Rimowa appoints pop star as global envoy#
Rimowa yesterday announced that Taiwanese pop musician Jay Chou has become its global brand ambassador. Rimowa said Chou, a musician, director, and actor, embodies craftsmanship and an innovative spirit. Dubbed the “King of Mandopop,” Chou, 45, released his debut album in 2000 and went on to sell more than 30 million records.
Valentino deploys bus, selfie studio to promote foundation#
Valentino Beauty is operating a selfie pop-up studio in Shanghai. Open until Sunday, the space promotes the brand’s new product, Go-Cushion Green Stravaganza Foundation. The studio features product trials and giant installations for selfie opportunities. Valentino is also operating a “Green Stravaganza” double-decker bus in Shanghai. Its route goes from Jing’an Temple to the Bund.
Vivienne Tam, DR show collection in Paris#
Chinese luxury jewelry brand DR collaborated with Chinese designer Vivienne Tam to debut a contemporary Chinese wedding jewelry collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 2. The event, held on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, was attended by numerous Chinese and foreign celebrities, including actress Juliette Binoche, singer Karen Mok, and supermodel Coco Rocha.
Ami to present collection in Suzhou#
Ami will hold its 2024 Fall Men’s and Women’s Fashion Show in Suzhou, China on April 10. Alexandre Mattiussi debuted the collection at Paris Men’s Fashion Week in January. Suzhou, located 100km west of Shanghai, is renowned for its canals and traditional Chinese gardens. This will be Ami’s second fashion show in China, following the 2020 Spring Fashion Show held during Shanghai Fashion Week in October 2019. Additionally, Ami aims to expand its presence in Suzhou, having opened its 18th store in the city last November.
China to extend visa-free policy#
China will offer visa-free travel to nationals from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg from March 14, foreign minister Wang Yi said yesterday. From March 14 to November 30, 2024, citizens of these six countries holding ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for purposes including business, tourism, visiting relatives, and transit, for stays of up to 15 days. Individuals from these countries who do not meet the visa exemption criteria will still need to obtain a visa before entering China.
Stuart Weitzman releases films for Women’s Day#
Stuart Weitzman released a series of short films under the title “Thirty and Li” on international Women’s Day. The films follow three women who face the challenges of turning 30, emphasizing self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Stuart Weitzman also launched the #SWThirtybutLi campaign on Xiaohongshu to encourage women to embrace their self-worth and confidence as they pursue their goals.
Women in China outspend men on travel#
Online travel agency Ctrip released the “2024 Women’s Travel Consumer Insight Report,” highlighting women as significant contributors to the industry. The report reveals that in the year to February 20, average annual travel expenditure per woman exceeded that of men by nearly 8 percent. The research surveyed users who had traveled in the past year (excluding business trips), among whom middle-aged women in their 70s and 80s accounted for 62.2%.
Prada posts lackluster financials#
Prada saw a 17% rise in net revenues at constant exchange rates last year, reaching $5.1 billion (4.7 billion euros), largely driven by growth in Asia and Miu Miu’s strong performance. Sales in Asia-Pacific surged 24%. In Europe they grew 14% and in the Americas they remained steady. Adjusted operating profit rose 26% to $1.18 billion (1.06 billion euros). CEO Andrea Guerra is optimistic about sustaining solid growth above market levels, despite potential fluctuations. The group proposed a dividend of 0.137 euros ($0.15) per share.