North Korean authorities have banned leather trench coats for its people since it became a style staple for ruler Kim Jong-Un.
The leather coat was first worn by the leader Kim Jong-Un in 2019, after which it became popular among North Korea’s elite class eager to show their allegiance to him as among those who could afford real leather.
As per an International Business Times report, the item had also become popular among women after Kim’s sister Yo Jong was seen wearing one earlier in November.
Fashion police officers have been deployed to patrol the streets to confiscate faux leather jackets from those selling or wearing them.
Radio Free Asia quoted a source who claimed that after Kim and cohort’s TV appearance wearing leather coats, the fashion item became a symbol of power. Thereafter, since September of this year, private merchants asked trading officials to import synthetic leather and the design worn by Kim was copied.
