Image via Complex Original
By now it's fairly common knowledge that Paris, Milan, New York City, and Tokyo are the leading fashion capitals of the world. And while we've highlighted London as a serious contenders gunning for a top spot, there are some truly exciting things happening in Seoul and the rest of South Korea that have intrigued anyone who's been paying attention. This season, Opening Ceremony even highlighted the country as it's featured nation.
Beyond 2NE1 and other K-Pop stars becoming international fashion icons, there are brands coming out of Korea that are joining the leaders of streetwear, menswear, and high-end fashion, proving that the style coming out of The Land of the Morning Calm is anything but placid. From the runway to cult favorites, these are The 10 Best Korean Brands Right Now.
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10. Buried Alive
What started as a simple T-shirt line was originally inspired by a lo-fi campy horror movie also called Buried Alive. Designer Okeh Nam was freaked out when he saw the film as a kid, but the campiness and low-budget feel of the film is now something Okeh is nostalgic for in the face of current cinema's ultra-hype and flashiness. In a similar contrast, Buried Alive seeks to solidify its skate and street aesthetic instead of reaching for high-end fashion, and it's become one of the best-known brands in Korea that isn't getting buried by hype and flash.
If you want to a visual representation of K-Pop, just peruse Peace, Love and Understanding's collections. The bright, colorful brand injects playfulness and detailing into quality clothing, resulting in gear that is fitting for a pop star or anyone looking to stand out. As one of the brands chosen to represent Korea in this season's Opening Ceremony selection, and after being spotted on Rihanna, Peace, Love and Understanding is about to go from very rare to on the radar of everyone who knows what's up.
8. Kye
Since graduating from Central Saint Martin's two years ago, Kathleen Kye began immediately presenting collections that shocked and progressed the Korean fashion world. While not many dudes would want to wear sweaters in the shape of giant gorilla fists, Kye is at the forefront of pushing Korean men's style to the forefront of the global scene, enough to grab Opening Ceremony's attention where a few pieces are currently stocked. With simple but very rare silhouettes and prints, Kye keeps the fun that Korean style has come to embody without ever becoming too cheesy or safe.
7. Liful
In a very quick seven years, Liful has gone from a solid retail destination to a brand that would find a home in any stylish guy's wardrobe anywhere in the world. The brand is Korea's most popular example of "streetwear grown up," and offers pieces every dude requires without boring anyone to death. Subtle and hidden detailing keeps Liful interesting, and it's quality construction pairs with unique prints and rich textiles to stay eye-catching without becoming obnoxious.
6. Beanpole
If Kim Jones deems a brand worthy of doing a collaboration, then it will probably be on a top 10 list. Beanpole is one of Korea's most ubiquitous clothing brands and for good reason. The brand is repeatedly featured in Korean fashion editorials that star the country's biggest pop stars and actors, and runs the gamut from men's wardrobe staples to technical performance gear. With such a huge local fanbase, it's only a matter of time before Beanpole expands internationally, which would be everyone's gain.
5. Nudebones
Nudebones is Korea's answer to the heavy-duty workwear we've grown to love in the past few years. With rugged duck canvas, luxe leathers, and streetwear twists to heritage inspired staples, Nudebones flies off the shelves and keeps stylish Koreans kitted out. It may appear like a menswear line, but subtle detailing and occasional brash features will let you know that Nudebones still keeps a street element in its DNA.
4. Perdre Haleine
Korea has plenty of local street and also luxury brands, but few brands anywhere in the world blur the line as well as Perdre Haleine. Not quite street goth, not quite high-end fashion, and not quite traditional menswear, the brand uses a military aesthetic as a starting point and then runs to crazy places with it. Perdre Haleine has its own signature direction, but would work for various dudes who subscribe to different lifestyles and looks.
3. Wooyoungmi
Wooyoungmi has quietly been taking over all cool guys' wardrobes since the brand launched in 2002. Like the personalities of the two sisters who design the brand, Wooyoungmi is a constant play of contrasts—progression plays off of tradition, and every masculine aspect is equaled in elegance—within a framework inspired by architecture.
With 24 stores in Asia and a European flagship in Paris, any American who doesn't know the brand is only doing themselves a disservice. A few items are available at Opening Ceremony this season, but it'll be well worth your time to get on board this still below-the-radar brand before it blows up.
2. General Idea
General Idea has had a presence in the U.S. for a minute now, and continues to showcase collections that hit the refresh button every season without losing its signature ability to combine the aesthetics of high-fashion and everyday gear. Since 2003, and showing during NYFW since 2009, the designs of Bumsuk Choi have transferred from the catwalk to the sidewalk without much effort.
There are only a handful of brands that can take seemingly everyday garments and elevate them to the progressive level like General Idea does. Any brand that's on the same mission better be on the lookout for General Idea sneaking past them as their presence grows stateside.
1. Juun .J
After being selected by the Asia Times as a top designer to watch, Juun .J launched his eponymous brand in 2007 during Paris Men's Fashion Week. Immediately, it was clear that Juun .J was smashing traditional men's tailoring and incorporating a new street aesthetic into the clothing in a brand that demanded attention.
The resulting collections combine avant concepts with classic construction in what Juun .J calls "street tailoring," and is on the same level of any street-inspired luxury brand coming out of London, New York, or Tokyo. Find out what stores in your area stock Juun .J and go cop before this is on every rapper's back.
