SHANGHAI — Italian luxury brand Furla has hired RTG Inspire to oversee public relations in the critical China market. 

RTG Inspire, the marketing communications arm of luxury consulting firm RTG Consulting, is tasked with driving communications, media relations and influencer management for the Italian accessories brand, best known for its handbags.

As China's consumer market begins to grow again, Furla has relaunched its Metropolis collection, landing Neo Hou as a brand ambassador in May. 

"RTG Consulting Group is experienced working with international luxury brands on both a regional and global scale, and they have a deep understanding of the China market," said Antonio Burrello, Furla’s global CMO. "We have full confidence that this makes them the right team to champion Furla's upcoming China efforts."

Valued at $80bn in a recent Boston Consulting/Tencent Digital report, China's luxury market remains a key battleground for global brands, particularly in the growing 'accessible' niche that Furla occupies.