Chimento strives for glittery, Gucci cachet in local market

The name Chimento doesn’t roll off Koreans’ tongues like Bulgari or Gucci, but perhaps that’s only a matter of time.
The Italian jewelry company recently entered the Korean market, using a fashion show at the Marriott in southern Seoul as its launch pad. More than 500 guests were invited to the affair, one of the largest launches in Chimento’s history. “After this event, the name Chimento will be remembered in the participants’ hearts,” said Mario Chimento, the company’s president. “For us, that’s already a great start.”
Mr. Chimento’s father, Adriano, founded Chimento as a supplier of gold bands for wristwatches in Vicenza, Italy, in 1964. The company has since developed bands that can be reversed and stretched, while conforming to the wearer’s movements.
Expanding its product line and entering the retail market, Chimento is now one of Italy’s most successful jewelers. Its products are sold in more than 2,000 stores worldwide.
“In Korea, we haven’t yet earned a big reputation like Bulgari or Gucci,” notes Mr. Chimento. “But we aim to build brand recognition and a reputation for quality.”
Chimento has opened two shops in Seoul at the Shinsegae Department Store in Gangnam and at Samsung Plaza in Bundang.

by Ines Cho