Bottega Veneta partners with Oscar-winning composer-Tan Dun for World Expo 2010

Luxury lifestyle brand Bottega Veneta will be presenting a world premiere concert by Osar-winning Chinese composer and conductor Tan Dun at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

This talented composer/conductor has made an indelible mark on the world's music scene with a creative repertoire that spans the boundaries of classical music, multimedia performance, and Eastern and Western traditions. He has also been bestowed by China's ministry of Culture with the title of "Classical Music Composer of the 20th Century".

Tan's "Martial Arts Trilogy" will be performed by the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, China Youth Symphony Orchestra and Shanghai Philharmonic Choris at the new Expo 2012 Shanghai Culture Centre. It features musicians from the China Youth Symphony Orchestra as well as young soloists from all around the world, including Italian cellist Amedeo Cicchese, Japanese Violinist Ryu Goto, China's guqin player Lu Xiazi and Chiense-American pianist Sun Jiayi.

The premiere combines elements of Tan's acclaimed scores from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," for which he won an Oscar, "Hero," and "The Banquet."  Over the course of  the trilogy, Tan, who serves as Cultural Ambassador to the World for the Expo, blends Chinese philosophy, culture, and martial arts history in a series of cencertos: for Cello from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"; for Violin and Guqin in "Hero," and for piano and chorus from "The Banquet."

Sponsored by Bottega Veneta, the concert is aimed at extending and expanding on the brand's ongoing efforts to support emerging artist and highligh outstanding talent all over the world.

"Martial Arts Trilogy" will be the top cultural event at the six-month-long Expo 2010 Shanghai, which has already attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening in May.

Dedicates handbag to Spring Bud Children's Fund

The proceeds from the sale in China of a new, special-edition handbag will entirely be donated to the Spring Bud Project of the China Children and Teenager's Fund- a leading charitable group dedicated to assisting underprivileged children in China by supporting their education.

This special edition handbag is an intrecciato nappa cross-body bag that will feature Bottega Veneta's signature intrecciato weave. It will be availble in a new shade called "bottle"- a rich green hue to symbolize the blossoming of hope and vitality.

A total of 25 bags will be availble at Bottrga Veneta's 11 stores across China, three in each of the three Shanghai stores and two in the eight stores outside of Shanghai. One bag will be auctioned online for those unable to get to a store.

As a special thank-you, each person who purchases a special-edition handbag will be gifted with two VIP ticket to Tan Dun's "Martial Arts Trilogy" concert at the World Expo Shanghai 2010.


Polo Ralph Lauren opens first luxury store and watch salon in Shanghai

American fashion brand Ralph Lauren has opened its first Ralph Lauren luxury store and Ralph Lauren watch salon. Located in The Peninsula Shanghai, the spacious 3800 square foot boutique features a gallery for both women and men.

From bespoke suits to sportswear, the men's assortment is the most all encompassing expression of Ralph Lauren menswear anywhere in the region. The ladies can expect to find an array of Ralph Lauren's sophistiscated and classic polished wardrobe for the modern woman as well as an extensive range of exquisitely crafted accessories.

The highlight of the new store will be the brand's very first edicated watch salon presenting the latest collections of Ralph Lauren Timepieces: the Ralph Lauren Stirrup, the Slim Classique and the Sporting, as well as the 2010 novelties presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in January.

Designed in a grand beaux-art style manner, the store will mark a milestone for Ralph Lauren in China and unveil a brand new shopping experience for luxury customers.