As relations between the US and China continue to be strained, it’s having an impact on the fashion choices people are making. An exchange that took place between foreign officials is driving up sales of patriotic merchandise in China, allowing people to overtly signal their patriotism.

A lot of businesses traffic in American exceptionalism, tapping into national pride as part of their creative comms and brand identity. But while such aspirational messaging used to resonate with Americans – and many people around the world – will COVID-19 make this narrative less appealing?

Chinese consumers are known as the driving force behind the success of numerous European business sectors, but have been slow to show the same support to home-grown Chinese brands. However, as the quality improves so does trust, creating new opportunities for local brands.

As affluent luxury consumers in China demand brands take steps to be accountable for their environmental impact, these companies are pivoting to flout their sustainable credentials. For legacy brand Erdos, this means diversifying the product offer and targeting new markets.