CHINESE COMMITMENT: Giorgio Armani, Prada and OTB received the “Award for the contribution of the latest fashion trend in China” during an event organized last week in Beijing by the Montenapoleone District association and the Italian embassy. The former represents more than 130 global luxury brands situated in Milan’s luxury fashion streets spanning from Via Montenapoleone to Via Gesù.
Carlo Capasa, president of the Italian Chamber of Fashion, in a video message said Italy ranks first as an exporter country to China in the clothing and leather goods sectors, the second one in footwear and the fifth in textile products (yarns and fabrics). Capasa noted that “one fourth of Chinese imports of clothing and footwear and more than 40 percent of leather goods are Italian. The Italian Chamber of Fashion has developed solid relationships with China over the years to promote fashion internationally.”
Chinese fashion photographer Chen Man and the former head of Ford Models Asia Pacific Grace Han also received the award.
Stefano Mologni, president of Italy China Fashion Council and Montenapoleone District’s brand ambassador said “fashion is not just luxury but it’s above all a lifestyle and a culture, two elements that are essential to each other and have a strong meaning in the Chinese market too.”
He noted that “the connections with China have also widely restarted in the fashion sector and we expect a growth in both Chinese tourist market and collaborations already in 2024. I think that we will soon start a new collaboration phase with China. We must be watchful,” as it will offer new challenges but also opportunities.
OTB controls the Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni and Viktor&Rolf brands, production arms Staff International and Brave Kid, and has a minority stake in Amiri. In China, the group has more than 100 stores. In 2022 the group completed an important retail development project in Shanghai, while simultaneously opening four brand stores at the JC Plaza Mall.
Armani has a solid business in China spanning more than two decades, and Prada, which is publicly listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, last week unveiled its itinerant Pradasphere exhibition, in its second iteration, in Shanghai at the newly established Start Museum, a warehouse-like private museum located along the city’s West Bund cultural corridor.