Enter the ‘imaginarium‘ of these high-end labels.
We don’t just mean geographically when we say Asian and Western cultures are two worlds apart. Each segment market has its own distinctive style. However, one Asian country, in particular, is noted for its unique fashion scene, and that country is South Korea. Besides, this is largely due in part to the rising popularity of stylish K-pop celebrities such as G-Dragon, BTS, and Jennie, as well as an increase in the number of homegrown, luxury Korean fashion brands.
Here are eight well-known luxury Korean fashion brands to start following right away!
GENTLE MONSTER
If you’ve been following local Gentle Monster, founded by CEO Hankook Kim in 2011, it is a go-to eyewear brand in Korea, and since then, it quickly expanded globally. Gentle Monster has been seen on celebrities such as Jennie Kim, Rihanna, Hailey Bieber and Lil Nas X. This brand is known for its trendsetting designs that are actually a mix of modern classics and retro-futuristic. From Anna Wintour-style sunglasses to experimental frames made of mock pencils and matches, they have it all. The silhouettes are classic, but they have a distinct edge to them.
ANDERSSON BELL
Andersson Bell is a Seoul-based fashion label founded in 2018 by DoHun Kim. The brand contrasts Korean urban street style with minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics. Some highlights of their collection include asymmetric skirts and shirts along with baggy pants and blazers. Tie-dye patterns and unconventional cut-out constructions on jerseys, mesh, and knit tops create a collection that is both modern and timeless.
MINJUKIM
Yuul Yie, a Korean footwear brand founded by Sunyull Yie in 2010, creates made-to-order shoes from Italian leather using only the finest materials. The brand aspires to be high-end, representing both unique classiness and trendy casuals. Yuul Yie offers eye-catching comfort and style as mutually inclusive concepts in everything from mules to pumps.
THE VOLON
Volon is most likely the first Korean brand to achieve global recognition and phenomenal success in the luxury high-fashion segment. Founded in 2013 by creative director Eujung Jang, the brand has quickly gained the attention of fashion lovers out there.
WNDERKAMMER
The luxury label’s name is derived from the German word “wunderkammer,” which means “curious cabinet.” Wnderkammer, founded in 2010 by designer Hye Young Shin, has a large collection of dresses with a timeless style. The designs are contemporary, minimalistic, and simple – ‘understand charisma’ as described by the brand. What we like about this brand is that the womenswear label is known for using natural and eco-friendly fabrics such as lyocell, silk, and cotton.
KYE
If you are a Kardashian fan, especially Kourtney, you’ve likely spotted some Kye pieces in her wardrobe. It started when Kathleen Hanhee Kye’s brand debuted at Seoul Fashion Week two years after she graduated with a Master’s in Fashion (Menswear) from Central Saint Martins in London. Also, the career of models such as Bae Yoon-young and Jung Hoyeon has kicked off from the brand’s support in Korea.
HYEIN SEO
Hyein Seo began her career in fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in fashion design. During her school years, she has attracted much attention, far more than a typical student. For the Fall/Winter 2014 season, she debuted her Fear collection at V Files Made Fashion in New York. So, what exactly is the style? Hyein Seo is all about twisted beauty, bringing bad girl style to Antwerp. This is evident in many of her collections, which feature stunning women dressed in non-traditional attire.
GOEN.J
Goen.J was founded in 2012 after Designer Goen Jong returned from France, and defined the brand as contemporary romanticism with its lingerie-inspired silhouette and sheer materials. Michelle Pfeiffer wore a GOEN.J outfit on the cover of The Edit in 2017. Han Ye-Ri, a South Korean actress, was also seen wearing a GOEN.J white pleated wrap dress in 2016.
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Featured image by Gentle Monster.
