10 reasons that prove Seoul will be the next fashion capital

For some time now, we have been hearing about a new fashion capital.

In addition to the iconic cities of Paris, New York, London, and Milan, another city is imposing its growing influence and creativity on the fashion show runways.

Seoul has made a thunderous entrance into the dream world of fashion, and the Korean capital has won the hearts of fashionistas around the world.

To better understand why Seoul will be the next fashion capital and to fully grasp Korean trends, follow our guide.

So, will Seoul be the next fashion capital? We bet yes, and we’ll explain why in ten points!

1. Korean fashion is extremely trendy

Korean dramas that are a hit on Netflix, K-pop groups that invade playlists, Bong Joon-ho’s film Parasite, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes… You’ve noticed it, Korea is trending right now, and fortunately, it’s not about to stop! The phenomenon of Korean pop culture has a name, Hallyu, which can be translated as “Korean wave.” Hallyu is supported by the Korean government and has an unprecedented international following. Of course, fashion is not immune to this, and with its pool of influencers and designers who are more creative than ever, it is shaking up luxury cities like Paris or Milan.

2. Korea is a creator and producer country

In Seoul, clothes are produced and, above all, created, and tomorrow’s trends are invented. Creativity is the attitude that allows the Korean capital to strategically position itself as the new fashion city. Korean brands that manufacture locally are becoming more and more numerous, and the fashion market is powerful.

On the negative side, there is production. Fast fashion is king, which is not very eco-friendly.

3. Celebrities love Korean fashion

Even the stars haven’t been mistaken and also adopt the chic-casual look of Korean fashion! Pop star Rihanna and rapper G-Dragon have been seen wearing clothes from the brand Hyein Seo. Rihanna admitted to being a fan, and the brand shared a photo of the singer wearing one of their T-shirts on Instagram.

Lie Sang Bong, the famous Korean designer, has been dressing celebrities since 1985. Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Lindsay Lohan all clamor for his clothes.

4. Fashion is profitable, and the government subsidizes it

In the land of the morning calm, fashion is a matter of state. The development of the textile industry is such that the government has made the bold choice to concretely support creation by subsidizing new players in the sector. This decision has immediate repercussions on the fashion economy and innovation. Young designers are supported in their work and bring a touch of freshness and optimism!

5. Fashion is in the streets, not just on the runways

Unlike Paris or New York, where runway fashion doesn’t often meet everyday fashion, in Seoul, fashion is everywhere! Just take a walk through the streets of the capital to see that trends are adopted by the majority of the population and that young people are fans of shopping. This ease of wearing the same clothes as those in fashion shows is typical of Korean fashion: accessible, chic, and classy. Korean outfits have another great advantage, they also adapt to all occasions. A classic outfit with pants and a shirt with puffed sleeves during the day can turn into a trendy evening outfit by adding a touch of makeup or a beret.

6. Men and fashion

If there is one country where men don’t feel left out, it’s Korea! It’s very simple, from streetwear to haute couture, men’s fashion is very present and more represented than elsewhere.

Oversized tops, trench coats for men, and cardigans come in beige, pastel, or more colorful shades.

White sneakers worn with jeans or beige pants are trendy for men, and for a more dressed-up look, it’s easy! Just change your shoes for a pair of brown loafers, and you’re good to go.

7. The importance of aesthetics and beauty

We have all envied them with their perfect skin and their beauty routines on the runways, in the streets, or on Netflix. It hasn’t escaped anyone that Koreans love to take care of themselves and don’t hesitate to compliment others on their physical appearances. They pay special attention to look and style.

Before fashion, K-beauty had also conquered the world with products as kawaii as can be.

8. Mastered eccentricity

Having style is a real balancing act. While nude and classic outfits are a good base, there is no question of not standing out by adding a personal touch. Enhancing a Korean-style look requires creativity. Why not add an oversized printed cardigan to a light outfit to brighten it up, or colorful or pastel socks to match a pleated skirt?

9. Influencers with millions of followers

We can’t talk about fashion without mentioning Korean influencers who lead the way on Instagram with their millions of followers, such as Hoyeon Jung, who we also saw in the hit series Squid Game in 2021 and has 23.5 million followers.

With her two million followers, Irene Kim has become the fashion influencer to follow in 2022. After collaborating with giants like Chanel or Calvin Klein, the pretty model with a rock’n’roll look and colorful hair has just created her own brand.

Influencer and businesswoman Jung Da Won is the CEO of the brand Mejiwoo. On Instagram, the beautiful model has 10.8 million followers who follow her daily beauty and fashion favorites. She is also the sister of J-Hope from the famous K-pop group BTS.

10. A very attractive market

Seoul is not done making headlines in the fashion world. In 2020, the clothing market amounted to €29.6 billion.

French luxury brands such as Céline or Louis Vuitton, which have long been established in Korea, are now collaborating with Korean celebrities. In Paris, New York, and now Seoul, stay up to date with Fashion Week trends by reading our article on the subject.

After a long break due to the pandemic, Seoul is back with its models and runways for this much-awaited fashion week!