In the chaos of fatiguing fashion weeks, Seoul is giving us life with a glimpse into the dynamic, emerging designers Korea has to offer.
The chaotically constant Fashion Weeks (because, newsflash, New York City, London, Paris and Milan aren’t the only fashion cities in the world) can be a downright mess to keep up with. In other words, we are so psychotically jet-lagged from Seoul Fashion Week, which just wrapped over the weekend. And yet we’re so very thankful for the fatigue, not only because many of the shows were goosebump-inducing levels of great, but also because the fatigue gave us a good reason to get our K-Beauty shopping spree on. With an impressive assortment of sheet mask options (Snail “solution”! Ginseng! Charcoal!), there’s something for every skin type in Seoul. I’ve got combo skin. And a diverse combination of looks for A/W 2018 pumped down the Seoul Fashion Week runway—from sophisticatedly subdued to is-that-see-through. There was so much to Instagram and/or faint over. So, we’ve rounded up our favorite (AKA craziest) looks from several forward-thinking, Korean designers who should absolutely be on your radar… and their duds in your closet.
PushBUTTON, which is named after a Madonna lyric from “Hollywood,” pushed all the right buttons for their maximist-attempting-to-sophisticate-it-up A/W collection. This particular lunatical-meets-luxe of a look really delivered in the Sue Ellen and Rose (the characters from, you better know this, ‘Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead’) strutting to an Easter Sunday early 90s boozy brunch department.
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Similar to Raf at Calvin Klein, PushBUTTON created some slightly 70s Wild Wild West looks with just a touch of some Matrix vibes. Somehow it worked, as proven with this oversized, leather cowgirl shirt moment.
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A flashy metallic puffer, ‘70s kitchen tile green cowboy boots, the continued Matrix sunnies trend, lots of leg. PushBUTTON loves to make a statement, just like the Queen of Pop.
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Be honest—you, too, lived for that addictive jingle from those throwback Christmas Old Navy performance fleece commercials. Well, LIE was a showstopper with their A/W 18 collection, and they really committed to their wintery theme via projected images of snow-covered mountains, makeup on the models that resembled rosy post-sled-riding cheeks, and fab fleece for days. As for this look? (And, excuse me, those fluffy shin-guards!) It sartorial-sleighed.
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That rainbow shag fur? Those Rainbow Brite-y boots? And the rest of the wackiness? What in the winter wonderland is going on?! Whatever it is, it’s wonderful. No lies detected.
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BIG PARK was one of the most anticipated shows of Seoul Fashion Week, and rightfully so. See: fantastic, head-turning outerwear. Punk-y snow-ready streetwear often paired with amazing platform shoes. Tons of mixed prints with bold, super saturated colors. Shoutout to glam—the braided locks were so major. Loved the exaggerated collar. Loved this silhouette, and apparently so did BIG PARK— the silhouette appeared a number of times throughout the show.
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As echoed throughout the week, the designers were all about the fleece-y and the shag stunners. BIG PARK nailed it with this burnt orange beauty. Also immaculate: the styling.
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Established in 2004, KIOK has become known for their denim statement pieces. This season, they continued to reimagine which, in our case, made us consider opening another credit card. KIOK’s collection was streetwear-oriented but less flashy than other brands who showed. Clean but with a Below 14th Street punch. It was all about the black denim skirt with black corduroy blazer replete with sharp, stab-y shoulders and an interesting/intriguing mitten (maybe) choice.
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GREEDILOUS are one of those refreshing brands that just don’t give a shit. They’re all over the place. They make it work. A bit Jeremy Scott-y with the zany prints. Meanwhile, this is one of their most chill looks from the collection. From electrocuted hair-to-toe: We, and the street style photographers, definitely approve.
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If you’re a fan of Alice & Olivia and Cynthia Rowley, then you’ll love Fleamadonna. According to Fleamadonna’s show notes, the keyword for their A/W 18 collection was “reformation,” and their quest was the “reconstruction of the past and new life.” As for the design inspiration? Reinterpreted feminine military looks. Catwalk translation: A military green-colored velvet dress, a short camo dress featuring a gray fur trim, and butch-ing up pretty ‘70s prints via accessorizing with swaying dog tags. Our favorite look was less ‘Top Gun’ and more ‘Spice World’ wardrobe closet. Oh, and if the model with the pastel purple locks looks familiar, it’s probably because you’re one of her AKA Irene Kim’s million+ Instagram followers. Slay Me Spice.
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Okay, fanning out for BAROQUE’s glam goth show may or may not have had something to do with the gorgeous, sometimes barefoot male models. But also, leather biker jackets never go out of style, okay? And did I mention the models…!!! Just leave me alone. I’m still suffering from jet-lag. Thank God for my K-Beauty obsession because my non-model face was looking broke (get it…?) and busted for a bit.