She wants to increase its appeal to an upscale customer who now feels more comfortable buying La Perla or Wolford lingerie.

FORBES: Cosmetic Improvement

Italian lingerie company La Perla gives its workers tips on how to manage the big egos that sometimes accompany its clientele's fat checkbooks.

WSJ: China's Fickle Talent Pool

Chi Wei, a 30-year-old saleswoman at a La Perla store in Beijing's central shopping district, Wangfujing, says some customers feel insulted when she tells them about the brand.

WSJ: China's Fickle Talent Pool

She adds that haughty clients usually ease up when they realize that La Perla's lingerie is made for the Italian body, and that they need help with fitting.

WSJ: China's Fickle Talent Pool

The rise of China's nouveau riche has created an economic chasm between luxury-store sales clerks and customers, which can lead to awkward situations, says Andrea Bonardi, La Perla's managing director for emerging markets.

WSJ: China's Fickle Talent Pool

Fighting words from the new chief executive of Victoria's Secret Direct--meaning, the mail-order side of Victoria--wants to increase its appeal to an upscale customer who now feels more comfortable buying La Perla or Wolford lingerie.

FORBES: Cosmetic Improvement