Leaky Gucci and Adidas ‘sun umbrella’ sparks outrage in China

Gucci and Adidas received some harsh criticism on Chinese social media platform Weibo, after the public expressed outrage that a 11,100 yuan (€1,500) parasol set to be sold in the country by Gucci and Adidas does not keep out the rain.

The firms call the parasol a “sun umbrella”, while on Gucci’s website the product’s description reads that it is “not waterproof and is meant for sun protection or decorative use”.

The set is part of a joint collection being promoted online ahead of its release next month, on 7th June.

On Weibo, the public are taking the high-end western brands to task, with a hashtag translating into “the collaboration umbrella being sold for 11,100 yuan is not waterproof” garnering over 140 million views.

Many questioned how people could be foolish enough to buy the product, even if they could afford it, but others understood the appeal.

One user wrote that “those who are willing to pay use luxury goods as a status symbol. They don’t care about practicality”.

China continues to be a key market for leading luxury brands. In 2021, sale of luxury goods rose by 36 per cent, according to consultancy firm Bain and Company. The firm also predicted that China will become the biggest luxury goods market within the next three years.