The fashion evolution of North Korea’s first lady

Outgoing outfits: Ri’s penchant for voguish and colourful dresses instead of the hanbok or traditional monochromatic outfits has only added to her appeal. — AFP, Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

WHEN Kim Jong-un, the totalitarian leader of North Korea, visited a cosmetics factory recently, observers noted that it was perhaps an attempt to show his softer side, shifting the conversation “from missiles to moisturisers”.

That he toured the facility with his demure wife, Ri Sol-ju, certainly helped, and also drew attention to an elusive figure in one of the most secretive countries in the world.