News
D&G Hong Kong store becomes target of protesters
11 January 2012
Luxury retailer Dolce & Gabbana (D&G) has become the target of protestors in Hong Kong for banning passers-by from taking photographs on the street outside its flagship store.
More than one thousand Hong Kong natives took to the street outside the store on Sunday in protest, following a report that D&G security guards barred a photographer from taking pictures of the store’s window displays.
Word of the incident quickly spread via Facebook and as a result of the swarm of people, the D&G store was forced to close early.
The incident was triggered by D&G's decision to ban Hong Kong natives from taking pictures of the store, but permitting foreign and mainland Chinese tourists to take photos. The incident of the photo ban was first reported in the local newspaper Apple Daily.
The incident prompted a barrage of online comments on Hong Kong web sites accusing D&G of blatant “racism” and claims that international brands have, in general, become too dominant on Hong Kong streets.
D&G, which has three Kong Kong stores altogether, has issued statements saying its staff has been misquoted by the press and that it regrets being caught up in the controversy.
Jenni Baker, London