South Korean Fashion has maintained a unique style which has influenced worldwide trends .
History
For numerous ages Koreans wore white hanbok a traditional apparel. This tradition is believed to have stemmed from the Three Kingdoms period. To Koreans, white traditionally symbolises simplicity, integrity, innocence and nobility.
The South Korean fashion of moment began in the late 1800s with an intertwining of western influences.
Before that point, during the Joseon period( 1392- 1897), the Korean hanbok was the typical fashion choice. Hanboks comported of a blouse and loose- befitting pants or skirt.
For women, they wore a jeongi (blouse or jacket) and a chima (skirt); and men wore jeongi and baji (pants).
Hanboks were everyday wear and tear with lavish performances worn by the nobility. During this period, makeup was made from natural accoutrements and traditionally simple. still, by the lates with the appearance of westerners and Japanese influence, Korean fashion and makeup began to lose its traditional style and rudiments.
Present
In the 1950s western clothing was introduced in South Korea and in the 1980s, the ready made fashion industry started which lead to present where Korean Fashion has become popular internationally.
Designers
Korean designers appeared actively on the global stage, with their designs being shown all over the world.
Lately, the government has supported designers, and also ones who are less successful in the
domestic economy are beginning to advance abroad.
- Moon Young Hee
She is a designer who expresses Korean ideas in a modernistic way. By the end of the 1960s, she had worked as a designer in Wha Shin Renaun, and founded the ‘Moon boutique’ ready-made clothing brand in 1974. In 1992, she founded the ‘Moon Young Hee’ designer brand.
- Andre Kim
He was a South Korean fashion designer based in Seoul , South Korea . He was known predominantly for his evening and wedding gown collections.
- Andersson Bell
He is a Korean designer brand that is rising in popularity and whose clothing is inspired by both Korean and Scandinavian cultures. This brand is selling well in the European market and is also placed in the Net-A-Porter online shopping platform
Fashion Shows
There are many fashion shows organised in South Korea to show off the beautiful and creative works of many designers.
- SEOUL FASHION WEEK
The Seoul Fashion Week is a global fashion event held twice a year in the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons.
The Fashion Weeks are held in March and October in South Korea, and are followed by shows in New York City, Paris, London and Milan.
The Seoul Fashion Week is split into three parts:
1. The Seoul Collection: A high-end Korean fashion event. The collection is among some of the biggest in Korean fashion.
2. Generation Next is an upcoming fashion design program for Korean designers. It concentrates on designers with fewer than 5 years of experience. Unique appearance and creative thinking are emphasized in this section.
3. The Seoul Fashion Fair is an exhibition showcasing Korean fashion companies. Its mission is to grow Korean fashion companies by helping to build business partnerships to compete in the global fashion market. It is easy for companies to get a spot at the fair.
- KOREA STYLE WEEK 2013
Korea Style Week was an exhibition at COEK in Korea in 2013. It combined a fashion show format with that of a fair for the first time in Korea. This was done to make it easy to find new designers and fashion online.
It was an opportunity for companies to introduce the public to their products. This was done by creating events like styling classes, runways, flea markets, etc.
- K-Collection in Seoul Fashion Concert
The K-Collection was last held on 11 March 2012, at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul.The event was hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization, and featured performances by K-pop artists such as MBLAQ, Infinite , Big Bang , IU , Girls’ Generation , and Miss A . The fashion show featured (among others) collections by 2PLACEBO, 8seconds, Kappa, and Skin Food .
Fashion in K-POP
Before a K-pop group’s debut, entertainment companies work closely with stylists and designers to develop a concept aligning with the group’s music and image.
Iconic outfits are a signature feature of K-pop groups, often defining their brand. These outfits are thoughtfully designed or curated to make a statement and leave a lasting impression on fans.
Fashion among students
Many universities in South Korea teach students about fashion styles and designing . Few universities which have Fashion Designing courses are Seoul National University , Yonsei University , Korea University , Ewha Women’s University and many more .
Modelling
Modelling has also been a popular profession in South Korea to showcase the work of designers .
Fashion Magazines
- ELLE KOREA
ELLE magazine is one of the most recommended fashion magazines in South Korea. They publish monthly content on luxury brands , beauty tips . Their Korean publications include exclusive interviews with fashion leaders and famous kpop idols.
- GQ KOREA
The Korean magazine is well known for it’s celebrity titles. Recently, BTS members landed as the Korean Magazine cover models.
- VOGUE KOREA
Vogue is the fashion industry’s bible , publishing one issue a month. Vogue Korea does not take it lightly to pick their Korean magazine cover.
Kpop stars BTS and BLACKPINK landed as cover on Vogue Korea . BTS fashioned Louis Vuitton collection .
In conclusion , South Korean fashion has become a rising sensation all over the world. It will keep evolving and designers will discover more styles and designs to bring Korean Fashion a new stage in the Fashion World .
Author : Yashika Apoorva