Vera Wang opens 1st Asia flagship in Seoul

Lyle Maltz, third from left, licensing director of bridal gown maker Vera Wang, and Jung Mi-ri, fourth from left, president of Vera Wang Bridal Korea, pose with models who presented the brand’s 2012 Fall/Winter Collection on Thurdsay at its Cheongdam-dong flagship store in southern Seoul. / Courtesy of Bridge Company

By Rachel Lee

Luxury bridal gown maker Vera Wang opened her first Asian flagship store in Seoul on Thursday.

Located in a posh part of southern Seoul, Cheongdam-dong, the brand’s four-story building is the designer’s third global flagship store to open following two located in the United States and the United Kingdom. Flagship stores in China and Japan are to follow in a bid to expand the business in emerging Asian markets.

“The Vera Wang group sees Korea as the most up-and-coming market in Asia for sure,” Jung Mi-ri, President of Vera Wang Bridal Korea said on Thursday.

Best known for sophisticated drama, feminine detailing and a modern approach to bridal design, the brand was first launched in Korea with a shop inside Lotte Avenuel in 2005.

This Seoul flagship store presents affordable luxury on the first floor such as the Vera Wang Lavender collection_ practical evening suits and cocktail dresses are on sale at reasonable prices. Its high-end “Luxe” line with private fitting rooms and a VIP lounge are situated on the second and third floor. As well as the Lavender Collection, accessories, fragrance, shoes and other items are set to hit the shelves in August.

“I am so happy that Vera Wang Bridal Korea can provide the finest dresses to all brides-to-be in Korea,” said Jung. “We are ready to offer the best customized service as always.”

American fashion designer Vera Wang, 63, is known for her wide clientele of couture bridesmaid gowns and wedding gown collections, worn by celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and Sharon Stone. The former Vogue editor opened her own flagship salon in New York in 1990 and grafted her fashion philosophy, “Less is more” into her designs. The brand offers three different bridal lines_ OPP, simple designs with feminine details priced between 4 to 7 million won; Collection, trendy-conscious designs priced at 7 to 12 million won and Luxe, beautifully hand-crafted dresses with prices starting at 15 million won. The brand reflects Wang’s vision to create a lifestyle that goes beyond core bridal and ready-to-wear, and delves into fragrance, beauty, accessories, eyewear, and home decorations. The designer was honored with “Womenswear Designer of the Year” by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2005.

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