Nancy Gonzalez Boutique Seoul
Nancy Gonzalez Boutique Seoul

NEW YORK, May 26, 2009 / FW/ — Tapping into the expanding economy of South Korea despite a global downturn, Nancy Gonzalez opened her first ever boutique in Seoul at The Galleria Luxury Hall which is located at the Apgujeong District of the South Korean capital.

A partnership venture with Commonwealth International, who also operates the Manolo Blahnik Business in Korea, the Nancy Gonzalez Seoul location was designed by Architect Christopher Rawlins with the interior design done by John Rawlins who is widely known for his role of Director of Store Design at Bergdorf Goodman.

“A primary design-mandate was to include a sense of lighthearted wit in a subdued manner allowing for the product to be the hero yet remain completely accessible”, says Nancy Gonzalez, which explained why the glass cubes holding the luxurious products are casually stacked and skewed

Every detail has been thought out; the shop is open on three sides, customers are always face to face with product whether they are inside or outside of the shop, which furthers the notion of accessibility. The most iconic feature of the shop is the “Jungle-Wall” made out of gold cardboard by Demetrious Argyropoulos and Johanna Burke.

Nancy Gonzalez Boutique Seoul
Nancy Gonzalez Boutique Seoul

This sight-specific art installation alludes to the exotic pedigree of the Nancy Gonzalez brand and helps educate the customer in a poetic manner about the Colombian origins of the product and its purpose, to create a memorable and enchanting experience beyond that of which can be gained from shopping.

As for the merchandise, the shop will be stocked with exotics similar to what retails in Paris, London and New York and cost will be as it would be in New York, from $700 to $6,000. The stock will be heavier on larger bags than clutches, as the typical customer prefers bags on the larger scale.

Nancy Gonzalez Boutique Seoul
Nancy Gonzalez Boutique Seoul

The Korean customer is comfortable with experimentation and often mixes styles and brands in unexpected ways. Just like a Nancy Gonzalez handbag, individuality and evolution is a constant.