Gabriele Colangelo, the homonymous brand of the Italian designer, opened a flagship store at Beijing China World Mall on July 31. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colangelo could not make it to China in person, but delivered a speech through video. He said: "Clothes tell us stories, and the designer is a kind of storyteller. If you feel comfortable in what you wear because it represents you and makes you feel better, you will face different moments of your life with greater awareness and self-confidence. I am happy to embark on a new expansion path for my eponymous brand by entering into the Asia market and opening my first boutique in the world."