N°21 entrusts distribution in South Korea to Kolon and seeks new CEO

By

Dominique Muret

Translated by
Roberta HERRERA

Published
September 2, 2024

N°21 is changing its partnership strategy in South Korea. The Italian ready-to-wear brand, established by Alessandro Dell’Acqua in 2010, is aligning with a new distributor in South Korea, marking it as its second key market following Japan. The brand has entrusted the South Korean group Kolon Industries FnC Division (also known as Kolon FnC) with the exclusive rights to distribute its apparel and accessories collections in the country. This strategic move coincides with the brand's search for a new CEO following the departure of its previous general manager, Roberto Ortello.

The partnership with Kolon Industries, sealed in August 2024, includes the recent launch of a shop-in-shop on the third floor of Hyundai Department Store Trade Center in Seoul. Further expansions are scheduled, with another opening in November and a third next spring. The design of the inaugural flesh-toned space, crafted by Milan-based Want Studio, features a play on contrasts, blending lava stone with translucent materials.

N°21's venture into the South Korean market is not a new development. The brand first marked its presence a decade ago, initially through a partnership with LF Corporation in 2015, followed by a collaboration with Lee & Han in 2021, which concluded in 2023. With its new partner, N°21 aims to strengthen its network of monobrand physical retail locations.

Kolon Group, established in the 1950s initially as a nylon producer, owns various sports labels and distributes several international luxury brands within the premium segment, including Marc Jacobs, Neil Barrett, Khaite, and Valextra.

Owned 30% by the Italian fashion group Gilmar (Iceberg), which licenses its men's and women's ready-to-wear lines, N°21 has been distributed by Tomorrow Ltd since July 2020. The brand is available in approximately 450 multi-brand outlets worldwide, its e-commerce platform, and three stores located in Tokyo Omotesando, Fukuoka, and Milan.

Since January, the company has been led by its creative director Alessandro Dell’Acqua following the departure of general manager Roberto Ortello, who left to pursue a new project. Ortello had joined the company in 2015 when Gilmar entered into the capital. The fashion house has confirmed that it is currently seeking a new CEO.