There are still very few brands from South Korea in the fashion industry, but in the very near future everything can change dramatically.
Clothing from JUUN.J, Wooyoungmi and Gentle Monster sunglasses have already managed to catch the fancy of consumers from various countries, showing that not only electronics and cars, but also fashionable things can be created in the Land of Morning Calm. Other Korean fashion brands that have received this level of recognition are few and far between, but that is changing.
So, in 2019, a newcomer like KANGHYUK from South Korea presented a collection in Paris and was even nominated for an LVMH award. As for streetwear, G-Dragon's PEACEMINUSONE brand continues to gain popularity among Korean style fans. The brand has even managed to become famous among sneaker lovers thanks to the collaboration with Nike, which resulted in the elegant G-Dragon PEACEMINUSONE x Nike Air Force 1 Low.
In fact, today in Korea there are many fashion brands and a whole layer of designers has developed. And we can expect that in the near future they will be able to gain recognition from a wide audience from all over the world. In the meantime, here are 9 of the most influential Korean brands that have the greatest chance of becoming world famous.
EASTLOGUE
Launched in 2011, EASTLOGUE by designer Lee Donkey continues to innovate clothing for outdoor enthusiasts. Under it, simple yet comfortable clothes are produced, which are often distinguished by a complex color palette, as well as all kinds of accessories.
Youth Lab
As the name implies, the products of this brand are designed mainly for the youth audience. It is comfortable and practical, created from progressive fabrics and has a rather simple cut, sometimes with unusual additions, such as fringe or original seams. Youth Lab clothing is highly popular in the country and can be purchased from leading Korean retailers such as Beaker, IAM-SHOP and 29CM.
POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF)
Founded in 2018, this young label has developed its own design language. We are engaged in both classic, even conservative clothes, included in the RIGHT category, and frankly experimental models of the LEFT category with unusual asymmetric shapes. There is also a category "CENTER", which includes something in between the two above.
JOEGUSH
The brand's clothing often combines classic shapes with unexpected twists borrowed from styles such as punk or American alternative rock. As a result, sometimes very unusual models are obtained, containing many contrasting and even opposite elements, while looking very harmonious.
JICHOI
This brand is expanding the number of fans, releasing not only extensive seasonal collections, but also single models. He often has models that are characterized by a rather unusual appearance, with hints of a sporty style. The latest JICHOI collection features a laconic choice of fabrics in a muted palette of dark colors.
BLACKMERLE
The brand, founded by designer Terry Sheen, can be described as "violent imagination in the spirit of maximalism." They sometimes look like they were made for dystopian science fiction, using a variety of unfamiliar materials and unfamiliar textures. This is a great choice for lovers of unorthodox design principles.
KUSIKOHC
This brand, founded by famous photographer Cho Gi-Suk, is an example of avant-garde, sometimes unexpected things are produced under it. Each collection is divided into three categories: exhibits, ready-to-wear and jewelry. The first includes items made to order, more like works of art. Mass products fall into the second category. As for the third, when creating the things included in it, products from precious metals are actively used. Interestingly, KUSIKOHC products can only be purchased via the Internet, the brand is only hatching plans to open its first brand store in Seoul.
WE11DONE
WE11DONE (pronounced "well done") was founded in 2011 as an extension of the Rare Market concept store. He has already built up a strong fan base in Korea, but is still largely unknown in the rest of the world. Designers draw inspiration from the fashion of the late 90s and early 2000s, managing to combine both "street" and sophistication. Dynamic silhouettes here often coexist with a very unusual cut.
young n sang
The brand was founded in 2017 and is positioned as a manufacturer of high-quality and environmentally friendly men's clothing. The brand was founded by two Korean designers who had previously managed to attract attention in the domestic market. The style they use can be described as whimsical. Despite the fact that the brand is still quite new to the market, it clearly has great potential, which will certainly be revealed in the near future.
