Gucci has just announced the creation of a special collection, 8-8-2008 Limited Edition, using the opportunity to contribute to the Summer Olympics in China, so as to increase its brand awareness in label-conscious Asia.

In total, Gucci has produced 8 accessories, conceived by Gucci’s creative director, Frida Giannini, each inspired by competitive sports. The entire line plays a numbers game, since the Olympics will be held on 8-8-1008. (eight is the lucky number in Chinese culture).

For all eight accessories, the color red permeates the collection. “Not only does red evoke happiness and celebration, two emotions that couldn’t be more appropriate to describe the excitement brought by the international sport games, but it also happens to be a very fashionable color for 2008,” Giannini said.

“A noteworthy product in this collection is the 8-8-2008 I-Gucci watch ($1,415), the company’s first digital timepiece, boasts a black dial, steel frame and a clean digital face with a red and green logo commemorating the year 2008 on the back. The exterior of its red rubber strap is engraved with the Gucci logo, while the interior has been engrossed with Gucci’s iconic GG pattern. The timepiece allows the wearer to select a dedicated Beijing time zone code on the display too (source).”

The “8-8-2008 Limited Edition” collection includes other accessories such as a unique bicycle ($3,420) with bold red double GG leather details, and some collectable items such as a luxurious Mahjong ($3,150) set covered in red La Pelle Guccissima leather, and, to pay homage to China, the country’s iconic panda animal offered as a soft leather teddy bear for $1,050.

Also included in the collection are two pieces of luggage in “La Pelle Guccissima” (a sturdy leather duffle for $2,795 and a $995 soft leather messenger bag with Gucci’s iconic green-and-red web on the shoulder strap) ; sports shoes ($660), for both men and women, articulated in a fresh patchwork of suede, patent leather and gold trim and a $445 necklace inspired by military tags, in sterling silver.

The I-Gucci watch will be offered worldwide but all other accessories of this special collection will be sold exclusively in Hong Kong and mainland China.