Concept Korea, NYFW FW '13

Just last Thursday on 2/7, Lincoln center at NYC was fully immersed in immaculate beat and rhythm of Korea. Concept Korea, a collaborative movement of renowned and uprising designers from Korea have took over the stage. The rhythm of Korea had prepped us all anticipating in excitement. After seeing their Spr/Sum 2013 collections last September, my expectations for all five Korean designers had gone sky high.

The show opened up with the fusion sound of traditional Korean music, composing mysterious ambiance surrounding the stage. 

First in line was Choiboko, a designer who's also known as a color artist back in his hometown. His collections showcased various abstract images of nature and dance. Most of his collections remained within the range of red, black and white but diversity of those bold, vibrant abstract-like prints made them far from being mundane.

Next it was Hong Bum Kim, a head designer of Cres E, Dim. His dark, strong and even somewhat gothic-like collections showed intriguing cuts and silhouettes within the collections, many with the usage of different shapes and sizes of leather trims and pleats. Black, deep burgundy and beige were the signature colors that made up the collections.

Came Son Jung Wan, a designer who never fails to please us with her effortlessly romantic Goddess-like collections. FW13 collections also consisted of many romantic pieces that included warm brown/beige separates, dresses mixed with mink and fur trim sleeves.  Again, the color choices of deep purple, blue and beige were evident that made her collections rich and undoubtedly feminine.

Then it was Lie Sang Bong, Korea's Avant-Garde designer who is known for often applying Korea's own traditional images and ideals to his master pieces. His collections showcased amazing grid-oriented designs that reminded me of the traditional doors of the old Korean houses, which were made with fine rice papers, and wooden trims that formed the grids. Neoprene jackets with mixture of green and brown bamboo like prints, also very unique. 

Finally, it was Kye, the uprising young designer of our next generations. Youth, freedom, and Edgy are the key words that describe Kye. Inspired by the streets of Seoul, Graffiti prints were the prime elements, along with balloon sleeve tops, striking blue fur jackets and print-on-print top and bottoms. Her vigorous and youthful tones left quite impressions for FW13 once again. Kye collections are now available at Opening Ceremony in NYC.

Can't wait to see how Concept Korea will turn ideas into spectacular reality for next season :) 


Photos credit to Susie Kim