Christian Weber Opens Store in Seoul, Joins Milan Lineup
Los Angeles–based designer Christian Weber has opened a store in Seoul, Korea.
The CW Christian Weber store is located in the Luxury Hall of the Galleria Department Store. This is the first boutique for Weber, who launched his collection for Fall ’07. The 800-squarefoot boutique carries the full CW Christian Weber line of apparel, shoes and handbags designed in Los Angeles and produced in Italy.
The Austrian-born designer spent several years in Milan working as a designer for Versace. After working with Los Angeles– based brands BCBG Max Azria and Rock & Republic, he launched his own company.
The store opened in August and quickly sold out of several key items, including denim and dresses, said Weber, adding that reorders are already in the works to replenish stock.
“It is great to see that customers are curious for new brands and collections,” he said.
“Of course they really like the denim. I guess the customer recognizes that we are an L.A.-based brand. But also the dresses and skirts are selling well.”
Weber’s Fall collection was inspired by the “Arms and Armor” exhibition at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The line includes luxe fabrics such as silk, leather and jersey in a mix of tailored and relaxed pieces. The armor- inspired details were subtle but ran throughout the entire collection. A fitted coat featured a row of tucks along the shoulder, and a sweater featured epaulette-like details in stingray leather.
For Spring/Summer, Weber found inspiration in Barcelona, Spain, for the collection, titled “La Conquistadora.” Drawing equally from Spain’s flamenco and bullfighting traditions, the collection features high-waist pants and skirts, cropped bolero jackets in perforated leather and an abstract ruffle print that turns up on dresses and blouses.
“We design very differently than any other brand, and it is great to see that the final customers recognize this,” Weber said. “The challenge will be to keep the quality standard and deliveries and constantly update the merchandise in the store.” CW Christian Weber will bow its Spring/Summer ’08 collection with a presentation on Sept. 24 during Milan Fashion Week. —Alison A. Nieder
