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If you are a fashion enthusiast, I'm sure along the way, you've heard of the "Big 4", the world's fashion capitals, meaning these major cities have a significant influence on international fashion trends. Beyond that, they are also places where design, production, retail, events, and shows, all related to fashion, generate and contribute to the growth of their economy.
Traditionally today, these four major fashion capitals are Milan, Paris, London, and New York.
But I bet that in the coming years, there will be changes in this lineup. Currently, fashion centers are forming all over the world, with the potential, capacity, and influence necessary to challenge these four fashion giants. Among them are Tokyo, Rome, Buenos Aires, and, among the stars of this article, Seoul, South Korea.
But before we dive into what it is now, let's go back to the very beginning.
If we go back to the Joseon period, between 1392 and 1897, hanboks were the general fashion trend. To simply describe the hanbok, it essentially consists of a blouse and loose bottoms. Pants for men and skirts for women. At that time, there weren't many clothing choices and the hanbok was the main garment. Although it was the only choice, the hanbok had different variations, with elite families and wealthy people wearing a more expensive version, and the contrast with the lower class was obvious.
The years 1910 to 1945 were difficult for South Korea as these were the years of Japanese occupation where they were stripped of their culture. With control by external forces, the hanbok was banned as a means to subjugate South Koreans to their culture. And under the influence of the Japanese and their fashion trends, Korean men had to wear suits and women pants. Accessories also became common as men started wearing hats and women occasionally carried handbags. Makeup was also a spectacle for women, with red lipstick being the most influential.
After the Korean War, between 1945 and 1950, South Korea experienced extreme poverty. As the war's consequences left the nation with little or no resources, South Koreans had to adapt and use KJP or 구제품 (ku-je-pum) fashion, which in English means "relief supply" as their clothing style. Since it was a consequence of the war, military uniforms were also abundant, so they also became a source of clothing and style.
It was also at this time that the traditional hanbok made its comeback after being banned during the Japanese occupation. With the end of the war, South Koreans regained their freedom to wear their traditional clothes.
Currently, despite the evolution and innovations in fashion over recent years, the hanbok can still be seen. Koreans still wear it during holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Lunar New Year, and at major events like weddings. And although it is a traditional garment, the hanbok enjoys international fame and is absolutely adored by foreigners due to the Hallyu wave and famous Korean historical dramas that have attracted this attention.
From 1950 to today, fashion and hanbok style have had a better future.
Although they were still struggling with poverty in the 1950s, fashion designers began to make a name for themselves and the first South Korean fashion show took place in 1956 at the Bando Hotel by fashion designer Nora Noh, who is currently one of the named founders of Korean fashion.
With the awakening of their heart for fashion and design came the rise of fashion designers. With this evolution, one of the best-known areas of Seoul, Myeongdong, became the epicenter of fashion, trends, and styles. Soon after, Myeongdong gradually filled with designers and their vision of fashion.
The 1960s were the true remodeling of South Korean fashion and the beginning of trends. As the workforce slowly got to work, stylists began producing clothes that emphasized mobility and comfort more. For women, thanks to singer Yoon Bok Hee, miniskirts became very popular. With her came makeup, and women highlighted themselves more than ever.
The 1970s and following years for South Korean fashion progressed roughly the same way as others. They also experienced the glory of see-through pants with hoop earrings and big sunglasses in the 70s. They also used fashion to creatively rebel against the traditional and strict government education by wearing bolder clothes.
South Korea also experienced the phase of baggy pants and chain fashion in the 80s, due to the influence of disco that appeared throughout the country. There was also the birth of bright colors and makeup, with women dressing more casually in jeans and t-shirts.
The 1990s and 2000s were the takeoff period of South Korean fashion due to the influence of the Hallyu Wave. Korean celebrities and idols are highly appreciated and favored by their fans worldwide and, in turn, have been strongly influenced by their fashion. With the rule of supply and demand, brands worldwide began to take an interest in Korean style and trends. Up to the year 2020, you can still see South Korea's dominant fashion in recent makeup and clothing styles trends. This is what is called today "K-Fashion."
If we are to talk about Korean fashion, I think it is fair that we start with the basics, everyday clothing and casual trends. The idols and Korean groups, bearers of growing influence, are at the center of attention when it comes to fashion styles and, although they are dressed in what could be the next big thing or the current trendy piece, it is still quite common to see them in casual city clothes.
Of course, fashion styles and trends are not immutable. They are in constant evolution and change every moment worldwide. But with South Korea, some things never change. And even if some parts of the population do not feel the need or desire to follow, these are still the commonly accepted guidelines for leisurewear in South Korea.
Exposing shoulders, part of the chest or stomach is not as controversial as a few decades ago, mainly due to the mixed influence of the West. Today, South Korean women love crop tops and tank tops.
But generally, South Korean values stem from their conservative nature. And if a woman were to dress elegantly and classily, even with basic everyday outfits and this mandate for clothing that does not reveal more than necessary, it is a common and attractive look for them. But as I mentioned, clothes that reveal shoulders and belly are now healthily accepted, but there is still some apprehension when it comes to pieces that expose a woman's cleavage.
However, bottoms are on a whole different part of the scale. Shorts and skirts are an absolute trend in South Korea and if the season allows, they are a basic everyday item. And if you wear shorts or skirts yourself, you know that underwear is a must to avoid revealing too much.
South Koreans, men and women, from head to toe, love to dress in oversized pieces. Whether it is an oversized shirt with skinny jeans or a sweater a few sizes bigger paired with jeans or a skirt.
It is a common trend in Korean Style, where clothes hide silhouettes. It is adorable on women and gives men a casual look. Overall, it is a comfortable fashion style.
I'm not too sure what is happening everywhere else in the world, but in South Korea, it is quite common to see a pair or two matching outfits. This does not necessarily mean they are exactly the same pieces, but rather that they are the same color or aesthetic.
Now that we have laid the foundations of K Fashion, it is high time to move to the upper pedestal. The Seoul Fashion Week is a fashion show held twice a year, during the spring/summer and fall/winter seasons. It is organized and sponsored by the city of Seoul and led by Inotion World Wide.
Seoul Fashion Week is generally divided into three parts. The first is the Seoul Collection, considered the high-end event of Korean fashion. The second is "Generation Next", a fashion creation program for designers with less than five years of experience. And the third and final part is the "The Seoul Fashion Fair", an exhibition showcasing Korean fashion companies with the mission to help these companies establish partnerships and become competitive globally.
Now that we know what Seoul Fashion Week is, let's look at the hottest trends that will shape South Korean fashion in the coming months of 2021.
Nowadays, everyone is up for bright and neon colors. It is a bit difficult to wear, but with the right amount of mixing, you will be more than just a bright person walking around, you will be an icon.
White outfits really offer such a pure and clean look and that is why they are so simple yet so appreciated by many.
Baggy jeans are making a comeback in the current era. It is a relaxing look but definitely elegant.
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