Amid the recent controversy over a fashion photo shoot at the Blue House, it was confirmed that the world-famous luxury brands Gucci and the Cultural Heritage Administration decided to hold a fashion show at Gyeongbokgung Palace but canceled it.
There was an expectation that it would be an opportunity to introduce the beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the representative palace of Korea, to the world, but it seems to have been canceled due to the recent controversies surrounding the use of the Blue House.
Today (29th), according to the Cultural Heritage Administration and the fashion industry, the Cultural Heritage Administration and Gucci Korea were scheduled to hold the 'Gucci Cosmogony Fashion Show in Seoul Gyeongbokgung' event on November 1 in the Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, but recently canceled.
An official from the Cultural Heritage Administration explained the background of the cancellation, saying, "We were preparing for the event after receiving deliberation before the issue of the pictorial (related to the Blue House) arose.
Gucci has been consulting with related organizations such as the Cultural Heritage Administration for global events.
The name of the event, 'Cosmogony', is a new collection presented by Alessandro Michele, creative director of Gucci.
Gucci first presented the collection in May at Castel del Monte (Castle of Monte), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Italy.
It is said that Gucci prepared the event by paying attention to the historical significance of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
According to the Minutes of the Cultural Heritage Committee, Gucci applied for the use of the venue, saying, “We will publicize the historical value of Gyeongbokgung Palace, where world-class astronomy was studied, and the theme of the fashion show inspired by astronomy, both at home and abroad.”
In response, the Cultural Heritage Committee made a 'conditional approval' decision with conditions such as 'reinforce the value of the historical and cultural heritage of Gyeongbokgung Palace with advice from related experts and be sure to verify the historical facts'.
It is known that no fashion brand event was held in the area around Geunjeongjeon, the central building of Gyeongbokgung Palace, where national ceremonies were held during the Joseon Dynasty and foreign envoys were welcomed.
Gucci planned to hold the event with about 500 people by inviting diplomats, business figures, and celebrities.
In order to prevent damage to cultural assets, the Gucci side said that it would hold the event centered on the front yard of Geunjeongjeon Hall, but use the hanggak as a stage for the model to walk.
However, as the controversy surrounding a hanbok fashion pictorial in an unusual pose recently taken at the Blue House continued, the Cultural Heritage Administration canceled the event after discussion with Gucci.
An official from the Cultural Heritage Administration said, "There are not many foreigners who have seen Gyeongbokgung Palace illuminated at night. It is a good opportunity to introduce Gyeongbokgung Palace to the world, but it is a burdensome situation because it can become unintentionally controversial."
Gucci Korea said, "We have prepared for a long time to inform the world of the cultural and academic value of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a beautiful cultural heritage of Korea, but we are discussing it in consideration of the public sentiment, including recently controversial issues."
Some point out that the recent controversy should be used as an opportunity to review the use of unripe cultural assets.
It is good to introduce precious cultural heritage to the public and actively utilize it, but as can be seen from the successive controversies surrounding the Blue House, a specific method requires a careful review.
A university professor who majored in architectural history suggested, "Looking at the recent trend, the use of cultural heritage has emerged as a trend, but how to use it and which direction it should be taken in should be decided after sufficient discussion."
(Photo = Yonhap News)