Fendi Freezes Thandie At Fashion Show On The Great Wall

So Fendi had it's much anticipated fashion show on the Great Wall of China on Friday. Magazine editors, socialites and celebrities like Thandie Newton, below, were flown in at great expense.

Thandie Newton front-row at the Great Wall

Why all the fuss? In a bit of nicely coordinated PR, it is explained a small story in today's Wall Street Journal.

...Fendi's revenue from China has grown about 75 percent a year during the last two years and will rise around 50 percent this year, the CEO said. At that rate, Mr. Burke expects China to account for 15 percent to 20 percent of Fendi's global revenue within the next 15 to 20 years from 5 percent. That would make China as big as the U.S. market, which represents 18 percent to 20 percent of Fendi's global revenue.

Yes, well, surprise, surprise. My real question is this: How much money did they have to pay Thandie Newton to show up in a strapless gown when everyone else was clearly freezing, even in their big coats?

Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for FENDI