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Trends

Auto Innovations

Breaking down the F1 brand opportunity

The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in China has been driven by robust government incentives, significant investments in charging infrastructure, and a strong push for environmental sustainability. This rapid expansion has positioned China as the world's largest market for EVs, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the future of global automotive trends.

Chinese Designer Collabs

2024’s most impactful Chinese brand collaborations

Chinese designers are increasingly collaborating with Western brands, a trend exemplified by Nike's partnership with Feng Chen Wang, Didu's capsule collection with MyTheresa, and &OtherStories working with Susan Fang. These collaborations disrupt the fashion industry, showcasing the creativity and innovation of Chinese designers. They provide China with a prominent platform on the global stage, highlighting its influence in contemporary fashion. For Western brands, these partnerships offer a strategic connection to the crucial luxury consumer market in China, fostering cross-cultural exchange and expanding their appeal. This trend underscores the growing significance of Chinese designers in shaping the future of global fashion.

Chronically Online

Will Xiaohongshu become China’s top app?

China's digital nomad trend sees a rise in professionals embracing remote work, leveraging technology to explore diverse locations while maintaining career flexibility and a global lifestyle.

Common Prosperity

No displays of wealth? No problem, says China’s Gen Z

China's "common prosperity" drive aims to reduce wealth inequality and achieve more equitable distribution of resources. The goal by authorities is to create a balanced, sustainable economic development framework through real world and digital policies. This may impact areas of the nation's luxury industry, social media, and how companies do business.

Douyin Beauty

Inside China’s extreme makeover mania

The Douyin makeup trend showcases innovative beauty techniques and creative looks inspired by social media influencers, shaping a dynamic and constantly evolving beauty culture among Chinese consumers. Douyin, the Chinese counterpart of TikTok, is a social media platform where users share short videos, including many focused on makeup and beauty tutorials.

Future of Jewelry

Who leads China’s jewelry innovation race?

China accounted for around 40-50 percent of the global production capacity of lab-grown diamonds at 20 million carats last year, making it the world's largest producer. Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu echo this sentiment, with users lauding lab-grown diamonds for their ability to afford larger and higher-quality stones compared to natural diamonds.

Gender Fluid Style

Is men’s jewelry set to take off in China?

This trend is increasingly noticeable in China, where there is a growing interest in men’s fine jewelry and fewer limits on gender when it comes to clothing. This shift is influenced by prominent celebrities and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) who regularly showcase traditionally feminine adornments.

Lying Flat

Young Chinese opt for ‘less is more’

"Lying flat," or 躺平 (Tángpíng) in Chinese, emerged as a notable cultural phenomenon in 2021, symbolizing a rejection of societal pressures to overwork and overachieve. This internet buzzword encapsulates a personal stance against the relentless demands of modern life, particularly epitomized by the 996 working hour system prevalent in China. Choosing to "lie flat" signifies adopting a more passive, low-desire attitude towards life, eschewing the traditional pursuit of success and material wealth. It represents a conscious decision to prioritize personal well-being and contentment over the competitive rat race, sparking discussions about work-life balance and societal expectations among Chinese youth.

Outdoor Sports

China’s quest for a Rapha rival

China's interest in winter sports has grown steadily since the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, with the government actively promoting participation as part of its national agenda. Skiing is the most popular winter sport in China, with the market valued at $8.1 billion in 2023. This has led to a rise in winter sports tourism, with ski resorts in regions like Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Quiet Luxury

Inside China’s ‘quiet luxury’ store boom

Quiet luxury reflects a shift towards slower, more intentional purchasing, where consumers prioritize investment pieces over trend-driven items. This trend is the antithesis of logomania, focusing on subtle elegance and understated sophistication. Instead of conspicuous logos, quiet luxury emphasizes quality craftsmanship, timeless design, and premium materials. It's about making thoughtful choices that offer longevity and versatility, allowing individuals to curate a refined wardrobe that transcends seasonal fads. This approach caters to a discerning clientele who appreciate the intrinsic value of well-made garments and accessories, favoring enduring style over flashy, brand-centric statements.

Skintellectuals

Technology, ‘tweakments’ boom in Asia’s beauty market

Chinese beauty shoppers are some of the most sophisticated consumers in the world. Homegrown beauty bloggers and apps have contributed to the proliferation of information about beauty, including ingredients, online, enabling domestic consumers to quickly educate themselves. This cohort of beauty ingredients aficionados is known as cheng fen dang (成分党) in the mainland.

Social Commerce

Why did Temu-owner PDD’s shares plunge?

Platforms like WeChat and Xiaohongshu have integrated social networking with e-commerce, allowing users to discover, share, and purchase products seamlessly within their social networks. In particular, livestream e-commerce has seen continuous growth since 2019, led by Taobao and Douyin, with 34% of Chinese Gen Z shoppers having engaged in livestream shopping.

Summer Skin

From weekend surfers to bikini tans: Brands ride China’s water sports wave

Driven by the surging popularity of outdoor activities and heightened awareness of UVA and UVB radiation risks, China’s sunscreen market is expanding rapidly, outstripping the overall beauty sector’s growth. As the weather heats up, long sleeves are coming out in China. Sun protection gear is back for the season, and Chinese consumers are layering up to protect themselves against harsh UV rays.

Tax Free Retail

China’s Gen Z works to travel, not buy homes

Duty-free luxury retail in China has experienced rapid growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for high-end products. Major cities and tourist destinations have seen a surge in duty-free stores, offering a wide range of luxury goods at tax-free prices. This market expansion has been bolstered by government policies aimed at boosting domestic consumption and tourism.

Viral Fashion

Is ‘barnfit’ next after ‘quiet luxury’?

Chinese viral fashion trends highlight eclectic styles that take flight on Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, Douyin, WeChat, and Weibo. Popular themes can include "China-chic" (guochao), futuristic to clean girl aesthetics. Influencers and social platforms play a significant role in spreading these trends rapidly.

Wellness Pivot

Does On have what it takes in China?

Chinese consumers are increasingly embracing wellness lifestyles, focusing on mental health, fitness, and balanced nutrition. This shift is driven by rising health awareness, social media influence, and a desire for improved quality of life post pandemic. Brands are responding with products and services promoting holistic well-being.

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