Song Yan Fei In Feng Chen Wang x Ugg, Nike x Soulgoods, And Be@rbrick: China Collabs Of The Week

Can local collaborations help transform a tainted brand image in China? This week, Nike’s apparent strategy suggests it’s on track to find out. The global sportswear giant was hit hard by the Xinjiang cotton backlash of 2021, announcing that the country was its worst performing market in Q1 2022. But Shanghai’s popular sneaker retailer Soulgoods has subliminally urged local hypebeasts to leave that in the past, dropping three exclusive Dunk Highs with the brand for the first time. Also in the footwear space, Feng Chen Wang has launched a new deconstructed take on Ugg’s signature silhouettes in the mainland. This time, there’s a clothing line to accompany the boots too. And another retailer, Shanghai-located ACU, has collaborated on a limited-edition product: the Be@rbrick x Jahan Loh. For the Jing Collabs & Drops verdict on the best brand collaborations in China, check out the below and be sure to subscribe here to receive weekly brand collaboration updates in your inbox. ACU X JAHAN LOH X BE@RBRICK Launch date: November 7 Trend: Global Brand x Local Retailer Verdict Known as China's first sneaker boutique, Shanghai-based retailer Acu understands the power of a collaborative collectible. Singaporean pop artist Jahan Loh has an established fanbase too, so this Be@rbrick is basically enhanced merchandise for him and the store, with interests from both fans definitely crossing over. Loh has previously dropped collaborations with G-Shock and British bicycle manufacturer Brompton. However, this is the most targeted at his APAC clientele and the streetwear space. Acu is an effective choice for collaborators looking to connect with China's tight-knit streetwear and sneaker scenes. UGG X FENG CHEN WANG Launch date: November 11 Trend: Global Brand x Local Independent Designer Verdict Proving how ongoing footwear partnerships can be fruitful for both brands, this marks the third time that Ugg has worked with Feng Chen Wang since the start of 2021. Online, the main source of engagement for this collaboration is down to being worn by the Chinese actress, singer and dancer Song Yan Fei to the Feel House Ugg event in Kuanzhai Alley, Chengdu. Inviting designers such as Feng Chen Wang to reimagine its trademark silhouettes is a great move for Ugg — it provides the brand with a combination of creativity, fashion industry affinity, and newness. Furthermore, it fast-tracks building connections with its crucial Chinese fanbase — that seems to be priority, considering that the global launch isn't until January 9. NIKE X SOULGOODS Launch date: November 26 Trend: Global Brand x Local Retailer Verdict Likely in a bid to win back Chinese fans, sportswear giant Nike has teamed up with China's streetwear store Soulgoods to launch three Nike Dunk High sneakers. In the first quarter of 2022, China was Nike's worst performing market, but focusing on a local collaboration strategy could help turn that around. Tapping a global name is also a way for Soulgoods to drive hype. And that it has, with multiple local press outlets covering the drop, from Kicksvision and Kiks, to Nowher, Nowre, CLZ and Platinum Webzine. Just like they were in the noughties, Nike Dunks are at prime popularity right now, so it's a great choice of silhouette. The whole design is intrinsically Chinese, taking color inspiration from the album artwork of Chinese rockstars Ji Ming and Wu Yue. Plus, the tongue and sides feature "Soul Tiger" graphics. For more on brand collaboration, check out Jing Daily’s weekly Collabs and Drops newsletter — a weekly analytical lowdown on the latest news. Sign up here.

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Song Yan Fei In Feng Chen Wang x Ugg, Nike x Soulgoods, And Be@rbrick: China Collabs Of The Week