Gabriela Hearst opens second retail residence in Korea

U.S. designer brand Gabriela Hearst announced on Tuesday the opening of its second retail residence in Korea, as part of a tie-up with Handsome Corp., a fashion unit of local major retailer Hyundai Department Store Group.

Back in December, Handsome launched Gabriela Hearst's debut exclusive boutique in Asia at the main branch of Hyundai Department Store Co. in Apgujeong, Seoul, one of the capital's wealthiest areas.

Now, the second retail residence in Korea opens at Hyundai Department Store’s Pangyo Branch. The store houses pieces from Gabriela Hearst women’s collections including ready-to-wear, fine merino wool and cashmere knitwear, footwear and handbags.

Both retail residence locations will be the exclusive retailer for Gabriela Hearst handbag collection in the region, specifically the Nina, the Demi, the Diana, the Baez, and the Nostalgia among others.

Hearst commissioned designer-makers Benji Gavron and Antoine Dumas to create a 21-piece collection of furniture for the store. Dubbed 'Nomad', each piece is crafted from local artisans and uses only local timbers that have fallen naturally or that is upcycled.

“I am very lucky that I work with some of the best creatives in the world, I can say it seldom happens when somebody understands you intrinsically and your aesthetic. It was instantaneous with Antoine & Benji,” said Hearst.

"Gabi gave us complete creative freedom within the parameters of making what Gabriela Hearst stands for, crafted locally, with local timbers that have fallen naturally, or are up-cycled from prior functions,” added Dumas and Gavron.

“This project’s aesthetic uses ornamental detailing such as leather inlays, and complex wood shaping to emphasize the beauty of the timber and the outstanding skills of the local Korean artisans.”

There are currently freestanding Gabriela Hearst stores in New York and London, as well as a store in Harrods in London. Plans are in place to open another store in Los Angeles next fall.

Gabriela Hearst opens second retail residence in Korea

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