All-black 'Dolce & Gabbana look' of Hotel Shilla CEO, sister of Samsung chairman, turns heads at annual shareholder meeting

By KTimes

Lee Boo-jin, CEO of Hotel Shilla, drew attention once again for her impeccable fashion sense at this year’s shareholders’ meeting, opting for an all-black ensemble from the Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana.

On Thursday, Lee attended the Hotel Shilla shareholders’ meeting at the company’s headquarters in downtown Seoul. She wore a black “double-breasted cordonetto lace and wool crêpe coat” from Dolce & Gabbana, black long boots, and silver earrings. The dress is made in Italy and is currently listed on the brand’s official Korean website for 9.1 million won ($6,800).

Her all-black outfit for the 2025 meeting stands in stark contrast to her 2024 appearance, when she wore an all-white suit from British designer label Alexander McQueen. That look was highlighted by the striking embroidery on the white jacket.

Although Lee keeps a relatively low profile in the media, her appearances at annual shareholder meetings consistently showcase her reputation as a fashion icon in the business world. Her understated yet luxurious style has been widely recognized in the fashion industry as a prime example of the “old money” look — high-end but logo-free.

“Many experts predict that Hotel Shilla’s business environment this year will be more challenging than in previous years,” Lee said during the meeting. “At times like this, we must focus on the core nature of each business, launch compelling products from the customer’s perspective, and improve profitability through operational efficiency.”

She also said, “In the travel retail sector, we will pursue differentiation by proactively maintaining a diverse range of brands and products that meet evolving traveler demands. We will also carry out various initiatives to restore customer interest and appeal in duty-free shopping, which has declined since the pandemic.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.