Naomi Watanabe Is Kate Spade’s New Global Ambassador
Kate Spade has a new face and voice. Naomi Watanabe, the Japanese comedian, actor, and fashion designer that first came to prominence from her bombastic cover of Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love,” will be representing the brand in 2020.
The company announced the “Japanese Beyoncé” would repping the Big Apple as its new global ambassador via a press release — and Naomi’s bringing a healthy dose of color and spunk with her.
While Naomi might not yet be a household name in the U.S., in Japan and beyond she’s a superstar — she currently boasts over 9 million Instagram followers. In 2018, she was the most followed person on Instagram in Japan, and she also made Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential People on the Internet” list that same year. Aside from numbers, Naomi’s style and charm have made her a face to watch all around the fashion world.
The partnership between these two powerhouses will officially begin with a digital campaign in celebration of the spring 2020 handbag collection. Spotlighted are the label’s popular Margaux bags, offered in a variety of colors and styles that pair perfectly with Naomi’s trademark bright and bubbly wit.
“As the embodiment of confidence, joy, and originality, Naomi’s passion for life is inclusive,” explained the label. “She encourages women to express their individuality every day.”
Nicola Glass, the label’s creative director, is in agreement. “At Kate Spade New York, 2020 is about celebrating how women express their own spirit and personal style through our brand,” she said in a statement. “To us, Naomi represents all women. Her humor and love of life perfectly align with our brand values, and she makes our product shine. Together, we hope to continue inspiring multi-generational self-styled and self-motivated women to live their lives with substance, sophistication and a smile.”
Kate Spade’s venture with Naomi Watanabe officially launched on January 27.
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