Angry Birds are celebrating the start of the Year of the Dragon, but the piggies are trying to scare them away from their eggs! Luckily the Angry Birds have some help — the Mighty Eagle has transformed into the fearsome Mighty Dragon!

In China, brands like Nescafe are tapping into rebellious icons like Han Han.

The secret capitalist document that transformed China into the juggernaut it is today.Continue reading...

And now for something completely different: in honor of Chinese New Year (Kung Hei Fat Choi!) this week's Brand Bites round-up is all China, all the time:

• Coach is targeting mainland consumers with limited edition Spring Festival e-card collaboration with artist Zhang Lan. And some nifty Year of the Dragon themed accessories, above.Continue reading...

Last month, we reported on 2009 being a dismal year for Swiss watch brands, posting the biggest drop in sales since the Great Depression. Luxury watch-makers including Rolex, which depends on the U.S. for about one-third of its sales, were particularly battered. But there is a glimmer of hope for the world's most prominent watchmakers, as this year is already off to a more positive start.

Exports in January rose almost 3 percent compared with a year ago. February was even stronger, clocking a more than 14 percent increase in exports versus last year, as noted in the Financial Times. It was enough of a boost for watchmakers like Swatch Group, owner of such brands as Hamilton, Longines, Omega, and Tissot, to breathe a sigh of relief.

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek is bullish on the year ahead, predicting that "2010 would bring record sales and earnings" for the company. Richemont, a company with luxury brands like Cartier, Piaget, IWC, and Montblanc in its portfolio, is being more cautiously optimistic.Continue reading...

Prada is one of many luxury brands in debt, and speculation suggests the company may sell a minority stake.

The New York Post reports that jewelry conglomerate Richemont, owner of brands such as Montblanc, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, is contemplating plans to purchase one-third of the couture house. Thus far, however, the rumors have not been confirmed.

Last year, Prada approached Richemont about a possible partnership, but the brand was turned down because of its $3.8 billion price tag and $1.7 billion debt.Continue reading...

Storied European pen-maker Montblanc wanted to raise its brand profile in India. Not a bad idea, India's population is 1 billion. So, long on imagination but short on branding basics (or common sense), Montblanc released a limited-edition pen, made of 18-carat solid gold with a rhodium-plated nib and a saffron-colored mandarin garnet, called the "Ma-hatma Gandhi." It costs Rs1.1 million (about $24,000). The brand released the special pens on Gandhi's birthday, a national holiday in India.

Compounding the ridiculousness, the handmade pens will be sold in a limited edition of 241, intended to honor the number of miles Gandhi walked during his salt tax protest. Each pen will come with an eight-meter gold thread representing the cotton loom on which Gandhi made his own humble garments.Continue reading...