Studio K
“The design aspect of the clothes are important but from the perspective of customers who have to purchase the clothes, it is very critical to have the basic items that are well done and with a twist,” said Hong Hye Jin of Studio K at her all-in-one showroom, studio and shop. “Design is important from one side and tailoring is important on another.”

The collection she showed had beautifully made long dresses, and tailored suits with slim lapels on jackets. On the walls of her emporium, above the range of men’s suits, are framed black and white photographs each zooming on the detailed process of creating the perfect jacket. Her sensible approach
to fashion is common ground for designers here, especially those who have not ventured abroad either for school, or to work with other designers, or to show their collections in Paris or New York.

I have mentioned in previous reports from Seoul that there is a gulf separating those Korean designers who have significant experience living and working abroad versus those who remained at home. Those who have embrace globalism, like Songzio, Juun J., Wooyoungmi, and Park Choon Moo, have been able to slowly build their collection beyond the domestic market.

No one understands this better than Lie Sang Bong…