The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Li Yuchun, also known by the English name Chris Lee, has been unveiled on social media as YSL Beauty’s new ambassador, the first spokesperson for the brand to come from China.
The androgynous songstress is no stranger to fashion and luxury brands. Not only has she been an ambassador to Gucci in Asia, but also a spokesperson for Diesel, and was named an “unofficial muse” of Givenchy.
Li’s continued star power was in evidence as the announcement of her affiliation with YSL Beauty hit Weibo, with 1.1 million views for the campaign hashtag within four hours.
Mainland shoppers have flocked to local tourism hubs like Macau and Hainan over Chinese New Year and are expected to visit Asian destinations like Thailand and Singapore before returning in droves to European fashion capitals later this year.
Beijing’s Covid-19 policy shift will give the sector a boost in 2023 but a surge in infections and sluggish economic growth could dampen the recovery after an uplift from Chinese New Year.
This week, China rolled back some strict zero-Covid measures, opening a road to recovery for luxury and retail. But the journey is likely to be long and bumpy, experts warn.
Despite disappointing Singles Day sales results, harsh Zero Covid restrictions and supply chain woes, international beauty conglomerates continue to see China as a growth engine.