A vendor who operates two booths that sell designer handbags, jewelry and other accessories in the downtown Los Angeles fashion district faced arraignment in federal court on Friday following her indictment for trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Leticia Nunez, 38, of Los Angeles, was taken in to custody Thursday by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) based upon an indictment handed down April 18.
The indictment prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California charges Nunez with two counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods.
If convicted on both counts, Nunez faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Earlier this month, HSI special agents and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department executed federal search warrants at Nunez's two business locations and at a storage facility she rents nearby.
During the searches, agents seized a variety of merchandise, including jewelry bearing counterfeit trademarks for Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Juicy Couture, Dior, Bvlgari, Tag Heuer and Cartier.
Agents say the seized items represent an estimated loss in revenue to the legitimate trademark holders of more than $130,000.
"Despite what some people think, the sale of product knockoffs is not a victimless crime," said Claude Arnold, special agent in charge for HSI Los Angeles. "Product counterfeiting undermines the U.S. economy, robs Americans of jobs, stifles American innovation and promotes other types of crime."
Previously, HSI special agents had made undercover buys at Nunez's businesses on two occasions in November and December of last year. Those purchases included more than 80 pieces of jewelry bearing counterfeit trademarks for Tiffany & Co. and Chanel.
Suspicions about Nunez's businesses first arose as a result of an earlier investigation targeting a Lake Forest couple suspected of trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Julieta Luft, 44, and Renel Dizon, 53, were charged in March in a criminal information with one count each of trafficking in counterfeit goods. The pair pleaded guilty to the charges Thursday.
Dizon's plea agreement specifically states the Luft received some of the counterfeit merchandise she sold from "L.N.," whom investigators allege was Leticia Nunez.
In August 2011, HSI special agents executed federal search warrants at two Orange County residences and a storage trailer linked to the couple. The enforcement actions resulted in the seizure of more than 800 items, including handbags, watches, clothing and jewelry bearing counterfeit trademarks for designer brands such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach, Fendi, Rolex, Prada and Burberry.
2012年4月26日星期四
PRINCETON AREA: Police blotter
Dennis Spivey, 46, of Princeton, was charged with robbery and simple assault on John Street on April 21 at 4:31 a.m. when he allegedly punched a victim in the face twice and stole her cell phone. Mr. Spivey was released after posting $20,250 bail.
Omar Haddara, 22, of Skillman, and Stavros Economopoulos, 21, of Montgomery, were charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia on Wilton Street on April 20 at 2:38 a.m.
Several girls were charged with juvenile delinquency at Morning Glory on 20 Nassau Street on April 21 at 4:21 p.m. when store employees allegedly saw them take almost $22 in merchandise. Police said four of the girls became physical with the employees in an attempt to flee the store and were taken into custody. One girl was found to be in possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Montgomery
A juvenile, 17, of Hillsborough, was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia on Route 206 near Devon Drive on April 25 at 8:23 a.m.Plainsboro
Christoph J. Bleakley, 28, of Franklin Park, was charged with driving while intoxicated when he was sent to the University Medical Center at Princeton after police found him unconscious in the center lane on Route 1 near Mapleton Road on April 23 at 3:57 p.m. He also received summonses for reckless driving, obstructing traffic, possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle and consumption of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle.
Andrew G. Weitz, 58, of Plainsboro, was charged with driving while intoxicated on Plainsboro Road on April 26 at 1:13 a.m. He was also issued summonses for reckless driving, speeding, failure to maintain a lane and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle.
Plainsboro police, fire, EMS and fire companies from Applegarth, PPPL, East Windsor and Cranbury put out a structural fire at an unoccupied Hampshire Drive residence on April 25 at 12:10 p.m. The kitchen was destroyed and there was heavy smoke damage throughout the home. There were no injuries and the Red Cross helped the displaced homeowner. The adjoining town homes were not damaged.
A resident of Tamarron Drive reported two cell phones stolen at Morris Davison Park between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on April 26. The combined value of the theft is approximately $600.
A resident of Barclay Boulevard reported her Louis Vuitton handbag stolen, which contained Ray Ban sunglasses, a Tori Burch wallet and several credit cards and other personal items at the Can Do Fitness Center in Princeton on April 24 between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The combined total of items stolen is approximately $2,300.
Omar Haddara, 22, of Skillman, and Stavros Economopoulos, 21, of Montgomery, were charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia on Wilton Street on April 20 at 2:38 a.m.
Several girls were charged with juvenile delinquency at Morning Glory on 20 Nassau Street on April 21 at 4:21 p.m. when store employees allegedly saw them take almost $22 in merchandise. Police said four of the girls became physical with the employees in an attempt to flee the store and were taken into custody. One girl was found to be in possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Montgomery
A juvenile, 17, of Hillsborough, was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia on Route 206 near Devon Drive on April 25 at 8:23 a.m.Plainsboro
Christoph J. Bleakley, 28, of Franklin Park, was charged with driving while intoxicated when he was sent to the University Medical Center at Princeton after police found him unconscious in the center lane on Route 1 near Mapleton Road on April 23 at 3:57 p.m. He also received summonses for reckless driving, obstructing traffic, possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle and consumption of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle.
Andrew G. Weitz, 58, of Plainsboro, was charged with driving while intoxicated on Plainsboro Road on April 26 at 1:13 a.m. He was also issued summonses for reckless driving, speeding, failure to maintain a lane and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle.
Plainsboro police, fire, EMS and fire companies from Applegarth, PPPL, East Windsor and Cranbury put out a structural fire at an unoccupied Hampshire Drive residence on April 25 at 12:10 p.m. The kitchen was destroyed and there was heavy smoke damage throughout the home. There were no injuries and the Red Cross helped the displaced homeowner. The adjoining town homes were not damaged.
A resident of Tamarron Drive reported two cell phones stolen at Morris Davison Park between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on April 26. The combined value of the theft is approximately $600.
A resident of Barclay Boulevard reported her Louis Vuitton handbag stolen, which contained Ray Ban sunglasses, a Tori Burch wallet and several credit cards and other personal items at the Can Do Fitness Center in Princeton on April 24 between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The combined total of items stolen is approximately $2,300.
2012年4月25日星期三
Exhibition looks at Louis Vuitton's luxurious reign
There is one large showcase in Paris's Musée des Arts Décoratifs that displays the Louis Vuitton trunks all 26 of them that a lady needed for a holiday 150 years ago. That was back in the days before checked luggage fees, because Louis Vuitton made his name in the age of steam when people travelled by train and ship, with a retinue of porters.
Today, in the Marc Jacobs era of the brand, when we tend to travel light, and by airplane, 53 of Louis Vuitton's bestselling handbags are cutely displayed in a delicious, giant "chocolate box". In the early days it was luggage, but today, it is the handbag that symbolises the brand.
It is just one of the parallels drawn in this unique exhibition that is a portrait of the two men Louis Vuitton, the founder, and Marc Jacobs, the creative director.
"It's all my fault," says Pamela Golbin, the curator of the exhibition. "I wanted to explore how the brand, at over 150 years old, is not only relevant today, but more importantly is a driving force in the luxury industry." In 1800s Paris there were 400 "packers" contemporary to Louis Vuitton; today, his company is almost the only one left and "the DNA he set up for his brand has now set the standard for the luxury industry".
However, she first had to convince Marc Jacobs. "Museums are not really his thing," she admits, but he was persuaded when Golbin explained her idea: "Louis's entire career was spent during the industrialisation of fashion, a critical time when the industry took its form and if you put Marc into context, it is really the story of fashion and how today it has become globalised."
You start to get some insight into the lifestyle of Louis Vuitton's clients 150 years ago. At the entrance of the exhibition is a zoetrope, a remarkable contraption that was avant garde in Louis's day, explains Golbin. It was a device that produced the illusion of motion from a rapid succession of static images a forerunner of film. Upstairs in Marc's World we find the Tumblr wall of videos, images and pop culture references including photos of David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor and Barbra Streisand, and campy footage from his favourite films such as The Graduate. "We started off with the idea of an inspiration board for a collection and that became the Tumblr page if we could open Marc's head this is what would be inside," quips Golbin.
Around the exhibition there are more vitrines showcasing his ready to wear and collaborative artistic work with Richard Prince (which included a series of robotic nurses), Stephen Sprouse (those graffiti bags) and Takahashi Murakami. Golbin points out that Jacobs is a great collaborator and how essential it was to get that "we" element into the exhibition. The collaborations and proliferation of bags on show make the point that every collection starts with the design of a handbag.
Today, in the Marc Jacobs era of the brand, when we tend to travel light, and by airplane, 53 of Louis Vuitton's bestselling handbags are cutely displayed in a delicious, giant "chocolate box". In the early days it was luggage, but today, it is the handbag that symbolises the brand.
It is just one of the parallels drawn in this unique exhibition that is a portrait of the two men Louis Vuitton, the founder, and Marc Jacobs, the creative director.
"It's all my fault," says Pamela Golbin, the curator of the exhibition. "I wanted to explore how the brand, at over 150 years old, is not only relevant today, but more importantly is a driving force in the luxury industry." In 1800s Paris there were 400 "packers" contemporary to Louis Vuitton; today, his company is almost the only one left and "the DNA he set up for his brand has now set the standard for the luxury industry".
However, she first had to convince Marc Jacobs. "Museums are not really his thing," she admits, but he was persuaded when Golbin explained her idea: "Louis's entire career was spent during the industrialisation of fashion, a critical time when the industry took its form and if you put Marc into context, it is really the story of fashion and how today it has become globalised."
You start to get some insight into the lifestyle of Louis Vuitton's clients 150 years ago. At the entrance of the exhibition is a zoetrope, a remarkable contraption that was avant garde in Louis's day, explains Golbin. It was a device that produced the illusion of motion from a rapid succession of static images a forerunner of film. Upstairs in Marc's World we find the Tumblr wall of videos, images and pop culture references including photos of David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor and Barbra Streisand, and campy footage from his favourite films such as The Graduate. "We started off with the idea of an inspiration board for a collection and that became the Tumblr page if we could open Marc's head this is what would be inside," quips Golbin.
Around the exhibition there are more vitrines showcasing his ready to wear and collaborative artistic work with Richard Prince (which included a series of robotic nurses), Stephen Sprouse (those graffiti bags) and Takahashi Murakami. Golbin points out that Jacobs is a great collaborator and how essential it was to get that "we" element into the exhibition. The collaborations and proliferation of bags on show make the point that every collection starts with the design of a handbag.
2012年4月24日星期二
Coach Falls On U.S. Cooling Despite China Sales Boom
Coach (COH) beat Wall Street estimates as sales in China continue to boom, but shares sold off amid concerns about slowing North American growth.
The luxury handbag and accessories maker said Tuesday that profit rose 24% to 77 cents per share, the third straight quarter of double-digit EPS growth. Analysts expected 75 cents. Sales increased 17% to $1.11 billion, just above estimates of $1.10 billion.
Coach also raised its dividend 33% to $1.20 per share.But shares fell as much as 7.4% intraday, trading down 3% at midday.
North American same-store sales rose 6.7% vs. the year earlier, down from 8.8% in the prior quarter and slightly below some estimates.
That overshadowed strong gains in Asian markets. Coach sees a big opportunity in China, where its handbags are seen as a less-pricey alternative to Gucci, Prada and Hermes, but still with brand cache.
While China still remains a small market, sales jumped 60% and same-store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, were in the double digits. Five new stores were opened in the thriving market during the quarter, for a total of 85.
Sales rose 10% in Japan, long a big market for Coach's products.
Coach got rid of "couponing," boosting operating margins, according to CEO Lew Frankfort. But that may have hurt sales.
As well as expanding into China, Coach is expanding its product line to include more items for men. The men's business is still on track to double to over $400 million during 2012. The company expects to have its men's line in 100 retail stores in North America.
Tumi (TUMI), a maker of luggage, briefcases and similar goods, had a strong IPO and debut last week.
"We remain confident in our ability to continue to drive sales and earnings at a double-digit pace over our planning horizon," Frankfort said.
The Apparel-clothing manufacturing group is ranked No. 67 out of Investor's Business Daily's 197 industry groups. VF Corp. (VFC), which owns the Timberland, North Face, Wrangler and Lee brands, reports quarterly earnings on Friday.
The luxury handbag and accessories maker said Tuesday that profit rose 24% to 77 cents per share, the third straight quarter of double-digit EPS growth. Analysts expected 75 cents. Sales increased 17% to $1.11 billion, just above estimates of $1.10 billion.
Coach also raised its dividend 33% to $1.20 per share.But shares fell as much as 7.4% intraday, trading down 3% at midday.
North American same-store sales rose 6.7% vs. the year earlier, down from 8.8% in the prior quarter and slightly below some estimates.
That overshadowed strong gains in Asian markets. Coach sees a big opportunity in China, where its handbags are seen as a less-pricey alternative to Gucci, Prada and Hermes, but still with brand cache.
While China still remains a small market, sales jumped 60% and same-store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, were in the double digits. Five new stores were opened in the thriving market during the quarter, for a total of 85.
Sales rose 10% in Japan, long a big market for Coach's products.
Coach got rid of "couponing," boosting operating margins, according to CEO Lew Frankfort. But that may have hurt sales.
As well as expanding into China, Coach is expanding its product line to include more items for men. The men's business is still on track to double to over $400 million during 2012. The company expects to have its men's line in 100 retail stores in North America.
Tumi (TUMI), a maker of luggage, briefcases and similar goods, had a strong IPO and debut last week.
"We remain confident in our ability to continue to drive sales and earnings at a double-digit pace over our planning horizon," Frankfort said.
The Apparel-clothing manufacturing group is ranked No. 67 out of Investor's Business Daily's 197 industry groups. VF Corp. (VFC), which owns the Timberland, North Face, Wrangler and Lee brands, reports quarterly earnings on Friday.
Gucci Seeks to Swap Gaudy for Glam in Lavish Trip to China
Gucci creative director Frida Giannini stormed into Shanghai this past weekend for the label's historic first fashion show in the city, and in case you want to know every detail of her goings-on, she wrote a diary for the Daily Beast.
She doesn't scrimp on the small stuff. The rugs on the runway were burgundy and the bouquets were gardenias and orchids — items lifted directly from the Gucci fall/winter show in Milan last February. Hilary Swank sat front row, and her dress from the 2011 Academy Awards was on display in a Gucci exhibition alongside other items from the company's historical archives. Giannini goes on to speak breathlessly of China's gleaming jade butterfly brooches, its no-nonsense starlets, and the blowout party they threw at the Gucci Club. This temporary venue, she writes, was “a 360-degree experience that melds Italian heritage with the vibrancy of Shanghai.”
But while the diary is entertaining, there's more at stake than a creative director's adventures in jewelry shopping and late-night partying.
In today's WWD, a report from Shanghai focuses on the brand's current struggles with the changing style mores and spending habits of young Chinese women. The Gucci look known to the country for the past 10 years — over-sexed outfits and gaudy “G” emblems — is apparently no longer in tune with the times.
Patrizio di Marco, Gucci's president and CEO, told WWD that he hoped the sophistication and elegance of the new collection will “stress the glamour side, the fashion side, our being modern and contemporary.” The scene at a Gucci party, however, suggested there's a long way to go until the brand reaches that ideal. The report goes on to note: “There were lots of logocentric Gucci handbags and shoes, while young women wore mishmashes of animal prints and skintight dresses reminiscent of promwear from the Eighties ... A couple of women wore track suits paired with platform heels.”
She doesn't scrimp on the small stuff. The rugs on the runway were burgundy and the bouquets were gardenias and orchids — items lifted directly from the Gucci fall/winter show in Milan last February. Hilary Swank sat front row, and her dress from the 2011 Academy Awards was on display in a Gucci exhibition alongside other items from the company's historical archives. Giannini goes on to speak breathlessly of China's gleaming jade butterfly brooches, its no-nonsense starlets, and the blowout party they threw at the Gucci Club. This temporary venue, she writes, was “a 360-degree experience that melds Italian heritage with the vibrancy of Shanghai.”
But while the diary is entertaining, there's more at stake than a creative director's adventures in jewelry shopping and late-night partying.
In today's WWD, a report from Shanghai focuses on the brand's current struggles with the changing style mores and spending habits of young Chinese women. The Gucci look known to the country for the past 10 years — over-sexed outfits and gaudy “G” emblems — is apparently no longer in tune with the times.
Patrizio di Marco, Gucci's president and CEO, told WWD that he hoped the sophistication and elegance of the new collection will “stress the glamour side, the fashion side, our being modern and contemporary.” The scene at a Gucci party, however, suggested there's a long way to go until the brand reaches that ideal. The report goes on to note: “There were lots of logocentric Gucci handbags and shoes, while young women wore mishmashes of animal prints and skintight dresses reminiscent of promwear from the Eighties ... A couple of women wore track suits paired with platform heels.”
Actress Li Bing Bing in Gucci's accessories campaign
Commenting on the collaboration, Giannini said, "Li Bing Bing has an effortless beauty and an innate sophistication. Working with her has been rewarding – she has the optimism and the talent that go hand-in-hand with individual style. She embodies the Gucci woman with her contemporary femininity."
Li Bing Bing commented, "I am delighted to collaborate with Gucci on this new campaign. Frida's vision is very inspiring, and I truly enjoyed interpreting every iconic piece from the House's vibrant legacy."
The campaign features both classic accessories from Gucci's tradition as well as new styles destined to become timeless pieces. The fine jewelry in 18k gold echoes the House's longstanding Bamboo and horsebit motifs. The bracelets, in yellow and pink gold or white gold with diamonds, feature a Bamboo-style contour reminiscent of the signature material used by Gucci's artisans since 1947. Meanwhile, the iconic horsebit takes on soft, sensual shapes with a necklace in 18k yellow gold and a cocktail ring in two variants: a medium size with warm cognac quartz and small version with amethyst.
In addition, Li Bing Bing wears three timepieces: the New Bamboo watch which combines natural bamboo and stainless steel; the leather-clad 1921 timepiece named after the year when Guccio Gucci founded the Florentine House; and the Interlocking model featuring on the case a pink gold double G paired with a brown crocodile leather strap.
The campaign will debut this month across the Asia Pacific region with significant focus in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. A subsequent rollout in September 2012 will include additional accessories.
Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world's leading luxury fashion brands. With a renowned reputation for quality and Italian craftsmanship, Gucci designs, manufactures and distributes highly desirable products such as leather goods (handbags, small leather goods, and luggage), shoes, ready-to-wear, silks, timepieces and fine jewellery.
Li Bing Bing commented, "I am delighted to collaborate with Gucci on this new campaign. Frida's vision is very inspiring, and I truly enjoyed interpreting every iconic piece from the House's vibrant legacy."
The campaign features both classic accessories from Gucci's tradition as well as new styles destined to become timeless pieces. The fine jewelry in 18k gold echoes the House's longstanding Bamboo and horsebit motifs. The bracelets, in yellow and pink gold or white gold with diamonds, feature a Bamboo-style contour reminiscent of the signature material used by Gucci's artisans since 1947. Meanwhile, the iconic horsebit takes on soft, sensual shapes with a necklace in 18k yellow gold and a cocktail ring in two variants: a medium size with warm cognac quartz and small version with amethyst.
In addition, Li Bing Bing wears three timepieces: the New Bamboo watch which combines natural bamboo and stainless steel; the leather-clad 1921 timepiece named after the year when Guccio Gucci founded the Florentine House; and the Interlocking model featuring on the case a pink gold double G paired with a brown crocodile leather strap.
The campaign will debut this month across the Asia Pacific region with significant focus in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. A subsequent rollout in September 2012 will include additional accessories.
Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world's leading luxury fashion brands. With a renowned reputation for quality and Italian craftsmanship, Gucci designs, manufactures and distributes highly desirable products such as leather goods (handbags, small leather goods, and luggage), shoes, ready-to-wear, silks, timepieces and fine jewellery.
2012年4月23日星期一
Li Bingbing: Gucci's Chinese torchbearer
Li Bingbing is one of China's biggest - and most beautiful - movie stars. Born in 1973, she moved from a small town in China to Shanghai to enrol at drama school in 1997 after originally training to be a teacher. As a student, she says she, like many cosmopolitan young women in China, dreamed of owning a piece of Gucci and in fact managed to save up to buy a handbag and a wallet.
The brand was new in China then, having opened its first shop when Tom Ford was at the helm in 1996. At last count there were over 46 stores across china, six in Shanghai alone, its success mirroring Li Bingbing's own rise to stardom.
When creative director Frida Giannini was looking for a face for Gucci in China, Li Bingbing, was the natural choice - obviously a genuine fan of the brand.
"I'm a Gucci girl!" She said proudly when the Telegraph met her on Saturday at the cocktail party to launch the new campaign for bags, jewellery and watches on the day Gucci presented its first ever show in China.
She is a similar age to Giannini and does not have the passive beauty of some of the younger Chinese 'it' girls.
"I really like the attitude in the pictures," she says. "It's very tough." She strikes the pose, slightly narrowing her eyes and staring into the distance. "No excuses, no frills, it's just Gucci.
"It was like celebrating the New Year when I bought those first pieces when I was a student because I really loved the brand," she recalls.
And she keeps everything she buys and carries on wearing them. "It's something that is worth keeping for a long time mainly because of the historical value of the designs. I feel I own a piece of Gucci history."
She particularly likes accessories: "Sunglasses, bags, watches, jewellery ...everything. Oh my god, I have a lot of handbags!"
SEE: Top handbags for spring
This summer, Li Bingbing will have the chance to show off her latest Gucci bags (she is positively drooling over one of the bags in the campaign, a dusty pink number), and practice her English (she speaks very well though prefers to answer questions in Chinese through a translator). The star will be a torch bearer for China at the Olympics.
"I'm also the ambassador for the Chinese cultural exchange," she says. She is no stranger to London having spent time in the capital as an ambassador for UEFA. She is a big football fan and claims to be able to sing along with the crowds. A former spokesperson for Adidas, she says: "I'm very sporty. I might look small but I'm very strong."
Li Bingbing is the personification of the modern Chinese woman - the key to the big luxury brands' continued phenomenal success in her country. She loves the heritage of brands like Gucci but she is also aware that China itself must cultivate its own fashion designers and brands with their own point of view.
SEE: Highlights from the Gucci autumn/winter 2012 show
"The fashion world in China is still very young and developing but with the help of these large brands such as Gucci coming in, it is influencing a lot of creativity that is here. I trust there will be influential Chinese designers in the future."
Two years ago she went to the Venice Film Festival and wore a gown dress made specially by a Chinese designer, Guo Pei. 'The design was a bit of the East and the West, light pink with Chinese good luck words sewn on to it. The jewellery I wore was a porcelain vase pair of earrings designed by Chinese designer Wan Bao Bao. Both female
designers like Frida. Very tough girls."
And talking of tough girls, Li Bingbing's latest film, Resident Evil: Retribution starring Milla Jovovich, is released in September in 3-D.
She plays a video game character. "It's the first time I hold a gun," she says. "It's a very different experience for me. Usually I do bow and arrow and now its all gun and technology. Interesting, but a little but difficult because I had to wear a traditional long qipao dress, with a halter top and the skirt with a slit that comes all the way up to my underwear - with a big gun on the side" she laughs.
"Sometimes I'm a Gucci girl, sometimes I'm a bad girl."
The brand was new in China then, having opened its first shop when Tom Ford was at the helm in 1996. At last count there were over 46 stores across china, six in Shanghai alone, its success mirroring Li Bingbing's own rise to stardom.
When creative director Frida Giannini was looking for a face for Gucci in China, Li Bingbing, was the natural choice - obviously a genuine fan of the brand.
"I'm a Gucci girl!" She said proudly when the Telegraph met her on Saturday at the cocktail party to launch the new campaign for bags, jewellery and watches on the day Gucci presented its first ever show in China.
She is a similar age to Giannini and does not have the passive beauty of some of the younger Chinese 'it' girls.
"I really like the attitude in the pictures," she says. "It's very tough." She strikes the pose, slightly narrowing her eyes and staring into the distance. "No excuses, no frills, it's just Gucci.
"It was like celebrating the New Year when I bought those first pieces when I was a student because I really loved the brand," she recalls.
And she keeps everything she buys and carries on wearing them. "It's something that is worth keeping for a long time mainly because of the historical value of the designs. I feel I own a piece of Gucci history."
She particularly likes accessories: "Sunglasses, bags, watches, jewellery ...everything. Oh my god, I have a lot of handbags!"
SEE: Top handbags for spring
This summer, Li Bingbing will have the chance to show off her latest Gucci bags (she is positively drooling over one of the bags in the campaign, a dusty pink number), and practice her English (she speaks very well though prefers to answer questions in Chinese through a translator). The star will be a torch bearer for China at the Olympics.
"I'm also the ambassador for the Chinese cultural exchange," she says. She is no stranger to London having spent time in the capital as an ambassador for UEFA. She is a big football fan and claims to be able to sing along with the crowds. A former spokesperson for Adidas, she says: "I'm very sporty. I might look small but I'm very strong."
Li Bingbing is the personification of the modern Chinese woman - the key to the big luxury brands' continued phenomenal success in her country. She loves the heritage of brands like Gucci but she is also aware that China itself must cultivate its own fashion designers and brands with their own point of view.
SEE: Highlights from the Gucci autumn/winter 2012 show
"The fashion world in China is still very young and developing but with the help of these large brands such as Gucci coming in, it is influencing a lot of creativity that is here. I trust there will be influential Chinese designers in the future."
Two years ago she went to the Venice Film Festival and wore a gown dress made specially by a Chinese designer, Guo Pei. 'The design was a bit of the East and the West, light pink with Chinese good luck words sewn on to it. The jewellery I wore was a porcelain vase pair of earrings designed by Chinese designer Wan Bao Bao. Both female
designers like Frida. Very tough girls."
And talking of tough girls, Li Bingbing's latest film, Resident Evil: Retribution starring Milla Jovovich, is released in September in 3-D.
She plays a video game character. "It's the first time I hold a gun," she says. "It's a very different experience for me. Usually I do bow and arrow and now its all gun and technology. Interesting, but a little but difficult because I had to wear a traditional long qipao dress, with a halter top and the skirt with a slit that comes all the way up to my underwear - with a big gun on the side" she laughs.
"Sometimes I'm a Gucci girl, sometimes I'm a bad girl."
订阅：
博文 (Atom)