World domination never seems far beyond British heritage brand Burberry’s elegant reach.

Favourable figures announced today show overall group sales were up 8% in the first three months of this year, while the biggest spike was in the Asia Pacific bracket, where they rose by 15%.

Burberry confirmed that customers there had splurged at Chinese New Year, especially on red handbags and other accessories – particularly popular at that time because the colour is supposed to be lucky. (We say, you’re probably quite lucky enough if somebody’s buying you a Burberry handbag.)

The news that the British brand is flourishing comes amid fears of a slowdown in the luxury market in China. Yesterday LVMH, the luxury conglomerate that owns the Marc Jacobs-fronted Louis Vuitton, said that demand in China had been 'flattish', and announced its lowest quarterly growth figures since 2009. 

Burberry meanwhile has plans to open 25 new stores and 10 concessions, mainly in Asia, but also in the emerging Latin America market. It seems you should never underestimate the selling power of a nimble, umbrella-wielding, gap-toothed Beckham.