MADRAS
Before its name changed to Chennai, Madras was the first overseas place I visited. Aged 17, culture shock and Delhi belly kicked in by day two. By day five I was running in the street with local kids, dodging black Ambassador taxis; eating peanuts from street vendors or having a laugh with the postmaster with his black drawn-on moustache. I had never seen such poverty, but understood that these beautiful people had the richest souls.
NEW YORK
I've been visiting New York since the 1980s, selling our fashion label. Those days of schlepping suitcases of samples around town were character building. You usually got in the door because the manager loved your accent. It toughened me up and built my confidence.
SHANGHAI
I feel a strong connection to Shanghai. My grandmother had a children's wear boutique in the cosmopolitan Shanghai of the 1930s. That little shop is long gone, but I am transported back in time by walking the trail of fabulous Art Deco buildings that act as a counterpoint to the space-age progress across the river in Pudong.
BEIJING
I've always been very proud of my Chinese heritage. With thousands of years of civilisation, the juxtaposition of ancient and modern in Beijing intrigues and excites me. This magical place makes me feel very small – a tiny byproduct of a mighty culture. It is a place of tranquillity despite the seething humanity that surrounds it. A magnificent tribute to tradition and beauty.
PARIS
It's tough when you have to visit Paris every year for the Pret a Porter. The French have a wonderful word, "flaneur", which means, "To wander around observing society." I love to people watch; revisit Robert Delaunay's painting of the Eiffel Tower; practise my French by eavesdropping on others, and spend hours in the flea markets looking for goodies to add to the collection. I like to hang around the Pantheon for no other reason that I love the columns. Vintage finds: a Gaultier dress for 25 pounds. Heaven!
Claudia Chan Shaw hosts Renaissance Tours' China: Art Deco to Art Now Beijing and Shanghai itinerary, October 3-14. See www.renaissancetours.com.au ; www.vivianchanshaw.com .
