Chanel cosmetics and perfumes are becoming the latest status symbol among North Korea\u2019s elite, as wealthy people in cities like Hoeryong and Chongjin increasingly favor the French luxury brand over traditional South Korean products like Sulwhasoo.<\/p>\n
\u201cChanel cosmetics and perfume are very popular with wealthy donju<\/em> in major cities in North Hamgyong province, such as Hoeryong and Chongjin, particularly lipstick and cushion foundation,\u201d a Daily NK source in North Hamgyong province said recently, referring to North Korea’s wealthy entrepreneurial class.<\/p>\n People like lipstick and cushion foundation as they keep wearers looking good without being garish and can be applied throughout the day, while perfume has a distinct, subtle odor that lasts a while after spraying it on at home, the source said.<\/p>\n According to the source, customs officials crack down hard on products with Korean-language labels, but products labeled in foreign languages pass customs relatively smoothly. As a result, foreign brands have begun flowing into the country in greater numbers, with North Koreans holding them in increasingly high regard.<\/p>\n In the border city of Hoeryong, official trade with China through customs has been vibrant, with ethnic Chinese residents of North Korea \u2014 or hwagyo<\/em> \u2014 bringing in an increasing number of products as they move back and forth between North Korea and China.<\/p>\nSmuggling and status: How Chanel reaches N. Korea’s wealthy\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n