In living memory, South Korea has exploded from a war-torn nation in the late 1950s to a leading cultural powerhouse in the early 2000s. Its capital, Seoul, is the epicenter of a fashion extravaganza that has turned millions into imitators and cult followings.
I still remember that night.Sitting on the edge of my white rattan couch, staring at my 13-inch Mac, Korean Minju Kim — shy, slightly giggling, with casual ponytail and apron — is sewing a patterned white wedding dress The slacks were paired with an apron skirt, a floral maxi skirt and a pink cropped jacket for the finale next fad (2020) on Netflix. I’m silently rooting for Minju Kim, the young Seoul-based designer known for her bold prints, vibrant colors and cheerful energy from hems. I am no stranger to Minju Kim. I know she has been designing since 2015, having sewed clothing for K-pop groups BTS and Red Velvet.That night, Minju Kim was crowned next fad winner.
That wasn’t my first exposure to Korean fashion. Hallyu, as they say. The Korean wave, which is popular all over the world, is popular all over the world, and everyone is fascinated by it and follow suit one after another. streetwear. coordination set. Wear an A-line skirt with a button-down shirt or a simple long-sleeved top, beret and loafers. Oversized jacket. Beanie and scarf. Pastels and bright candy colors on the same lean body with glass skin.
Long before Minju Kim stole the show, I was feeling sloppy in Seoul. In the biting cold, I wrapped myself in a hundred pieces of merino wool, while the women of Seoul walked around in tiny skirts, big boots, fancy coats, and fancier hats. As I waited at the other end of the street, women crossed the crossing like models on a ramp—almost like photos from a fashion catalog coming off the pages of a book and onto a sidewalk crossing. What about men? Manicured, trimmed, shaved, moussed, and impeccably dressed, whether it’s sharp tailoring or casual street style. Not many men can look so stylish in casual attire. Men in Seoul are like that.
Korean fashion has come a long way from the Joseon era (1392-1897), when Hanbok was all the rage, to the Japanese occupation, when men had to cut off the topknot and women started wearing trousers, reimagining the military in Joseon Worn after the war and the birth of the 70’s counterculture to protest the harsh political environment and more recently all the influences of K-pop.
Here’s a quick look at all the trendy must-sees, must-visit, must-buy, must-do and fashion don’ts in Seoul in the new year:
Korean fashion trends for 2023
· Oversized T-shirts
· Loose trousers
· Fisherman’s hat
· Ribbed shirts
· pastel colors
· A-line skirt.
· modern Hanbok (Hanbok (Korean traditional clothing)
Best shopping options: YesStyle, Won Yong’s, Unnielooks, Kooding
The Best of Korean Fashion:
Gentle Monster: Sunglasses
Andersson Bell: Korean Style With a Minimalist Scandinavian Touch
Yuul Yie: shoes with unusual color combinations, architectural block heels and unique shapes
Kim Young Jin: Traditional Korean Dress
Reike Nen: Shoes and Bags
EENK: sustainable fashion
Tibaeg: T-shirt
Steve J. and Yoni P: Denim
MUNN: generally known as K-designer royalty
DeMaker: Refurbished classics and unique interpretations of current trends
Lucky Chouette: for young people
D-Antidote: cross-border menswear and womenswear, gender fluid style
R-Shemiste: Grunge Style
87mm: Urban Chic Vibes
Ader Error: Another Minimalism in Everyday Street Fashion
Lie Sang Bon: traditional influences and innovative techniques
BMUET(TE): androgynous and striking silhouette
BonBom: Bike Couture Style
Cahiers: French-inspired labels
Vimun Studio: womenswear known for classic and relaxed silhouettes
What not to wear in Seoul
· Leggings are for the gym, not for other places
· Breastless tops
·Backless
· Bikinis are a big no-no.wear shorts or a jumpsuit
· Off-shoulder or one-shoulder dresses/tops
· Topless vest (spaghetti straps)
· Jogging in a sports bra
· Men, don’t wander around shirtless
· Men should not use bold colors
· Men’s shorts should not be too short; they should be above the knee
· No jeans and Converse shoes for business meetings
where to shop in seoul
Affordable Fashion: Myeongdong Market has more than 1,000 shops selling clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and handbags.
For luxury brands: Apgujeong, an upscale shopping district lined with chic designer stores, department stores and beauty clinics.
For all things retro: The Insadong district is home to dozens of vintage shops, vintage stores, bookstores and teahouses.
Must See: Hallyu – Hallyu at the Victoria and Albert Museum (London)
The Hallyu! Hallyu exhibition explores the making of Hallyu through film, drama, music and fandom, and highlights its cultural impact on the beauty and fashion industries. The exhibit features approximately 200 objects, as well as pop culture ephemera and digital representations of four themed sections.
The Making K-Beauty & Fashion section showcases cosmetic packaging from the 13th century to the present, as well as more than 20 looks from contemporary hanboks and fashion designers from Korea and the Korean diaspora.On display are renowned stylist Suh Younghee’s exclusive looks for the V&A, as well as C-ZANN E’s K-pop hanbok, Danha’s pink jacket and purple Philosophy Dresses by Tchai Kim draw inspiration from traditional garments and patterns. The section also showcases hanbok-inspired everyday wear designed for and by the younger generation, including looks by Ji Won Choi, Darcycom, and BaekOak Soo, a modern hanbok coat designed by BTS for RM in 2018.
The exhibition runs until June 25, 2023
Must-see: The Simone Handbag Museum in Seoul
Housed in a 10-storey handbag-shaped building, the Simone Handbag Museum is the first museum in the world devoted entirely to handbags. From the 1500s to the 21st century, the museum houses around 350 handbags of great value in the history of fashion, collected from prestigious official auctions and international collectors around the world. The History Hall features wooden cabinets in harmony with the atmosphere of the period. It feels like a private collection owned by an aristocratic Victorian family. A contemporary gallery in white metal showcases stylish handbags from the 1900s to the present. It looks like a laboratory and also reminds the audience of the back of a stage, with piles of props.
