Tag: Fashion

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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

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Teaming up with Indian designer Bibhu Mohapatra and Forevermark diamonds, Narayan Jewellers graced the runways of New York Fashion Week. A unique collaboration, the jewelry brand was the first Indian fine jewelry brand to grace the runways of NYFW.

Mohapatra’s love for crisp details is a perfect match for Narayan, with the pair’s intense concentration on elegance and grace.

Narayan’s collection is inspired by the solar system, and each jewel is a sun, moon, star, or planet caught in orbit.

Want to see more? Check out MissMalini’s NYFW visit here.

Photos: GPS Radar

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NICKLAU designer Nicholas Lau, a 19 year old from Hong Kong, avoids the spring cliches of florals, flirty hemlines, and vivid color with his self-titled “WALK OF SHAME” collection.

The ‘walk of shame’ is a popular phrase for the morning after a sexual encounter, walking back home from another person’s place wearing the same clothes from the night before.  

NICKLAU’s collection utilizes this to bring to life the concept of a party girl in New York beginning the walk of shame back home. Missing articles of clothing, she unabashedly borrows pieces of her partner’s wardrobe. The result? A sporty, yet elegant look. 

NICKLAU keeps the overall collection simple, dipped in dark neutrals, yet feminine with form-fitting, belted pieces. Opting for touches of pinstripe and leather, one could very well mistake this for a fall collection. While an intriguing concept, the potential of the collection, including the retro film vibe of the photos, outweighed its execution. NICKLAU seems to have tried to take the safe route with these pieces; here’s hoping for Lau to reach his full potential.

Take a look at the photos below and tell us what you think about the “walk of shame”.

Photos: NICKLAU

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Guest Post by Samantha Braddy

With chilly nights and gentle fall winds just around the corner, you need to equip your wardrobe with a few transitional pieces that will get you through the season. However, if you’re not ready to say goodbye to summer, you’ll be glad to hear that your stylish fall outfits can keep their summer flair. Here are several essential pieces that will keep you warm and stylish all through fall. 

1. Cardigan

There’s no outfit you can’t wear with a lovely cardigan. Not only will the perfect cardigan keep you warm and cozy on chilly nights, but it will also help you create a layered and chic look. It’s one of those pieces that you can pair with almost any outfit. If your style is bohemian, wear a beautiful patterned cardigan over that white summer dress. Or, for a casual look, try a loose boyfriend cardigan over a long tank top and a pair of skinny jeans. 

2. Floral Dress

Don’t store away your lovely floral dresses just yet, because they will help you keep the summer spirit all through fall. Wear a woven sweater over a floral dress to stay warm on chilly days, or you can add several layers and use a belt to tie the look together. If you’re a rocker at heart, pair your floral dress with a leather jacket and black leather boots, and you’re bound to rock the fashion scene.

3. Long-sleeve Dress

Not only do long-sleeve dresses come in a variety of styles, they are the perfect choice for the transitional period. On formal occasions, you can wear a fitted long-sleeve dress paired with classic heels. Or, if you’re planning to go on vacation, you can find gorgeous kaftans online and wear them with booties or knee-high boots in the evening.

4. Off-the-Shoulder Top

Off-the-shoulder tops are perfect for creating a casual, yet sensual, look that draws attention to your shoulders. During the summer, you probably wore it with denim shorts for a classic look; however, on those chilly fall nights, skinny trousers and booties are your best friends. To add some personality, grab a patterned scarf or fun crossbody bag. 

5. Safari Shirt

A beautiful safari shirt is yet another piece perfect for fall, as you transition from denim shorts to denim jeans. For a down-to-earth, casual look, tuck your safari shirt into a long skirt, or go for a pencil skirt and kitten heels for a chic, elegant vibe.

6. A Cool Jacket

A statement jacket is a must-have piece that will complete any fall outfit. A stylish, high-quality jacket is definitely worth investing in, because it can last you for years. An edgy leather jacket is a perfect choice for urban looks or to spice up light, feminine pieces. For a more sophisticated look, try a suede jacket with white skinny jeans and block heels.

7. Pencil Skirt

A trendy pencil skirt does not only accentuate your figure; it also elevates your fall outfits. If your style is more posh, you can wear a pencil skirt with a lace shirt and classic heels. And if you’re into more of a casual and cozy look, you can pair it with a loose sweater and sneakers.

 

Taking notes? The weather may be getting colder, but these 7 pieces will help you make the most of your closet and keep the summer spirit all throughout the fall season. 

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Bold, independent, strong, fearless. It’s a good thing Maliparmi ventured into clothing two decades ago, because Maliparmi’s designs are everything.

The name Maliparmi, it just rolls off the tongue. Beginning with handbags, Paresi took her attention to detail, pattern, and beading and brought it to the runway.

This F/W season’s rich, earthy colors not only bring the pieces to life in an artistic sense, but actually create a spirit, a personality behind the designs’ exteriors.

Vibrant patterns mix and match into an eclectic collection, incorporating Paresi’s inspiration from other cultures.

For craftsmanship, it’s Maliparmi. A brand of passion, and a brand with the courage to be a trailblazer.

Keep scrolling to see all the different looks.

Photos Provided By: Maliparmi

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Born within the depths of London’s underground scene, MCMA is all about two things: fun and inspiration. Looking to top themselves ever since their start in 2009, they went out with a bang at NYFW this season. An unabashedly feminine collection for S/S ‘18, the colors popped and the texture sizzled.  Telling you to take a ride on the “bold” side, MCMA celebrated vibrant, bright personalities by mixing gorgeous tones and unique patterns. Rethink those thoughts of, “I’m too old for that…” in these pieces, filled to the brim with youthful energy. With a bit of casual, evening, and everything in between, MCMA has us wondering how we can sneak in these pieces into our winter wardrobes. Because we just cannot wait.

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Inspired by an Edouard Manet painting, Romanian designer Adelina Rusu successfully jumped right into the heart of its innocence.

Taking the risk of using just one pattern and one color for contrast, Rusu painted her collection head-to-toe in a soothing periwinkle.

With a single glance, one can see the energy poured into her work is woven through every thread of every piece, oozing fun, excitement, and a childlike adoration. 

Remaining unrestricted by garments, or life, Rusu’s cinched waists with billowy silhouettes give off a sense of freedom—the idea that while wearing these clothes, you can fly into unknown waters. 

Take a look at her designs below and be inspired.

Photos provided by: Adelina Rusu

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It’s not the brightest; it’s not the shiniest. But it’s real.

Itaewon, it’s a place to cast off the chains of expectations; it’s a chance to be free and try new things.

Entering a world of all that is foreign, and finding bits and pieces of cultures from all over the world as they resist gentrification.

Going with the flow, taking in the bustling streets. The dazzling sunlight fades to flickering lights and brightens back to a brand new day.

It can’t be restrained, and it can’t be held back.

It may not be rich in money, but it’s rich in heart.

가장 밝은 곳은 아니지만 가장 빛나는 곳도 아니지만 여기는 진실이다.

이태원은 몇몇 다른 사람들의 기대를 져버릴수도 있을 수 있지만  자유롭고 새로운 것을 시도하기엔 적절한 곳이다.

이태원에 이주해온 외국인들이 쌓아놓은 다문화 적인 문화가 서서히 사라져 가고 있는 추세이지만 

이태원만이 가진 자연스럽게 흘러가면서 붐비는 거리를 바라볼 수 있는 곳이며 눈부신 햇빛이 희미한 빛으로 변형돼 다시 찾아오는 내일 처럼 밝아진다.

가둬 둘 수도 없고 억제 할 수도 없는 곳이다. 

가난 한듯 하지만 풍요로운 곳이다.

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With the release of Sistar’s final singles, it’s time for us to say farewell to this legendary K-pop group. Releasing songs like clockwork every summer, it’s hard to imagine having fun in the heat without their upbeat, catchy tunes. And it wasn’t just their music, but also their fashion, that had us on the edge of our seats for the last seven years.

To mark their disbandment, we’ve put together three Sistar-inspired looks as a fun way to look back at the group’s career.

씨스타의 싱글 앨범이 발매되면서 씨스타에게 고별인사를 해야 할 것 같다.

시계 같이 매년 여름이 찾아오면 새로운 노래를 발표해 무더운 여름 귀를 즐겁게 해준다. 이제는 씨스타 음악 없이 보내는 여름은 상상할 수 없으며 또한 지난 7년의 시간 동안 패션도 눈을 즐겁게 해줬다.

해체를 앞두고 가수 생활을 뒤돌아보며 씨스타에게서 영감을 받은 스타일을 조립해본다.

Check out their latest–or last–music video  “Lonely” here.

최근에 나온 뮤직비디오 “Lonely” 유투브에 볼 수 있다.

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From Incheon, South Korea, Jina Kim of “It’s Jina Kim” has not only been a fashion blogger for the last 9 years, but she is also a full-time Youtuber and has worked with a range of Korean and Chinese fashion designers and brands. She let us ask her a few questions on how she and the Korean fashion industry have developed over the years.

인천에 출신 김지나 9년 동안 패션 블로그를 관리 뿐만 아니라 현재 유투브 채널도 관리하고 있으며 여러 한국, 중국 브랜드와 함께 일을 해왔다. 김지나와 한국 패션 산업의 발전에 대해 몇 가지 질문을 여쭤봤다. 

1. Do you think there are any differences in the fashion industry from when you first started blogging and now? If yes, what?

I first started blogging in 2008. At that time, the website Cyworld was at the height of its popularity.  Since this was before the establishment of the concept of “blogging” or a “fashion blogger” identity, there weren’t many people to show your style to; instead, it was popular to show off your selfies (known as “얼짱” or literally, the “best face”) on social media. There were barely any blogs that only discussed fashion, so when I began blogging I was quite surprised when there were more people visiting my site than expected. Back then there was also a limit to the platforms you could use. Naver blogs allowed you to communicate with Koreans, but it was difficult to communicate with people outside of Korea and to share videos.

Nowadays, you have Instagram, Snapchat, blogs, Youtube, Afreeca TV and many, many more. With this, there is a system in place for people to share their style and connect with people across the globe. And now it’s not just photos, but also sharing videos. Plus people have gotten used to the speed of communication, and so platforms where you can respond right away, like live streams, are especially powerful. I think that thanks to the development of these tools, we’re living in a world where anyone can become a fashion model or blogger. And since people share so much through social media, you can see specific items explode in popularity and become global trends. 

2. Is anything the same? If yes, what?

Compared to the past, we are more susceptible to trends, but there are always things coming in and out of fashion. The only difference is the speed of how trends spread. Whether it’s then or now, Koreans have always especially paid attention to what other people wear and to try their best to not fall behind the trends. 

1. 패션 블로그를 처음 만들었을 때 현재의 패션 산업에 과거와 차이가 있다고 생각하시나요? 있다면 차이가 무엇 인가요?

제가 처음 블로그를 시작한 건 10년 전인 2008년도였어요. 그때는 블로그라는 개념보다는 싸이월드 미니홈피의 확장 버전이라는 개념이 더 강했던 시절이었어요. 당시에는 ‘패션 블로거’라는 정체성이 확립되기 전이었기 때문에 지금처럼 자신의 패션 스타일을 인터넷을 통해 보여주는 사람들은 얼마 되지 않았어요. 패션 블로거보다는 주로 셀카를 통해 자신의 외모를 과시하는 ‘얼짱’들이 훨씬 소셜미디어에서 인기가 있었어요. 패션만을 다루는 블로그가 한국에 얼마 없었기 때문에 제가 처음 패션 블로그를 시작했을 때 생각보다 많은 사람들이 제 블로그를 방문해주었어요. 그런데 이때는 플랫폼의 한계가 있어서 한국의 네이버 블로그를 하는 사람들은 한국인들과만 소통할 수 있었고, 외국 사람들과는 소통하기 힘든 한계점을 가지고 있었어요. 또한 동영상으로는 본인의 패션을 보여주기도 힘들었죠.

지금은 인스타그램, 스냅챗, 블로그, 유튜브, 아프리카 TV 등 굉장히 많은 소셜미디어 플랫폼이 있기 때문에 더 많은 사람들이 쉽게 본인의 패션을 사람들과 공유할 수 있는 시스템이 구축되었다고 생각해요. 특히나 사진뿐만이 아니라 동영상을 통해서 본인의 스타일을 적극적으로 보여줄 수 있다는 점이 독특한 것 같아요. 빠른 것에 익숙해진 요즘 사람들에게는 즉각적으로 소통할 수 있는 라이브 플랫폼이 특히 강세를 보이고 있어요. 이러한 기술적인 발전 덕분에 현재는 누구나 패션모델이나 블로거가 될 수 있는 세상에 살고 있다고 생각해요. 또한 어떤 한 아이템이 유행하면 사람들이 소셜미디어를 통해 적극적으로 이를 공유하기 때문에 국가의 경계가 없이 전 세계적으로 유행하는 것을 볼 수 있어요. 

2. 그때와 비교해서 바뀌지 않은 점이 있으세요? 있다면, 무엇인가요

현재가 과거에 비해 트렌드에 민감하긴 하지만, 언제나 유행하는 것들은 있어 왔어요. 단지 속도나 전파력에 있어 다를 뿐이죠. 과거나 지금이나 한국 사람들은 특히나 다른 사람들이 무엇을 입는가를 굉장히 많이 신경 쓰고 유행에 뒤떨어지지 않기 위해 노력하는 것 같아요. 

3. How do you feel your style has changed since you started blogging?

I think my early-mid 20s was a process of figuring out what styles look good on me. I thought that, without a doubt, “being fashionable” meant being someone who dressed differently than others, standing out. So if you look at those pictures you’ll see me wearing these orange leggings I wouldn’t dare wear now, or necklaces with lots of chains. Makeup too, I always put on strong makeup so my college friends would think I looked scary.

Now I know what kind of things look good on me. Instead of standing out, I choose items that work for my body type and skin tone, and I mix and match designer brands with things from Dongdaemun Market. I focus on finding a balance. 

4. How would you describe the Korean fashion industry?

I think the Korean fashion industry has undergone a lot of evolution and development. If you look back to even just 10 years ago—at the beginning of the Hallyu Wave—there was a huge focus on celebrity fashion. But now, Korean fashion is not about celebrities, but trying to figure out what people are actually wearing on the street. Anyone can call themselves a “패피(fashion person)” and can make trends and actively express themselves; in turn, brands also use these people to promote.

Because of this, I think today’s fashion industry in Korea is a place where street style, high-end fashion, casual looks, and other kinds of style can all coexist.

3. 블로그를 시작했을 때부터 지금까지 스타일이 바뀌었 나요?

20대 초반과 중반은 제게 어울리는 스타일을 찾는 과정이었다고 생각해요.  20대 초반에는 무조건 남들과 다르고 튀게 입으면 그게 패셔너블한 것이라고 생각했어요. 그래서 그 당시의 사진을 보면 지금은 입을 엄두를 내지 못하는 오렌지 컬러의 레깅스에 여러 개의 체인이 달린 목걸이를 입은 모습을 볼 수 있어요. 메이크업도 최대한 강하게 해서 학교에 다니는 친구들이 저를 무섭게 봤어요.

현재는 저에게 어떤 아이템이 어울리는지 잘 알고 있어요. 무조건 튀게 입기보다는 저의 체형과 스킨톤에 잘 어울리는 아이템을 선택하고, 디자이너 브랜드와 동대문 시장의 아이템을 믹스 매치하여 밸런스를 맞추는 데 초점을 두고 있어요.

4. 한국 패션 산업에 대해 설명해야 한다면 어떻게 할 수 있을까요?

한국의 패션계도 많은 진화와 발전을 거듭했다고 생각해요. 약 10년 전까지만 하더라도 한류가 붐을 이루면서 TV에 비치는 연예인들의 패션에 초점이 맞춰졌다고 한다면, 현재 한국 패션은 연예인이 아닌 실제 거리의 사람들이 어떻게 입느냐에 더 초점이 맞춰진 것 같아요. 일명 ‘패피’라고 부르는 이러한 사람들이 트렌드를 만들고, 패션에 적극적으로 의견을 남기면 이를 브랜드들이 오히려 수용하죠.

이 때문에 현재 한국 패션계는 스트리트 스타일, 하이엔드 스타일, 캐주얼 스타일 등 다양한 스타일들이 공존할 수 있게 되었다고 생각해요. 

5. What do you think is the future of the Korean fashion industry?

Korean fashion is slowly getting more and more attention from abroad, but I think it will be hard for the industry to develop even further until a few things are dealt with.

First, we need to create an environment where the creative freedoms of Korean designers are respected. If you just look at Seoul Fashion Week, the focus is on “what sells” instead of creativity and art. If the designers have a low buy rate, it’s difficult to be approved for future shows. So designers are forced to design pieces that follow what’s hot for that season, and this is the reason you see so many familiar clothes each season between Korean designers.

Additionally, Korean 편집숍 (curated stores) don’t even buy products directly from designers. They wait for customers to order the product before they place orders with the designers. Because of this many Korean designers depend on revenue from foreign buyers.

And finally, the Korean fashion industry has an excessively “cliquey” attitude. They emphasize the importance of Korean blood and ethnicity, and position themselves to ensure they exclude foreigners wanting to enter the Korean market when there are already limited opportunities for foreigners to do shows or exhibitions.

If these things can be fixed, I think the Korean fashion industry will only continue to grow.

5. 한국 패션 산업의 미래가 어떻게 된다고 생각하나요?

한국의 패션이 점점 더 해외에서 주목을 받고 있긴 하지만, 몇 가지가 고쳐지지 않는다면 더 이상 발전하기 힘들다고 생각해요.

 
먼저 한국에선 디자이너들의 창작의 자유가 더 존중될 수 있는 환경이 만들어져야 해요. 서울패션위크만 보더라도 디자이너들의 ‘창의성’보다는 ‘판매’에 초점이 맞춰진 상업적인 옷들을 많이 볼 수 있어요. 판매율이 저조하다면 쇼에 서기 힘들기 때문에 디자이너들은 어쩔 수 없이 현재 트렌드에 맞춰서 옷을 디자인해요. 매 시즌 어디서 본 듯한 옷들이 한국 디자이너 브랜드에서 보이는 이유가 바로 그것이에요.

또한, 한국의 편집숍 등은 디자이너로 부터 바로 제품을 구입하지 않고, 고객이 먼저 제품을 주문하면 편집숍이 디자이너에게서 물건을 구매하는 구조로 이루어져 있어요. 이 때문에 많은 한국의 디자이너들은 해외 바이어에 자금력을 의존하고 있어요.

 
또한 한국 패션 산업은 지나치게 폐쇄적인 형태를 띠고 있어요. ‘한국인’이라는 피와 민족성을 강조하여 한국 패션 시장에 들어서려고 하는 외국 디자이너들에게 굉장히 배타적인 자세를 취하죠. 이들에게는 전시나 쇼의 기회가 굉장히 제한적이에요.

이러한 점들이 고쳐진다면 한국 패션 산업이 훨씬 더 발전할 수 있을 거라고 생각해요.