AT 12 years young, Seoul Fashion Week is a relative newcomer when it comes to international celebrations of style and design. But with 110 of the country’s best designers on show, Seoul’s relative youth is proving no barrier to success.
The Asian design hub is growing from underground sensation to globally recognized style leader. Seoul Fashion Week acts as a window into some of the biggest trends coming out of Asia. This year saw press and buyers gather from across the world to check out the country’s freshest upcoming talent — both emerging and established.
Fans of Korean fashion, particularly from Hong Kong and Japan, keep a close eye on new designers and trends coming out of Seoul each season. The revival of the adidas Superstar sneaker, for example, sold out across Hong Kong soon after it was spotted on streets of the Korean capital.
A South Korean takeover of the International Woolmark Prize (a worldwide competition dedicated to discovering upcoming “it” designers) confirmed the country’s place among the cream of world fashion.
The prize — which has been credited for the discovery of big fashion names such as Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent — is first conducted within specific geographical regions including Asia, Australia, and Europe. Then, each regional finalist enters the grand finale for a global showdown.
This year, the entire Asian region will be represented by two Korean designers: Munsoo Kwon (menswear) and J Koo(womenswear). Both are noted regulars on the stages of Seoul Fashion Week.
In addition to dominating Asian clothing and apparel trends, Korean names are also taking over accessories and footwear, with designers such as Suecomma Bonnie steadily growing from hometown favorites to internationally acclaimed names.
Recognized by her loud pop-art inspired designs, Bonnie started as the preferred choice of Korean celebrities and pop stars, but is now a regular on the streets of New York and London.
Recognizing these independent designers as tastemakers of Korean fashion, CNN Style takes a glimpse at fashions by Munsoo Kwon, J Koo and Suecomma Bonnie in the gallery above. (Zahra Jamshed)
Link: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/18/fashion/korean-fashion-designer-profiles/index.html
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