Getting to Know the Top 10 Korean Fashion Designers
It used to be that Korean fashion is eclipsed by its more popular neighbor, Japanese fashion. The same goes for its designers. Korean designers were not really recognized as their Japanese counterparts. Fortunately, events such as the popularity increase of Korean pop culture, what is commonly known as the Korean wave or Hallyu, has given prominence to Korean fashion designers. Thus, it is now possible to create a list of the top 10 Korean fashion designers.
Around ten years, or even five years ago, making a list of the top 10 Korean fashion designers may have been an almost Herculean task, as even though Koreans have always been fashion forward, there was not much information about these designers and their style and collection. Thanks to the increase in the interest for anything Korean, plus the amount of information on sources such as the Internet, it is now possible to gather a list of the top 10 Korean fashion designers.
Korean designers have not just made a name for themselves in their own country. A lot of them have also established their mark in the international fashion community, even in markets that are quite difficult for foreigners to infiltrate, like the New York fashion scene. The Korean wave, combined with the amount of talent of these Korean designers, has made it possible for them and their designs to gain international acceptance.
Here is the list of top 10 Korean fashion designers in random order:
Ji Choon-hee
Has made a niche for herself as early as 1980. Her collection, Miss Gee has established the designer as one of the most prominent voices in the Korean fashion scene. She is most known for her work as a costume designer for television programs, particularly for soap operas with a historical or traditional theme. With the rise of recognition for Korean soap operas, Ji Choon-hee’s fame could only get bigger.
Doo-ri Chung
An American Korean designer who has earned acclaim as one of the industry’s rising stars. Her popularity has not just blossomed in the Korean-American ethnic market. She has made it to Hollywood glamour by dressing A-list tinsel town celebrities with her signature jersey dresses that have graced a lot of fashion spreads in magazines. She entered the fashion scene as a graduate of the prestigious Pasons School of Design and as a menswear designer. She is now known for her sexy dresses and impeccable drapery skills.
Richard Chai
Has been gracing the prominent New York Fashion Week with his own label since 2004. Before that, he gained substantial experience working for fashion industry heavyweights such as Geoffrey Beene, Donna Karan, and Lanvin.
Im Sang-A
A bag designer who has been making waves in the international market. The designer, who is currently in her mid-30s, took a different route to fashion success – she used to be a famous singer and actress in Korea!
Kang Jin-young & Yoon Han-hee
The names of the couple Kang Jin-young & Yoon Han-hee may not really ring a bell, but their clothing brand, Y & Kei, has been a hit in the American market. Since fizzling out with their former Obzee brand in Korean, they have not looked back, establishing success in the US and racking up their list of celebrity clientele.
Bean and Pole
The words Bean and Pole may not mean a lot outside Korea, but Bean Pole is perhaps one of the most recognizable clothing brands in the country. Its popularity has been largely attributable to its heavily American-influenced designs and its use of Hollywood celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Wentworth Miller as their endorsers.
Andre Kim
Korean fashion has been initially known by one name: Andre Kim. His elegant evening gown and wedding gown collections that have pioneered the movement for Korean designers for worldwide recognition. Aside from being popular gowns that have graced international catwalks, he was also the chief fashion designer of the 1981 Miss Universe.
Resurrection is a brand of high-end clothing designed by Lee Ju Young. Like most Korean designers that have gained global prominence, she also started her career in the US with internships for fashion houses Joop! and Carolina Herrera.
Susie Kim
Has risen to popularity as a women’s RTW designer in Korea. Her women-friendly fashions have made the brand a staple in every Korean woman’s closet.
Adela is a brand of women’s clothing that has also emerged as a powerhouse. The brand specializes in smart casual clothes, jeans, and jackets for the ladies.
Check out our more Korean fashion at http://www.asianfashion.com/korean.html
