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Korea Herald
07-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Seoul mayor backs K-beauty, fashion push into Europe
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon recently proposed a range of strategies for the global expansion of Korean beauty and fashion brands during a visit to Milan's representative fashion association. Although South Korea's beauty and fashion industries have steadily grown to a global scale -- becoming the world's third-largest cosmetics exporter by surpassing the $10 billion mark for the first time in 2024 -- Europe has remained outside its top 10 export destinations. Oh highlighted the potential for growth in Europe and suggested a multipronged approach to help Korean beauty and fashion enter overseas markets during his visit to Milan on July 4. In early July, after attending the World Cities Summit's Mayor Forum 2025 in Vienna, Oh arrived at the headquarters of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana -- a non-profit association for the development of Italian fashion and the organizer of Milan Fashion Week -- to strengthen the global partnership between the two cities through fashion. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Oh reaffirmed a continuous commitment to mutual exchanges and collaboration between Seoul and CNMI, which signed a memorandum of understanding in February 2024. One of the key agreements was to enhance cooperation between Seoul Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week to create a system for promoting Korean brands through Milan's iconic fashion platform. The city government explained that Oh proposed inviting Milan Fashion Week brands to participate in Seoul Fashion Week to promote it as a key event in the global fashion calendar. The mayor also visited Milan's iconic stationery shop, 10 Corso Como, where a pop-up exhibition titled 'K-Vibe from Seoul' was held, showcasing Seoul's beauty, fashion and K-pop culture. There, Oh discussed global market strategies with 14 Korean beauty and fashion brands. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has engaged in several initiatives to elevate the Korean beauty and fashion industries, providing support for their entry into overseas markets, global marketing, talent development and participation in international fashion weeks. In addition to the annual Seoul Beauty Week -- a global business platform aimed at making the city a leading hub for the beauty industry -- the city government opened a service platform, Seoul Beauty Hub, in June to assist a total of 100 companies in design, distribution, export, and online and offline marketing. Overseas expansions of competitive Korean fashion brands are also expected to accelerate, with the city government deciding to continue holding trade shows during the annual Seoul Fashion Week to connect promising local brands with key buyers and to offer consulting services. Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the major venue of Seoul Fashion Week, located in Jung-gu, central Seoul, is set to be transformed into a multipurpose cultural and commercial space where both locals and overseas visitors can enjoy beauty, fashion and cultural content, according to a city official.
Hype Malaysia
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Tarzzan Of THEBLACKLABEL's New Co-Ed Group Accused Of Cultural Appropriation
When someone romanticises aspects of a particular race, it can sometimes lead to them adopting that race's appearance. While such behaviour often goes unnoticed, it tends to spark controversy, especially when public figures or idols are involved, raising debates around cultural appropriation. On 8th June (Sunday), South Korean entertainment agency THEBLACKLABEL (더블랙레이블) introduced their new co-ed group, 'ALLDAY Project.' However, one member, Tarzzan (타잔), quickly drew attention from netizens due to his Instagram posts, where he is frequently seen wearing braids and adopting aesthetics commonly associated with Black culture. The 'ALLDAY Project' consists of five members: Annie (앤니), Tarzzan (타잔), Bailey (베일리), Woochan (우찬), and Youngseo (영서). Some of the members already have notable recognition. Bailey, for instance, won the Arena Awards in 2019; Annie is known as the granddaughter of the chairman of the Samsung Group; Woochan was originally set to debut with the now-cancelled group Trainee A, and Youngseo was originally set to debut as a member of ILLIT (아일릿). Lee Chae-won (이채원), known by his stage name Tarzzan, began his career as a model, debuting at the 2022 Seoul Fashion Week. He previously worked under YG Entertainment's subsidiary YGKPLUS. He made his first appearance in the music industry through NJZ's (엔제이지) 'Supernatural' music video. Following the news of his debut, Tarzzan sparked debate with his appearance and stage name. Netizens are questioning why the soon-to-debut idol is allowed to maintain his cornrow hairstyle, arguing that it's cultural appropriation. Many also find his 'Tarzzan' stage name offensive, lamenting that it's a mockery towards African-Americans. What was meant to be a promising debut is now facing early backlash. Criticism and controversy have quickly taken over the conversation, and fans fear this might overshadow their official debut on 23rd June (Monday). Some also worry it could hurt the group's future in the long run. What are your thoughts on this? Sources: Koreaboo, Kprofiles Zaima Humaria contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Korea Herald
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Sustainable practices, innovation, bold aesthetics redefine K-fashion
Designers push boundaries with sustainable practices and fresh inspiration while calling for greater diversity at Seoul Fashion Week Korean designers gathered at the iconic Zaha Hadid–designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul Feb. 5-9 for 2025 fall-winter Seoul Fashion Week. The event showcased collections that blend sustainable practices, innovation and heritage with bold contemporary aesthetics, underscoring the evolving identity of K-fashion on the global stage. Designer Kwak Hyun-joo's 'Step by Step' collection narrated the symbolic journey of climbing a ladder. 'Climbing a ladder is a representation of life -- sometimes steady, sometimes uncertain, but always requiring balance and courage to keep moving upward,' Kwak told The Korea Herald. Models strutting alongside literal ladders brought her theme to life, while upcycled denim mixes paired with printed fabrics evoked the rhythmic repetition of ladder rungs. Kwak's work emphasized both functionality and high-fashion sensibility, reflecting her commitment to reducing waste in clothing production. Celebrity appearances by actor Go Jun and Kim Tae-hwan from 'Single's Inferno 4' further amplified the show's appeal. The celebration of sustainability continued with Greedilous' return to classic feminine elegance. Designer Park Youn-hee reinterpreted the "New Look" style of the 1950s by drawing inspiration from the vintage charm of European flea markets and the signature style of Dior. Her collection featured skirt suits, shirt-and-skirt combinations and dresses crafted from wool, cotton and couture silk -- offering a new twist on refined, tailored silhouettes. 'The hourglass shape is an embodiment of femininity that we've lost touch with in recent years,' Park said. Her designs fused ladylike sophistication with streetwear elements, incorporating contemporary details such as detachable quilted linings, scarf-like shawl collars and pearl buttons. The use of textured fabrics, laser-cut 3D appliques and a refined color palette of timeless monochrome accented with wine red, pine green and denim blue created a dynamic contrast that bridged vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. A live jazz dance performance added a layer of allure to her presentation. Another standout was Daily Mirror, a brand making its debut at Seoul Fashion Week with a collection dedicated to the endurance and permanence of denim. 'Denim represents the endurance of the human spirit,' the Daily Mirror designer said, as the collection combined raw denim with luxurious materials like tweed and sleek linen-nylon blends. Structural yet flexible silhouettes emerged through reversed tailoring techniques and innovative details, such as using a jacket to create a skirt that offered a fresh twist on classic designs. One highlight was homage to late artist Paik Nam-june, whose experimental philosophy of art, love and human connection was transformed into wearable art. 'Through this collaboration, we were able to pay homage to Paik's artistic ideology, transforming his messages of respect and relationship into fashion,' Kim Ju-han, the brand's designer, said. LIE's designer Lee Chung-chung drew bold inspiration from Lhakpa Sherpa, the first woman to summit Mount Everest ten times. Her collection celebrated strength, resilience and adventure by blending vibrant colors, oversized silhouettes and architectural tailoring to reflect Sherpa's enduring legacy. 'Her strength and unwavering spirit of challenge deeply resonated with me. It made me reflect on what life is truly about,' Lee said. Reimagining traditional Sherpa clothing through a new lens, her work in collaboration with outdoor gear brand Insus experimented with a mix of natural fibers and cutting-edge synthetics like nylon and polyester. 'Combining these materials was difficult, but the results are a unique blend of elements that showcase the brand's identity,' she said. Adding to the week's diverse offerings, designer Jisoo Baik presented a collection that redefined modern women's strength and sensuality through poetic design. Inspired by the fluidity of water and the interplay of light with organic forms, Baik's collection celebrated both vulnerability and resilience. 'I wanted to express the various sides of a woman like gentleness, strength and freedom through designs that empower her to be herself,' she said. Her work featured fluid silhouettes, sculptural structures and hand-draping techniques that allowed each garment to move gracefully with the models. Baik's recent portfolio highlights include a custom look for Nicki Minaj's 'Pink Friday 2' album cover. Designers call for extended timelines, greater diversity at Seoul Fashion Week As Seoul Fashion Week cements its status as a launching pad for innovative Korean designers, industry insiders are urging organizers to adopt changes that could make the event even more influential on the global stage. Some designers are calling for extended preparation time, and a stronger emphasis on diversity and individuality could propel the event to new heights. 'Seoul Fashion Week is not just about making sales. It's about fostering a space where diverse designers, each with their unique vision and expertise, can come together,' said Kwak. One critical area of concern is the compressed timeline that designers face. Park whose recent contributions to K-fashion earned her an International Cultural Exchange Achievement Award at the 2024 Asia Model Awards, expressed frustration over the limited preparation time allocated for shows. 'The preparation time for shows was a month and it was very short, and there's a lack of flexibility for buyers to participate,' she said. Such constraints, she says, not only compromise the creative process, but may also hinder the participation of international buyers who are essential for boosting the profile of the event internationally. 'More time means more room for creativity and also for collaboration with diverse brands. It would allow designers to push boundaries even further and respond to emerging trends without feeling rushed,' Park added. Diversity has also emerged as a key factor for Seoul Fashion Week's future success. Lee Chung-chung, the designer of LIE, a longstanding fixture of the event, emphasized that while the show has grown significantly, it must continue to embrace a wide range of perspectives. 'Seoul Fashion Week has grown significantly, but it needs to embrace more diversity to truly lead the Asian fashion scene,' the designer said.
Korea Herald
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Seoul Fashion Week opens with AI-driven sustainability
The 2025 fall-winter Seoul Fashion Week kicked off Wednesday at the iconic Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, showcasing a fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship. Despite the record-setting freezing weather and a noticeable absence of top celebrities, fans filled the venue early in the morning to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars on the photo lines. Opening the biannual fashion event was Hannah Shin's stunning presentation, highlighting her fashion-tech collection titled 'Cosmogony: The Sound of Breaking Stars.' Under the theme of "glamorous sustainable fashion with technology," Shin, in collaboration with KAIST's EXO Lab and Stratasys Korea, showcased a groundbreaking mix of AI and PolyJet 3D printing, paired with traditional techniques such as leather molding, weaving and applique. Shin's collection, inspired by the life force of nature, brought together biomimicry designs to express timeless dignity and beauty. The runway featured pieces crafted from upcycled AI robot waste and excess bead stock, underscoring the brand's commitment to sustainable fashion. 'I believe in the possibilities of technological fusion for sustainable fashion, and I will continue to explore experimental collaborations to engage the public,' said Shin. The collection also featured striking outfits: oversized faux fur jackets, corset-inspired dresses and a variety of leather two-piece suits for both men and women. A standout moment was the appearance of a model in a WalkON Suit, a wearable robot designed to assist those with paraplegia. The innovative piece, developed by a research team at KAIST, has been in development since 2015. Among the stars in the front row were beauty influencer Risabae, Japanese actor Junsei Motojima, Taiwanese actor Jin Yun, actor Dex and K-pop idols Shownu and Minhyuk from Monsta X. Rapper Tiger JK and Thai actor Boss Chaikamon Sermsongwittaya also made appearances. Global fashion brand Ajobyajo also captivated the audience Wednesday with its thought-provoking runway. Drawing inspiration from Walter Benjamin's concept of constellations, Ajobyajo's collection explored how interconnected elements can regain meaning and vitality. The brand's message, which advocates for renewing the past through new connections, resonated with the audience, reflecting a timely call for sustainable and innovative approaches to fashion. The 2025 fall-winter Seoul Fashion Week runs through Sunday, with collections featuring futuristic fashion and innovative technology.
Korea Herald
06-02-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Can Seoul Fashion Week be improved?
Seoul Fashion Week criticized for lack of international appeal and innovation, but optimism remains for K-fashion's future "Can we really say that Seoul is the fashion hub of Asia when Seoul Fashion Week continues to be as it is?" asked Jung Joon-ho, CEO of Lotte Department Store, during his keynote speech at the Seoul Fashion Forum, held Wednesday as part of the 2025 fall-winter Seoul Fashion Week event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul. Jung pointed out that if the event continues to struggle with attracting notable designer brands and a significant number of buyers, it will be impossible for Seoul to claim its place as the center of fashion in Asia. Only 16 brands were scheduled to hold shows at Seoul Fashion Week this season, down from 21 brands the previous two seasons. 'We have lucrative designer brands such as Gentle Monster, Mardi Mercredi, Matin Kim and Anderson Bell, but for them, success means taking their shows to Paris Fashion Week,' he said. 'Seoul Fashion Week needs to become an event where people from all over the world can see the brands they want to see when they come here. Looking at the list of participating brands this season, I found no clear message they want to convey. It needs to provide an environment where foreign buyers interested in Korean products can discover attractive offerings.' Jung added that he had heard from foreign industry insiders who find Seoul Fashion Week "boring" because it only features Korean brands. 'There are foreign brands that wish to expand their reach in Korea. Even luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton held an iconic show here two years ago. But these events should not be isolated. They should be integrated into Seoul Fashion Week.' Having worked in the fashion industry for more than 30 years, Jung also criticized the lack of live entertainment at the event, something Paris Fashion Week is known for. 'Seoul Fashion Week lacks a dynamic environment where industry insiders can gather and mingle,' he said. Despite his concerns, Jung remains optimistic about the future of K-fashion, particularly with the creative potential of Generation Z and Generation Alpha. 'Now, when the world is focusing on Korea thanks to its success in K-drama, K-pop and K-food, is the time to nurture star brands and designers that can make Seoul the 'Paris of Asia.'' Antonio De Matteis, CEO of Kiton Group, known for its Italian menswear, echoed Jung's thoughts on nurturing the next generation of talent. "We need to continue tailoring our best products. Our philosophy is to bring the new generation into our company," he said. De Matteis also emphasized the importance of quality in attracting customers. "They want quality. They want uniqueness and simplicity. You also need to listen to customers and evolve based on their feedback." He noted that Korea is both an advanced market and one with exponential growth potential. "We ask our designers to come to Seoul because it's a market, especially for the younger generation, that gives you new ideas and a fresh perspective," he said.
