Dolce & Gabbana has ignited a media storm in Hong Kong as its security guards have forbidden onlookers from snapping photos of its store front.
The fashion firm claims its efforts are an attempt to protect its intellectual property, but The Wall Street Journal claims something more insidious may be going on. It reports that while locals have been stopped from snapping the pictures, foreigners and even Chinese tourists visiting from the mainland have not faced the same restrictions. The Wall Street Journal suggests the photo ban may have come from a Chinese high flyer who didn’t want to be seen buying his luxury goods in Hong Kong, where lower taxes are applied.
Apparently Hong Kong natives are particularly sensitive about perceived racism from mainland China, so they haven’t taken news of Dolce & Gabbana’s measures well. The store has become the scene of protests, but Dolce & Gabbana is holding firm. In an official statement printed in the country’s Standard the fashion house states it “has not taken part in any action aiming at offending the Hong Kong public.” The country’s politicians aren’t buying it, and have launched a Facebook campaign urging the Italian company to apologize.
Do you think Dolce & Gabbana has a case to answer?
[Source: Dolce & Gabbana]
[Image Source: K.rol 2007/Flickr]
