CHINA NEWS BRIEF: 9 Feb 2024

Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning collaborated with Pharrell Williams' personal brand Icecream to launch a joint collection, themed “Only Love,” interpreting the definition of “love” with a pioneering youth attitude and playful street style. The joint footwear collection features a hidden “scratch card” gameplay in the shoe upper, gradually revealing the true color of the leather as it is worn, while the logo is vividly interpreted through special processing techniques, resembling melted sweet ice cream, echoing the theme of the Icecream brand.

Versace yesterday announced singer Ningning (Ning Yizhuo) as its global brand ambassador. According to Donatella Versace, the brand's Chief Creative Officer, Ningning possesses extraordinary charisma. Ningning was born in Harbin, China, and is a Chinese singer and dancer who developed her career in South Korea. She is a member of the popular girl group Aespa under SM Entertainment, serving as the main vocalist.

Tod’s promoted Chinese actor and singer Xiao Zhan from brand ambassador to global brand ambassador, it announced on February 6. Xiao features in Tod’s 2024 Spring/Summer Collection global advertisement. The global ad campaign continues the brand's visual narrative immersed in Italian lifestyle aesthetics, shaping an effortlessly classic Italian style.

Coach is collaborating with the podcasters Heartbeat Girl (心动女孩), Expelliarmus (除你武器), Meaning Beyond Swallowing (燕外之意), and Libido (离心力比多), to produce content in which they discuss how to “live in your own way” from the perspectives of dressing, work, socializing, and marriage. Coach says young people returning home for the New Year often face various pressures, such as what to wear for family gatherings, intense matchmaking, and inquiries about work decisions. Through this initiative, the brand aims to prompt listeners to reflect on their choices thus far.

Nike has released its annual CNY campaign, this year titled “Soaring Dragon for the New Year” (龙腾新年). The video continues the brand’s dynamic and extreme sports style, and focuses on scenes from traditional Chinese New Year celebrations—such as helping Mom buy soy sauce, squeezing onto a crowded bus home, and rushing to find a restroom at the temple fair.

Ami yesterday unveiled its brand new boutique in Guangzhou. The new store is located in Tianhe District's Tianhuan Plaza, with a total area of 301 square meters. The store showcases and sells products including men's and women's clothing, footwear, handbags, accessories, and more, starting from the brand's Autumn/Winter 2023 collection.

Hublot, the LVMH-owned luxury watch brand, has launched its flagship store on Tmall, China's major e-commerce platform, joining other LVMH brands like Chaumet and Tiffany & Co. in the digital market. Alongside its Tmall debut, Hublot introduces a limited-edition timepiece for the Year of the Dragon, featuring a design collaboration with Chinese artist Chen Fenwan. This move reflects a growing trend of luxury brands engaging with Chinese culture.

L’Oréal Group today announced a minority equity investment in To Summer. This investment was made by L'Oréal China's subsidiary, Shanghai Meicifang Investment, with the support of Bold, the strategic innovation venture capital fund of L’Oréal Group. To Summer is a domestic perfume and fragrance brand native to China, founded in Beijing in 2018, with inspiration drawn from Chinese Eastern aesthetics, art, and culture.

Italian luxury brand Buccellati has appointed Nicolas Luchsinger as its new CEO, effective April 7, replacing Gianluca Brozzetti. Luchsinger brings 17 years of experience at Van Cleef & Arpels, currently serving as president of the luxury brand’s Asia Pacific region. Brozzetti will retain a role on the board of Buccellati Holding Italia Spa as executive vice president.