Tokyo and Seoul recently closed their respective fashion weeks and we listed down 10 Asian designers that we’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on
This year’s first round of fashion weeks nears its end as Tokyo and Seoul recently wrapped up their shows just last week. The designs range from reinterpreted casuals to toned down avant-garde pieces that highlight the unique artistic DNA of each designer. We can also trace back the influence of their culture in their designs despite infusing modernity in their collections.
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With the recent closing of both shows in Tokyo and Seoul, it’s safe to say that the designers we listed down below are on our fashion radar.
Seoul
Acceptance Letter Studio
Founded in 2021, Korean designer Shim Jae-kyung envisioned the brand to be a safe space for all. He incorporated the idea of an acceptance letter in the brand, where one receives a confirmation of being a part of a community, and giving it a new meaning of positivity and belonging. The idea is reflected in the designs that have such fluidity in it, and simpler silhouettes finished in a laid-back yet edgy manner.
PARTsPARTs
For PARTsPARTs, the fashion brand celebrates sustainability and zero-waste practices. Launched back in 2011, it’s actually the first brand in Korea that has sustainability as their goal. Designer Lim Seon-ok goes by the zero-waste philosophy, guaranteeing that each process has minimal waste and is being coursed through a continuous material development production with the new neoprene material the brand often uses. Finished in vivid hues and playful prints, the neoprene gave the designs of their shirt dresses and jackets a certain structure to it—a chic take on everyday casuals.
M. RoF
This Korean fashion brand advocates for inclusive fashion. Where the lines are blurred between genders, stereotypes, and fixed perception—designer Lee Jae-min makes it a point to bring forth a marriage of staple silhouettes with new forms that are unusual to the eyes. This particular direction was done in casuals and a darker palette of neutral hues, making it versatile for any occasion and outfit.
Big Park
In the Korean fashion scene, Big Park is considered to be one of the most established brands since they launched back in 2011 in London. Headed by designer Yunsoo Park, the fashion brand champions their unique construction techniques that capture a unique style of the new trends in casual wear. Having an outstanding archive that consists of signatures updated every season, Big Park continues to head towards a direction of elevated essentials for an edgy twist.
Lie
Lie is an active fashion brand from Korea that made its way to the fashion weeks in New York, Paris, and London over the past years. As designer Chungcheong Lee heads the brand, they’re often commended globally for their structured silhouettes and bold combinations while maintaining a soft tone to it—giving the brand the ideal balance of sophistication and romance.
Tokyo
HARUNOBUMURATA
Japanese designer Harunobu Murata has an outstanding background that includes his training from Marangoni Institute in Milan and his experience in Jil Sander back in 2015. We can see the blend of Western luxury and Japanese stylistic elements in his designs that exude such elegance done in a subtle conservative tone with its neutral palette and minimalist construction.
UCF
This fashion brand combines the minds of new designers that share one goal—to create a modern line of pieces in the universe of neutrals. We can definitely see this in their collections as they continue to expand the possibilities of casual wear with their experimental silhouettes and unique craftsmanship. And as they continue to unfold a contemporary branding, the designers maintain a cultural DNA with their use of traditional textiles.
HEōS
Compared to other brands, HEōS ventures into silhouettes that are more relaxed. Derived from the Greek god’s name that means “dawn,” the fashion brand created a new narrative of tranquility with their use of lightweight materials that create the impression of fluidity and movement. And while the concept of brand is grounded with a calm tone, designer Shoma Akatsukigawa executes his design with such elegance that reflects his expertise in pattern-making, which he obtained in Paris.
TAKAHIROMIYASHITA The Soloist
The Soloist directly stems from the designer’s journey in fashion. Japanese designer Miyashita built his career from the ground up with his self-taught background in fashion design to participating in Tokyo Fashion Week back in 2000. He materialized his journey by implementing a concept that embodies a free-spirited personality and an individualistic fashion in his designs done in a manner that blurs the line between tailoring and streetwear.
Stein
Behind the minimalist brand is Japanese designer Kiichiro Asakawa. There’s definitely a blend of Western and Eastern cultures for Stein as they create pieces that embrace the modernity of the West and the technicalities of Japanese culture. Each piece exudes a cool vibe to it with its minimalistic fashion finished in maximized silhouettes, as well as its neutral color palette.
Photos from RAKUTEN FASHION WEEK TOKYO and SEOUL FASHION WEEK (via Instagram and website)
