Is Gucci Seeking South Korean Star Power Too? a Recent Seoul Fashion Show Saw Newjeans Member Hanni Sitting Front Row as the Luxury Brand Courts Crucial Asian Consumers

Marcus Vance By Marcus Vance
• • 2 min read
Is Gucci Seeking South Korean Star Power Too? a Recent Seoul Fashion Show Saw Newjeans Member Hanni Sitting Front Row as the Luxury Brand Courts Crucial Asian Consumers

South Korea – the biggest market for luxury goods on a per capita basis in 2022 – has become a magnet for global brands. Last month, LVMH’s largest label, Louis Vuitton, also held a fashion show in Seoul.

This was Gucci’s first show in Korea since Marco Bizzarri became the label’s chief executive officer in 2015. The Italian label generated around nine per cent of its retail sales to Koreans last year, Morgan Stanley estimated. Actress Saoirse Ronan and K-pop star Hanni – a member of the group NewJeans – were among VIP guests at the show.

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In the cruise show, the brand veered from retro-futuristic garb like silver metal jackets reminiscent of a 1970s take on the future to streetwear styles, including a model sporting baggy black trousers and a Gucci briefcase carrying a skateboard. Gucci’s familiar GG canvas pattern featured prominently on tops and handbags.

Tuesday’s creations were designed by Gucci’s in-house design team, as its recently appointed creative director Sabato de Sarno will only unveil his debut collection in September during Milan Fashion Week. His creations will be available for sale early next year.

The Italian label generated about two-thirds of Kering’s operating profit in 2022, but comparable sales barely grew during the period. They also rose only slightly in the first quarter of this year while competitors such as Hermès International and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE posted double-digit growth rates.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher
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Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.

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