More Mont-Blanc
Some viewers were interested in seeing more of the Montblanc event, so I am posting additional photos.
Word on the street was that the total cost for the Montblanc event topped RMB 100 million or USD 15 million, which might be an exaggeration since the massive Fendi event at the Wall is supposed to have cost a mere USD 10 million. Germany’s Montblanc is big globally, but even bigger in China, which is already its number one market according to CEO Lutz Bethge.
据说万宝龙在这个活动花了一个亿，但我不知道是不是这么多。万宝龙在中国比在西方更有名气。中国已经这个德国品牌第一大市场。
The point of the night, beyond serious marketing and a big party, was introducing the China market to Metamorphosis. In the course of the night, the invention of this new watch was mentioned along side that of the automobile and the internet.
That said, the number of celebrities was quite astounding with everyone from Nicolas Cage to Li Bingbing to a whole horde of Korean actors who must be very famous.
The event was in a vast chamber.
The performances involved more than just men in bronze diapers.
Nicholas Cage was very bronzed himself.
Blue Man Group also made an appearance.
For me, much more overwhelming than the celebrities were the visuals appearing on the giant screens around the room.
There was a significant dose of significant Beijing landmarks in the visual content.
Whether communist or imperial, the tone of the graphics was very Sinophilic.
At the risk of seeming provincial, let me confess that this was the most overwhelming product launch events I have ever attended. It was one of the grandest parties I have been to and it was nice that we are able to talk our way into the VIP area, which had a better view, delectable hors d’œuvre, and countless cocktail options.
Thanks for sharing those photos! It sure looks like an amazing show with the Cirque du Soleil type of production!
What sort of bar options were there?
you might have half-approved. No Chartreuse, but there were options: test-tubes of bailey’s, the usual Moët, mini-Manhattans, etc. Also vodka/caviar shots.
It really was quite memorable.
Ahh Sylites. I am nostalgic for the days when your blog was full of lunatic fops and street fashion.
What are they wearing in Xidan these days? Does Xidan still exist?
I miss Beijing. My advice to you is to never leave.
I kind of miss those days, too. It’s just that I don’t have time any more with my magazine job and the various events are part of that job.
Also, I feel older than I did two years ago in some ways. Facing the youthful crowds at Xidan sometimes seems overwhelming.
Thanks for the coverage. It´s funny the hypocrisy of the stars. When there is a financial benefit everyone becomes a sinophilic.
This brand has lost all its appeal to me.
We are all getting older in China, we age faster here.
Cliff, this time you got it right, there was a Cirque du Soleil porn style show a couple of years ago, in many U.S. cities. Las Vegas was one of them.