As World Design Capital 2010, Seoul's creative future is hotly anticipated, and in recent years, Seoul Fashion Week (SFW) has catapulted the city's burgeoning young talent onto the international stage. Forward-thinking emerging designers and progressive South Korean labels are setting SFW apart as a key player in both the Asian and International markets.
This season attracted buyers and media from metropolises including London, Paris and Hong Kong, all of whom were eager to catch a glimpse of Seoul's rising stars. From New York came buyers keen to sniff out collections which demonstrated fresh, unique looks.
Deep tones, shimmering colours, sloping overcoats, draping silhouettes, geometric cuts and triangular compositions permeated the scene. Seoul's natural energy exuded from the collections with a swagger distinctly Korean.
Standouts include Choi Bum-Suk's collaged leathers; Nosgun's serene forms; soft and shimmering masculinity at 8C11C; enchanting draped looks at Alani, and Chang Kwang Hyo's 20-year retrospective collection, which re-asserted the value of technical skill.
Mirroring Seoul's superb street fashion, SFW moves to the upsurging beat currently flowing through the South Korean design scene.
Beetle wings fluttered on the runway at Nosgun.
Voluminous, textured arms at Nosgun.
A serene silhouette strikes a pose at Nosgun.
8C11C A/W 2010.
Bright lights and shimmering tights at 8C11C.
8C11C A/W 2010.
Oversized drapery dominated at 8C11C.
Diane Pernet, of ’A Shaded View of Fashion’.
A-line menswear at Alani.
Soft masculinity in shades of grey at Alani.
Gentle lines and buttonless tops out in force at Alani.
A military-inspired finale at Caruso.
Layered compositions at Caruso.
Fur trimmings at Caruso.
The models came kilted at Caruso.
Nipped waists and drapes at Caruso.
Super-sleek in silver at Caruso.
Ladvan Vandalist by Vandal designer Yang, Hee-Min.
Checks and layers at Vandalist.
Knits and weaves at Resurrection.
Industrial leather armoury from Resurrection.
Layers in leather at Resurrection.
Vintage tailoring by Resurrection.
Zippers a-plenty at Resurrection.
Asymmetrical plaid at Resurrection.
Typical Seoul street style.
Buyers from NYC interview Choi Bum-Suk, designer at General Idea.
General Idea designer and self-styled 'Korean Marc Jacobs', Choi Bum-Suk.
Anticipation rises before General Idea's A/W 2010 show.
High collars in fur at General Idea.
Mix and matched leather patterns at General Idea.
Buckled up at General Idea.
Draped and flowing layers of wool from General Idea.
Distressed denim took to the runway at General Idea.
1940s inspired tailoring from Beyond Closet.
Tough, industrial looks were married with softer takes at Beyond Closet.
Intricate additions such as extra long cuffs and military detailing from Beyond Closet.
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Alaïa’s secret new London café and bookstore is inspired by the art of hostingHoused on the third floor of Alaïa’s London flagship, the intimate space – inspired by Azzedine Alaïa’s famed hospitality – includes a Violet Cakes bakery and a bookstore by Claire de Rouen
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Is it really possible to stage a Shakespeare play inside the game Grand Theft Auto?Grand Theft Hamlet, a documentary debut written and directed by Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane, is about two out-of-work actors attempting to mount a full production of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, inside the violent world of Grand Theft Auto, shot entirely in game
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Arlo NoMad hotel makes the American diner officially cool againThe NoMad Diner NYC’s interiors and menu offer an elevated take on an American classic
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Gucci's Seoul show considers radical perspectives on ‘otherness’The fashion label sponsors ‘No Space, Just a Place, which invites guests to consider radical perspectives on ‘otherness’, led by Tunisian-born curator Myriam Ben Salah
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Eath Library skincare boutique in Seoul is inspired by Korea’s traditional apothecaries -
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In search of Korea’s new wave of design talent at Seoul Fashion Week S/S 2016In search of Korea’s new wave of design talent at Seoul Fashion Week S/S 2016
