The relationship between Dolce&Gabbana and the far East is a well documented love affair. The Japanese swoon over the Italian craftsmanship, the Chinese lust after the luxurious details of the collections, and the Koreans, well, they seem to be the newest and most active members of this affair. While perusing our press report, we noticed that Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Elle and Marie Claire Korea all published beautiful fashion spreads on the Dolce&Gabbaan SS12 collection. But why is the collection so popular? In Swide we’re lucky enough to have a first hand account of the growing relationship between Dolce&Gabbana and Korea through our fashion editor, Yuri Ahn. So we thought to ask her her opinion on this phenomenon.
What is the luxury market in Korea like?
Korea is generally very attuned to luxury trends, as well as being a shopping destination for the Asian consumers. The exchange rate with the Yen and the Yuan is very favourable to the South Korean Won so many clients like to come to Korea to do their shopping. In fact our malls are open almost 24/7 everyday of the week. The Korean luxury market by Koreans is increasing though; we’re actually shopping in our own malls and sporting the latest in European fashion. All of a sudden Korea, much like China to an extent, absorbed European culture all in one go, so Italian and French fashion are mega popular. Celebrity culture in Korea is also very strong, so if a celebrity wears something the next days its sold out in the shops. And we all know celebs the world over love Dolce&Gabbana!
What is it about italian fashion that seduces the Koreans?
Koreans feel very close to Italians, the culture, the food, there are so many Italian restaurants in Seoul! And of course the Italian fashion and atheistic is very admired by the Koreans.
Why is Dolce&Gabbana so popular?
For us, Dolce&Gabbana represents these qualities in a strong way. The silhouettes, the details, the way a Dolce&Gabbana dress makes a woman feel are admired in Korea. The way the Dolce&Gabbana clothes are cut to emphasize that Mediterranean hourglass figure is very important to the Asian woman. Also, Dolce&Gabbana adds to trends, but they also make clothes that never go out of fashion. The Dolce&Gabbana staples are popular because you always know what you’re buying even if its updated from one season to the next.
What makes the SS12 collection such a great passport for Dolce&Gabbana in Korea?
SS12 has been a huge success in Korea. The advertisement campaign so thoroughly Italian with Bianca Balti and Monica Bellucci, the clothes referencing both Italian produce and culture have captured the Korean imagination. The Italian 50s vibe is very romantic for Korea, a country that has developed quickly and perhaps sped through cultural phenomena that helped create Italian culture today. Also, the embellishments, the crystals and embroideries have a huge popularity in Korea. Well we like our bling and Dolce&Gabbana always delivers.
Read more on Swide
Interview by: Valentina Zannoni
Credits Elle Korea. Photographer:Ryoo Hyung Won, Stylist: Choi Soon Young,
Model: Song Kyoung Ah
Credits Hapers Bazaar Korea. Photographer: Choi Young Bin, Model: Han Hey Jin
Credits Marie Claire Korea. Photographer: Zoo Yong Gyun, Stylist: Jang Bo Me, Model: Choi Ahra
Credits Vogue Korea. Photographer: Rafael Stahelin, Stylist: Ye Young Kim, Model: Karlie Kloss
