fashion
top5 korean designer brands
you should know
by happynii
Korea’s fashion scene is dynamic, with numerous talented designers and brands that have gained international recognition. Korean designer brands are becoming increasingly well-known worldwide. Today, I want to introduce you to 5 Korean designer brands you must know.
Andersson Bell is a contemporary Korean fashion brand known for its fusion of Korean aesthetics with Scandinavian influences. The brand was established in 2014 and quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to design.
Andersson Bell is renowned for its eclectic style, blending elements from both Korean and Scandinavian design traditions. This fusion creates a fresh, modern aesthetic that appeals to a global audience.
The brand frequently offers gender-neutral or unisex pieces, embracing a modern approach to fashion that challenges traditional gender norms.
Andersson Bell places a strong emphasis on quality and craftsmanship, using premium fabrics and precise tailoring to create garments with meticulous attention to detail.
The brand’s collaborations with various artists and other brands, as well as its popularity among celebrities and influencers, have elevated its global reputation. Notably, they have recently partnered with Hunter.
Andersson Bell showcased its latest designs at the 2024 Milan Fashion Week and has expanded beyond Korea, with its collections available worldwide and stocked in major fashion retailers.
Minju Kim is a prominent South Korean fashion designer known for her creative and whimsical designs. Her innovative approach to fashion has earned her recognition both in Korea and internationally.
Get to know designer Minju Kim
Designer Minju Kim has been leading her namesake brand, MINJUKIM, for six years now. She attended middle and high school in the Netherlands before returning to Korea to study fashion design at the Samsung Art & Design Institute (SADI). She then went on to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
Minju Kim launched her brand in London, initially not limiting her focus to Korea. However, after receiving advice from designer Jung Kuho at Seoul Fashion Week—where he suggested that a brand can thrive by being loved in its home country—Kim decided to move her studio to Korea. This move was motivated by her desire for more people in Korea to appreciate and support MINJUKIM.
Kim’s designs are characterized by their playful, artistic, and avant-garde style. She often incorporates bold colors, intricate patterns, and unique shapes into her collections. Kim has collaborated with major brands, including H&M. Her collection with the retailer showcased her distinctive style and brought her work to a wider audience.
Creative directors Jiyoung and Boyoung drew inspiration from their shared name, ‘Young,’ to create the brand name YY. The letter ‘Y’ in their brand, Open YY, shares the same sound but carries two distinct meanings: one refers to ‘brightness,’ while the other signifies ‘flower bud.’ Open YY captures the beauty of these similar yet different aspects, expressing the diversity and individuality of each.
PUMA X OPEN YY
Recently, Open YY collaborated with Puma to launch a collection of clothing and shoes. The collaboration has generated excitement among fans of both brands.
Low Classic is a contemporary Korean fashion brand known for its minimalist and sophisticated designs. The brand was founded in 2009 by Myoungsin Lee and has since gained a strong following in Korea and internationally.
Low Classic creates versatile, functional pieces that seamlessly integrate into any wardrobe. Their designs are known for their simplicity and wearability, making them a staple for many fashion enthusiasts. The brand prioritizes high-quality fabrics and materials in its collections, ensuring each piece is durable and comfortable. Low Classic’s minimalist aesthetic has a wide appeal and is stocked in major fashion retailers globally, resonating with fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
5.eenk
EENK is a contemporary Korean fashion brand known for its innovative and concept-driven designs. Founded by designer Lee Hyemee in 2018.
One of EENK’s most distinctive features is its alphabet-themed collections, where each season is inspired by a different letter of the alphabet. The letter serves as the theme for the collection, influencing the design, color palette, and concepts.
EENK’s designs often feature eclectic and playful elements, incorporating bold colors, intricate patterns, and unique silhouettes. The brand blends vintage and contemporary influences to create fresh, modern looks.