Kim Jong Un turns into ‘trend icon’ as leather-based jackets and navy boots fly off the cabinets
The diminutive despot isn’t a renowned fashionista, but his love of leather jackets has seen a welcome surge in sales for retailers as trendy youngsters in North Korea go crazy for Kim Jong’s coat.
Dictator Kim Jong un has become an unlikely fashion icon after sparking a boom in sales of leather jackets and military boots. The tubby tyrant donned a long leather trench coat at North Korea’s air force 80th anniversary celebration over the weekend.
And his favourite clobber has seen sluggish sales turnaround in the pariah state’s clothing shops as trendy youngsters seek out the stylish gear, which can be picked up for between £5 – £13.
A source told NK Daily: “Jackets with short (faux) fur and leather jackets have been hot sellers at marketplaces this winter. In addition to being warm and lightweight, they’re available in a range of colours, including white, scarlet, maroon and black.
“And since they’re not that expensive, selling for 50–120 Chinese yuan many customers are seeking them out.
“Well-off individuals purchase foreign-made apparel smuggled into the country, but ordinary people buy affordable clothing assembled here. Nowadays clothing made of imported fabrics is thought to be of pretty decent quality.”
Demand for leather jackets has been rising among young fashionistas in the hermit kingdom after Kim, his daughter Kim Ju Ae and high-ranking officials were seen wearing them on television.
This year, they have reportedly become even more popular after markets started selling leather jackets with cotton linings. These faux fur jackets and leather jackets are generally made by North Korean dressmakers with fabric and other materials imported from China.
It has provided a much-needed boost to beleagured clothes sellers at markets as they often take a hit in autumn as locals often refuse to fork out on winter wear they won’t wear for long.
The source said: “But now that temperatures are falling, winter clothing and shoes are flying off the shelves. In particular, vendors specializing in the popular short fur jackets, leather jackets and combat boots are gleeful about their financial good fortune.”
Market vendors who sell imported apparel of dubious origins can run afoul of the authorities, but domestically produced clothing is less likely to become a problem and is thus regarded as a reliable money maker.
Leather work boots are said to be selling particularly well this year, NK Daily reported. They are seen as ideal in snowy regions such as the Ryanggang province, where people prefer ankle-high boots in the winter, driving up the sales of tall leather combat boots.
And the boots are even cheaper than the leather dress shoes released this year, so customers are flocking to buy them.
The source added: “Military boots from the Korean People’s Army have always been popular among young people. But these tall leather combat boots, though inspired by military issue boots, have a look of luxury. They’re particularly popular with men, who are pleased with how sharp they look.”
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