Seoul Fashion Week is hailed for having the best street style. But thatâs not all, some of the most innovative Asian designers have their runway shows here, too. The five-day event kicked off on March 16 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul.
It was the first time that Seoul Fashion Week returned after a three year hiatus due to the pandemic. A major highlight was the trade show, a gathering of buyers and industry insiders where 120 brands showcased their latest collections to 500 local and overseas buyers from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Dubai, and beyond.
This 22nd edition featured 2023 fall-winter collections from a crop of talented designers, proving that Seoul is a burgeoning fashion capital. K-fashion is on the rise and much of it is genderless. Here are some of the designer highlights.
Maison Nica
Maison Nica is a brand founded by designer Monica Koh, who spent a number of years living in Italy, working as a tailor for Italian fashion houses, including Alta Sartoria in Milan and Dal Cuore in Naples. She launched her newest line at Seoul Fashion Week, which is inspired by a fictional planet called Gaia, which is set in the year 2123. The futuristic looks are both glamorous and otherworldly, giving a science fiction touch to party pieces. The hair on the runway show was memorable.
MMAM
MMAM is a Seoul-based womenswear brand founded by Hyun Park, who sets out to give traditional pieces (like raincoats, trench coats and blazers) a unique spin. Expect the unexpectedâlike blazer lapels or collars on the backs of pieces, or asymmetrical cuts. Inspired by both graffiti and streetwear, itâs all a part of Parkâs playful approach to high fashion.
Greedilous
Greedilous is one of the most talked about fashion brands coming out of Seoul. Founded in 2009 by Park Yoon-hee, her bright, bold colors and styles took over the runway at Seoul Fashion Week. With graphic prints, outrageous makeup and playful looks were at the heart of her runway show (no wonder she is known as the âqueen of printsâ). Celebrities are fans of her pieces too, including Beyonce, Paris Hilton and Anne Hathaway.
Seokwoon Yoon
Inspired by historical cuts and modern art, Seokwoon Yoon turns to oversized pieces for this seasonâs collection. With unconventional cuts and unique construction, he truly used creative draping for this new collection. The Seoul-based designer fuses the influences of Berlin and New York in his fashionâfinding the beauty in these two cities he has lived in.
Anonymouth
This unisex brand has a logo of a baclava, so it makes sense they want to bring an anonymous touch to their looks, while still making a statement. It’s not about fading into the background, rather the goal of the brand is to look at the garments, not the brand name. Even a no-name brand item can shake things up, after all. This season, Anony Mouthâs looks this season were inspired by streetwear, workwear and offered an upscale touch on sporty looks.