In N.Y., Ben Rothenberg reports Li Na's "power as a symbol of success in China ... has not receded" four years after she retired from the WTA Tour. Li still earns $15-20M annually through "endorsement and licensing deals." IMG Tennis VP Max Eisenbud, who reps Li, said, "A lot of her sponsors were stressed out and scared when she retired. ... But I think now they secretly like it, because now they can have more time with her, and now she’s present in China." He added that Li had "'no competition' in China from other athletic superstars" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/13).
DRESSED TO THE NINES: WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY's Natalie Theodosi noted mannequins outside Tommy Hilfiger's Regent Street store in London are "teasing the first capsule collection" designed by F1 driver Lewis Hamilton. The displays featured "brightly colored check shirts and kilts, bomber jackets and vintage-inspired denim." The capsule also has a "new H logo designed by Lewis across denim jackets, track pants and T-shirts" (WWD.com, 7/11).
CANDY REIGN: Candy brand Trolli released the world's Most Valuable Candy to commemorate Rockets G James Harden being named NBA MVP. Pairs of giant gummi shoes, which are replicas of Adidas' Harden Vol. 2s MVP edition, were created to honor the candy brand's ambassador. The shoes are priced at $2,677 per pair, the same number of points that Harden scored this season. Proceeds will go to Harden's foundation, 3 The Harden Way (Trolli).
