Independent Korean Designers - 2023
The Korean Wave
Even if you’re not familiar with the term “hallyu,” you’re likely familiar with BTS or, at the very least, you’ve been told to watch Squid Game or Parasite by a friend. “Hallyu” is a romanized Korean term that means: “the Korean wave.” It refers to the explosive impact Korean culture — from music, to TV shows, to film, to fashion — has had on the Western world.
Fashion junkies have had their eyes on Seoul and its respective fashion scene for some years now. Despite this, the internet is woefully bereft of sufficient lists of Korean brands for the curious to find. Trust me, I’ve googled aplenty.
Without further ado, here are some independent Korean brands of note, from my humble standpoint. This is hardly an exhaustive list.
Shin’s Letters
The brand’s owner and namesake, Shin, uses images she’s taken throughout her travels to create intriguing and unique graphic patterns on classic silhouettes. She calls her collections her “letters,” which is delightful, of course. Slim maxi skirts, flirty mini-dresses, and sleek ankle-length dresses offer versatile layering opportunities and the typical Korean aesthetic. These sartorial postcards are a must-have and a favorite in my closet.
Straight Wide Leg Slacks Trousers in Blue
Re Rhée
For elevated basics with shapes and silhouettes that flatter, I look to Re Rhée. Pieces are in neutral tones that play nice with your existing wardrobe, which for a impulsive “ooh that’s weird!” purchaser like me, it’s a boon. Beyond the slim and thoughtful tailoring, their pieces are also deliciously comfortable. I have the Wide Legged Trousers above, which owner and designer Lee Joon-bok says are bestsellers. I’m flirting with the idea of several other hues in my cart on a regular basis.
Kim Zisu
Kim Zisu’s clothes feel like they traveled from another dimension, somewhere in the future. We can only humbly thank her for her foresight. She’s known for her nips and tucks in wardrobe classics like suits, blazers, and chemises. If playful streetwear is more your speed, her spacey prints and mesh peekaboo panels are club ready in the neon lights.
Hyein Seo
Okay, so Hyein Seo is hardly unknown in the streetwear world and, having been worn by the likes of Rihanna, she’s not underground if you’re in the know. In case you’re not in the know, may I recommend her? Collections are inspired by Asian pop culture—FW22 was influenced the Ghibli classic Nausicaä (an aesthetic I didn’t know I absolutely wanted to evoke) and there’s always a sense of DIY layering going on with alluring, but very wearable cutouts.
Cotton Tail V-Neck Sweater Olive
Fromwhere
Having shown their FW22 collection at NYFW, Fromwhere is definitely on its way. They evoke the oversized menswear trend that is so prevalent in Korea: oversized coats, wide-legged trousers, and go-with-everything basics. I particularly like their selection of sweaters which reflect the color palette, cuts, and materials that Korean women seem to favor.
Jiwon Choi
If you’re a New Jeans bunny, you may have seen the bejewelled bunny chains the girls were iced out in. These were made custom by cult favorite jewelry designer Jiwon Choi. Her pieces are whimsical, referential, and endlessly wearable. If you like a high-quality piece that doesn’t take itself too seriously, she’s the designer for you. I love her work and I have a bespoke nameplate necklace of my name in hangul (클레어, if you’re wondering.)
There you have it! My findings from scouring pop-ups and tip-tap-tapping away on Instagram in pursuit of unique goods. The best part? All of these brands ship internationally, so you can get your fix from wherever you are in the world.
Unfortunately these designers don’t have too large of a range in sizing and it can be difficult to find options for plus-sized fashionistas in this corner of the world. They’re notorious for the “OS” tag or, “one-size.” If you know of any brands that cater to all bodies or are interested in Korean size-inclusive brands, I’d love to compile a list of Korean brands who tick this box.