to be released album. Additionally, in celebration of the hotel's opening, the premiere also kicked off the first stop of the traveling Xiao Long Bao – an iconic Chinese delicacy – cart tour, with stops to be made across Asia, London and New York.

“Shanghai is one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, fueled by its endless energy and appetite for what's new/next,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “As an industry innovator, we are thrilled to showcase W Shanghai – The Bund through the W brand's Premiere tradition, bringing to life the brand's passion points through pulsating music, edgy performances and bold fashion. The performances have all been designed to reflect the sky high bold ambition of Shanghai, an explosive juxtaposition of modernity and heritage to create a vibe unique to the city.”

Sassy street sounds

Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Chinese rap queen VAVA at the WET Deck of W Shanghai – The Bund for the celebration of the Premiere

W Shanghai – The Bund owned the night with headlining act Chinese rap queen VAVA, performing 'Happy Everyday', which was inspired by the passions of the W brand. VAVA, with close to a million followers on her social platform, is a true trailblazer in the thriving female rap scene in China, sparked a feisty and flirty presence with her skilled vocal range. Risen to fame through The Rap of China TV show, she has been credited with propelling Chinese hip hop mainstream. With daring lyrics and a 'lust for life' attitude, VAVA perfectly embodies the bold and spontaneous spirit of W Shanghai – The Bund, always embracing the limitless ambition of the city.

“I am pleased to be part of the grand opening of W Shanghai – The Bund, a hotel that takes fashion and music to new levels in Shanghai,” said VAVA. “I have long been a fan of W; and it's a great privilege to perform in an electrifying new venue bringing people closer through music.”

VAVA also performed alongside an energetic dance routine – the brand's take on China's signature 'Square dance' – set against a backdrop of hi-tech visuals on gigantic screens. Perfectly capturing the design concept of 'Captivating Contrasts' in true W Style, the dancers dressed in pajamas – a common scene amongst Shanghai's elderly – revealed their modern hip hop outfits. The glam party scene continued with local A-list DJ Cara delivering a killer set of tunes to finish on a high.

High octane energy and glamour throughout the night

From the WOOBAR®, to the hotel's all-day dining venue, The Kitchen Table, to the WET Deck, guests were treated to a myriad of performances in true W edgy, sassy style served by fun-tastic drag queens and waiters and waitresses in high fashion outfits. WOOBAR® displayed a melting pot of high art and digital technology through a captivating GIF party, while the WET Deck pool party revealed hidden images found under the sun umbrellas and brought to life by performing synchronized swimmers. The daring visuals amidst a gripping light show were accompanied by eclectic soundtracks of acclaimed underground band Cola.

Xiaolongbao on the road

In celebration of the opening of W Shanghai – The Bund, W Hotels debuted a 3-meter-tall Xiaolongbao cart installation, kicking off a tour series that will soon see the installation at select W hotels in Asia, New York and London; eventually returning at the soon-to-open W Suzhou. A nod to Shanghai's iconic bicycles often stacked sky-high with delivery goods – a scene common on the Shanghainese streets – and Shanghai's famous soup dumplings, the cart features playful colours such as pink, purple and turquoise intertwined with eye catching acrylic materials. Hotels across Asia will feature special food and cocktail menus inspired by Xiaolongbao and the city of Shanghai, including a specially curated music playlist by W Shanghai's music curator. Currently on display at W Shanghai's Electric Laneway, the installation is a stirring photo and epicurean opportunity.

W Hotels debuted a 3-meter-tall Xiaolongbao cart installation, kicking off a tour series at select W hotels worldwide

Located on the North Bund, W Shanghai – The Bund draws upon colonial glamour and futuristic motifs, with nearly all 374 guestrooms featuring views of the Huangpu River due to the uniquely curved frame of the building's edifice. Designed by the acclaimed G.A Design, the hotel showcases an exciting combination of historic and modern influences, such as Hai Pai – the art of combining the old and the new, East and West.  This is evident in both the hotel's location, perfectly positioned between the Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River, as well as the surrounding locale, where Art Deco buildings sit alongside opulent Chinese mansions.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.whotels.com/shanghai

For more images of W Shanghai – The Bund, visit https://we.tl/n3PXgZW5xd   

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About W Hotels Worldwide

Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for nearly two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with 50 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests' lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand's provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand's super-charged energy celebrates guests' endless appetite to discover what's new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in the industry's award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®. Members can now link accounts with Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer.  For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,200 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 125 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

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