Is Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou fashion’s newest influencer?
The finance chief’s arrest has had the fashion world in a tizzy – because of what she has been seen wearing and the impact of her detainment on various labels
The detention in Vancouver, Canada, of Sabrina Meng Wanzhou, CFO of Chinese tech giant Huawei, has created quite a stir – both in her home country and in the West.
On the sartorial side, Meng has never been as conspicuous as her younger sister, Annabel Yao, who was recently among the small selection of young women from around the world invited to attend Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris – an event recognised by socialites as one of the most prestigious on the calendar.
Meng, who has been accused by the United States of sanctions busting, was released on bail set at US$7.5 million last week, and faces possible extradition from Canada to the US.
But in the midst of all this, her appearances in public have been attracting far more attention for the stylish accessories she has been wearing, rather than for the political and economic turmoil her arrest has caused.
Last week, on a visit to see her parole officer, the Chinese heiress wore a scarf from French fashion house Hermès and an intrecciato handbag from Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta. The casual yet statement-making outfit is a shift from her usual, one-piece plus simple jewellery, boardroom look.
While Meng’s arrest has benefited some fashion names, it has also had a less-than-positive impact on a few others, in particular the Canadian luxury label Canada Goose, dubbed “the Hermès of down jackets” by many Chinese.
The winterwear brand has found itself caught up in the political dispute between China and Canada over Meng’s arrest, with Chinese buyers calling for a boycott of its products.