September 1, 2006
| Dim Sum for Donatella |
Did you know that Versace is the second-most recognized brand in Mainland China? Neither did we until we read it on fashionweekdaily.com.
Kind of ironic, considering only a few years ago China was decidedly the land of gray Mao jackets. Now, as China’s economy continues to boom, Versace is steam rolling in to exploit a market hungry for color and conspicuous wealth. Already the company has opened 12 boutiques in the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
But what about Donatella? What does she think about all their success in China? Actually, the diminutive doyenne of design has not yet even visited the world’s most populated country. (Gasp!) But all that's about to change.
Donatella is prepping for her first trip in mid-October, when she’ll visit her boutiques, meet with local officials and shop for antiques. On top of all that, the designer is planning a major China “extravaganza” to take place in 2007.
We have to admit, Donatella is no dummy. Every company worth its salt is looking to the Middle Country. (That’s what the Chinese word for China means. Been there, learned that.) Figure out the numbers: A quarter of the world’s population is in that one country. Their economy is booming. They need something flashy to wear to the clubs on their three-hours-a-week off. Why not Versace?
Chinese décor, after all, has always been the Asian sister of Italy -- it’s a perfect match. And don’t forget that spaghetti first came to Italy from China. Now it’s Italy’s turn to return the favor. And gosh knows Versace kind of looks like someone spilled their spaghetti on a shirt.
Bon voyage, Donatella!
