China’s hottest grandpa, Wang Deshun, is Reebok’s newest brand ambassador.
WWD reports that the 81-year-old first drew attention in 2015 after walking in Beijing Fashion Week for a local designer. Baring his chest and an energetic strut, Wang quickly became an overnight sensation.
Now, sports brand Reebok has snapped up the silver-haired model as part of its attempt to expand in China. In Reebok’s latest Chinese video Be More Human, Wang can be seen alongside actress Yuan Shanshan and actor Wu Lei.
“Only seriously getting into fitness at the age of 70, Wang’s example has helped reshape China’s views on aging and shown you’re never too old to pursue your goals,” Reebok said.
Wang was born in 1936 in the northeastern city of Shenyang.
WWD adds that Reebok hopes to become “China’s best fitness brand”. The company is expanding its new lifestyle retail concept FitHubs and has locations in Wuhan Qingdao and Hangzhou. Reebok hopes to open 500 FitHubs by 2020. 50 will open in 2017.
Whilst Reebok focuses on running, training and classics, the company will heavily promote its running line this year.
“With running in particular experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity in China in recent years, the category will be a key focus for Reebok in 2017 as it leverages proprietary, cutting-edge technology such as FloatRide to help runners perform at their very best,” it said.
Papermag adds that Wang will join the likes of Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar as a spokesperson for Reebok.
