Leather jackets and military-style boots are flying off marketplace shelves as North Koreans emulate Kim Jong Un’s televised wardrobe, with vendors celebrating rebounding sales after a sluggish fall season.
“Jackets with short (faux) fur and leather jackets have been hot sellers at marketplaces this winter. In addition to being warm and lightweight, they’re available in a range of colors, including white, scarlet, maroon and black. And since they’re not that expensive, selling for 50–120 Chinese yuan ($7–$17), many customers are seeking them out,” a source in Ryanggang province told Daily NK recently.
Demand for leather jackets has been rising among the North Korean populace, and among young people in particular, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his daughter Kim Ju Ae, and high-ranking officials are shown wearing leather jackets on television. This year, they have reportedly become even more popular after markets started selling leather jackets with cotton linings.
These faux fur jackets and leather jackets are generally made by North Korean dressmakers with fabric and other materials imported from China.
“Well-off individuals purchase foreign-made apparel smuggled into the country, but ordinary people buy affordable clothing assembled here (in North Korea). Nowadays clothing made of imported fabrics is thought to be of pretty decent quality,” the source said.
Market vendors who sell imported apparel of dubious origins can run afoul of the authorities, but domestically produced clothing is less likely to become a problem and is thus regarded as a reliable money maker.
Combat boots offer luxury look at affordable prices
In the case of footwear, leather work boots are said to be selling particularly well this year.
“In a region as snowy as Ryanggang province, people prefer ankle-high boots in the winter, which drives sales of tall leather combat boots. This year, the boots’ prices are similar to or even cheaper than the leather dress shoes released this fall, so customers are flocking to buy them,” the source said.
“Military boots from the Korean People’s Army have always been popular among young people. But these tall leather combat boots, though inspired by military issue boots, have a look of luxury. They’re particularly popular with men, who are pleased with how sharp they look.”
Leather combat boots have a market price range of 60–150 Chinese yuan ($8–$21), depending on quality.
Apparel and shoe vendors at markets have been clearly delighted to see their sales rebound after taking a hit this fall.
“People don’t buy a lot of clothing in the fall because it’s generally felt that fall apparel isn’t worn very long, and that’s especially true during the economic downturn. But now that temperatures are falling, winter clothing and shoes are flying off the shelves. In particular, vendors specializing in the popular short fur jackets, leather jackets and combat boots are gleeful about their financial good fortune,” the source said.
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