Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana apologized to Hong Kong residents for allegedly discriminating against them in connection with taking shop window photos in Hong Kong.
“We understand that the incidents that took place in front of the Dolce & Gabbana boutique on Canton Street have hurt Hong Kongers' feelings. Therefore we are very sorry and we apologize, "Dolce and Gabbana were quoted as saying by the news agencies AFP and bbc.co.uk.
The incident in question is the alleged ban on Hong Kong residents taking photos of Dolce & Gabbana shop windows from the sidewalk, while the ban is said to not apply to tourists from mainland China and from other countries.
Hundreds of people staged a demonstration in front of Dolce & Gabbana's flagship store in Hong Kong last weekend after reports emerged that security forces and shopkeepers banned Hong Kongers from taking photos of Dolce & Gabbana etalae.
Citizens' anger was also conveyed via the internet by setting up special accounts to protest what was said to be a violation of their rights.
The protests of Hong Kong residents started on January 8th.
Initially the Italian fashion house rejected the criticism but finally issued a statement.
"Dolce & Gabbana's policy is to welcome Hong Kongers and citizens from all corners of the world with respect for individual rights and local laws," said a Dolce & Gabbana statement.
The growth in sales of luxury goods in Hong Kong has recently increased rapidly in line with the increase in welfare in mainland China as many Chinese citizens buy luxury goods of Western products in Hong Kong shops.
But some Hong Kongers feel luxury shops prefer mainland Chinese consumers as well as Western tourists. (Mel / BBC / ddhongkong.org). *
