British menswear has a new cheerleader – and he’s a quadruple threat. Hu Bing, a Chinese actor, model, singer and philanthropist, has been appointed to the new role of international ambassador for London Collections Men, a move that makes a great deal of business sense.
Joining the existing roster of suit-wearing emissaries (David Gandy, Dermot O’Leary, Nick Grimshaw and Tinie Tempah), Hu Bing’s hire is a canny attempt to build stronger relationships between British fashion and one of luxury goods’ biggest markets. His brief will include sharing his knowledge of the Chinese fashion business, championing British designers internationally and attending LCM fashion shows.
Hu Bing has modelled in China for more than 20 years. According to the Shanghai Star, he has modelled for brands including Ferragamo, Gucci, Dunhill, Valentino and Cartier. He is also famous as an actor and singer and now has a hefty 10 million Weibo followers. Known for his gym-toned torso, killer cheekbones and tendency towards suave, dapper dressing – aesthetically, at least – he is an ambassador very much in the David Gandy mould. Expect to see them together in the power front row during London Collections Men, which runs from 12 to 15 June.
