Chairman Choi Byung-oh of Hyungji Meets Designer Castelbajac in Paris

As Part of Accelerating "Global Hyungji"

Fashion Group Hyungji announced on the 11th that Chairman Choi Byung-oh met with designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in Paris, France on the 10th.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is a national designer representing France and is known as the king of primary colors for his vivid and brilliant color sense. Recently, he took charge of the clergy costumes for the reopening of Notre-Dame, receiving high praise with comments such as "Notre-Dame has been reborn," marking his second heyday. He also gained attention for designing outfits for Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump.

This meeting was part of Chairman Choi Byung-oh’s efforts to strengthen the cooperative relationship for Castelbajac’s globalization. It is also interpreted as a move to further empower second-generation executive Vice Chairman Choi Jun-ho, who is leading the realization of a "Global Hyungji."

Chairman Choi and Castelbajac agreed to strengthen cooperation locally in France. In addition to existing golf wear, plans to diversify products into sportswear through collaboration with Hyungji Elite and Hyungji I&C were also discussed.

Furthermore, Chairman Choi expressed his intention to invite Castelbajac to Korea. Since next year marks the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations, they are also considering holding a special exhibition.

Chairman Choi is focusing on Castelbajac’s unique and creative design value and brand expansion potential. Accordingly, he acquired the domestic trademark in 2014 and launched Castelbajac golf wear in 2015. In 2016, Castelbajac was spun off from Fashion Group Hyungji as a new corporation and acquired the global trademark by purchasing the French headquarters 'PMJS S.A.S.' The brand plans to further expand its business in Europe, the United States, and ASEAN regions, including the birthplace of the French designer brand.

Chairman Choi put special effort into acquiring Castelbajac. From June 12 to 26, 2015, he invited Jean-Charles de Castelbajac to hold the first Asian art exhibition at Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. In March 2016, to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations, Castelbajac came to Korea as a representative French artist and performed an installation art performance at the King Sejong statue in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, with Chairman Choi’s support.

Castelbajac is expanding its presence beyond Korea to overseas markets. It is expanding its distribution network by cooperating with ‘100Golf,’ China’s number one online golf equipment mall and golf specialty store, and supplying products to various online and offline channels including department stores in Taiwan through a partnership with local fashion distribution company ‘Kingborn.’

Chairman Choi Byung-oh said, “During my visit to France, I met with the Castelbajac origin designer and agreed on the need for cooperation to expand the market,” adding, “I will continue active exchanges with Castelbajac and make even greater efforts to enhance the brand value.”