USA: Five South Korean fashion designers showcase their work at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in a collaborative presentation titled "Concept Korea"

Record ID: 796070

  • Title: USA: Five South Korean fashion designers showcase their work at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in a collaborative presentation titled "Concept Korea"
  • Date: 11th February 2012
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF KOREAN FASHION DESIGNER SON JUNG WAN'S FALL / WINTER 2012 COLLECTION
  • Embargoed: 26th February 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa, Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Business,International Relations,Arts,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAELSGGO0CKZ9U43CIEKWVC1FJ5
  • Story Text: Five fashion designers representing South Korea joined forces to win over the hearts of American fashionistas on Friday (February 10).
    The joint-presentation titled "Concept Korea" was held for the fifth time at Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week in New York.
    Among the designers was Lie Sang Bong, who is known for his fusion of culture and architectural shapes in clothing.
    For his fall 2012 collection, the designer often called the "Korean McQueen" was inspired by traditional Korean architecture - stone walls called "dol dam" that are built by stacking pieces of stone.
    "This collection is inspired by traditional Korean stone walls, how these stone walls transformed gradually into the walls of modern cities through time," Lie told Reuters.
    Moving further into the future, designing duo Steve J & Yoni P re-imagined the space suit. Their galactic dwellers travel light in silk jumpsuits and chiffon dresses in bright colors and bold prints.
    "In past space travel, astronauts felt very distant, whereas the generation now can move around easily, even to space," explained Yoni P, who is one half of the design team.
    "So we created not bulky space suits, but clothes that allow you to travel through space easily, like a silky dress. Working on it was fun," she said.
    Menswear designer Juyoung Lee was inspired by the military. The fall collection of her brand "Resurrection," was awash with toned down khaki, brown and green tones reflecting the military theme.
    She said that she has a personal reason for designing menswear.
    "What I find very important while I'm designing (clothes) is, 'what is the image of a man that women find attractive?' I find that very important. So I have an advantage. In my mind I am designing men that I find very attractive."
    Veteran designer Son Jung Wan, who has a separate runway show at fashion week, said that the presentation was timely and appropriate.
    "With the 'Korean Wave' taking over the world, I think now is the right time to introduce Korean fashion to the world. Our fashion is very trendy and delicate and I think it makes sense to create opportunities to showcase it to the New York market," Son said.
    Sponsored by the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, "Concept Korea" is a collaborative project to promote Korean fashion abroad.
    New York Fashion Week will wrap up its shows on February 16.
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