Gucci Pitches In To Revive South Korea’s Gyeongbok Palace In Wake Of Crowd Crush

Having canceled its fashion show in light of the tragic Halloween crowd crush in Seoul, South Korea, Gucci has now announced it will be pitching in with a three-year donation to restore and preserve the capital’s Gyeongbokgung Palace. 

According to WWD, the luxury brand did not disclose how much it was offering, but said that its contribution will help to work on multiple areas within the cultural site. 

Naturally, it isn’t just a coincidence that Gucci has picked the landmark palace as the recipient of its donation. The venue, which was built in 1395 during the country’s Joseon dynasty, was where the fashion house was meant to hold its latest show. 

Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s President, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Choi Eung-chon, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), pledging the label’s cooperation on future restoration projects at the historic site.

While beauty was a “continuous source of inspiration” for the Maison, Bizzarri noted that such landmarks require “constant care and effort,” and hopes the partnership will “help safeguard the rich artistic heritage” of the palace.

Aside from the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gucci has pledged its support to the Castel del Monte in Italy, the Dia Art Foundation in New York City, the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey in London, the Palatine Gallery in Florence, and more. 

[via WWD and The Korea Times, cover image via Zz3701 | Dreamstime.com]