Fashion experts selected five Korean designers to show in Paris as part of the “K-Fashion Project in Paris” project, testing the public’s response to Korean designers in the Western market. A show, pop-up shop, and collaboration all in one.

Sponsored by the Korea Research Institute for Fashion Industry, Taeyong Ko of Beyond Closet, Bumsuk Choi of General Idea, Kathleen Kye of Kye, Jinhee Moon of Moon J, and Eunae Cho of Ti:baeg set off to Paris to show the French how Koreans do—and boy, did they.

BEYOND CLOSET, Taeyong Ko

Beyond Closet is a brand reinterpreting the classic, American prep aesthetic. Titling his S/S ’18 collection “A New Order”, Ko says it’s all about attitude. Loose-fitting pieces, bermuda shorts, and casual suits give this a ‘college boy’ vibe, with the mix of plaid and crocodile skin amongst primary blues and reds to take it up a notch. From the beach to a date, this picturesque collection will have you seeing stars in no time.

GENERAL IDEA, Bumsuk Choi

Choi believes that if no one wears his designs, they are no longer clothes, but ornaments. The mind behind General Idea created vivid visuals for his S/S ’18 collection, focusing on seaside blues, regal purples, and sunshine yellows. Stark color blocks, wrist details, and funky bags may be the first thing to catch your eye, but you’ll stay for the lengthy silhouettes, paisley, and ’70s mood.

KYE, Kathleen Kye

A collection as young and carefree as the designer herself, the pieces shine in sparkling and satin fabrics. The Central Saint Martins graduate goes back to the basics of color, instead focusing on ruching and ruffles—Who knew it could create such a simple, yet bold headband? Decked out in different shades of denim, fringed hems, and a new attitude, the concept of ‘fate being in your own hands’ comes to life.

MOON J, Jinhee Moon

Inspired by the artist Umberto Marianin, Moon took her classic, feminine style and gave it a twist for her S/S ’18 collection. While incorporating past popular trends, like cut-out shoulders and wide-leg pants, the collection’s focus on stripes almost gave it a masculine feel. But, bold ruffles and floppy hats steered it back towards a whirlwind of romance.

TI:BAEG, Eunae Cho

Pronounced ‘teabag’, Cho’s collection Ti:baeg utilized a tea leaf print while dipping each look into a rich jewel tone. Cho’s concept centers on the word ‘cha’. In Chinese, it means tea, a pretty girl, and a camellia. Transformed into a sweet, delicate collection, the flirty dresses and skirts were dressed down with sweaters, hoodies, and sneakers. And the metallic sheen was almost celestial as the models glided down the runway. A piece of art in the making.

Photos: Totem Fashion Paris