Net-a-Porter has announced a host of new moves in China, including that supermodel Liu Wen, who has worked with the likes of Chanel, Gucci, and Tods, will be the brand’s new China ambassador.
What Happened: On May 4, Net-a-Porter, the luxury e-commerce platform, announced that Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, who enjoys 26.1 million followers on Weibo and works with the likes of Chanel, Gucci, and Tods, is now its China ambassador. In an interview with Jing Daily, Net-a-Porter said: “Liu Wen perfectly fits with Net-a-Porter’s ethos. And the collaboration is a demonstration of Net-a-Porter’s commitment to representing the power of women’s diversity.”
At the same time, the site unveiled its new Chinese name, “Po Te” (“颇特”) — individually the characters mean “plenty” and “special.” Net-a-Porter also partnered with Tmall Digital Collectibles to launch its “Infinite New Possibility” Net-a-Porter galaxy project. The initiative allows 6,000 participants to creatively build their own Net-a-Porter galaxy NFTs; already invited are Liu Wen, as well as four homegrown designers Samuel Gui Yang, Windowsen, Rui, and Shushu/Tong.
The Jing Take: Here, Net-a-Porter is banking on an undisputed star. As a globally renowned supermodel and style icon, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel has established a solid reputation in China’s upscale fashion market. Her looks are often copied by local shoppers and quickly sell out in stores. She could also provide targeted traffic to Net-a-Porter from well-off fashionistas not afraid of trying new designer brands.
As data shows that the traditional, offline-based luxury retail landscape may drastically change over the next few years, Net-a-Porter will need all the help it can get. Last month, the 2021 China Luxury Digital Report released by Yaok Research Institute pointed out that in 2022 online sales are forecasted to exceed $34.6 billion (220 billion RMB), meaning that they will account for more than 30 percent of the total luxury goods sales in China. Continue to read the full article here
