Five cult Korean designers to get on your radar

Forget blending in – K-culture is all about standing out from the crowd; think DIY denim and kitschy accessories, saccharine colours a-go-go and deconstructed tailoring. Discovering the underground tastemakers worth the hype? Just look to the digi-powers that be (Instagram), It girls on the K-pop scene well documented at Fashion Week and the likes of Rihanna and Bella Hadid, who are oft spotlighting lesser-known Korean brands. Below is HUNGER’s pick of the five rising designers in South Korea on our radar RN…

Designers to FollowFashion

November 26, 2018

KYE

Say hello to the SHRIMPS in Seoul. If you’re a fan of neon faux fur and bold streetwear you will be all over this cult label launched by young designer and Central Saint Martins graduate Kathleen Kye. Rihanna can’t get enough of her vivid cover-ups.

@KYE_OFFICIAL

Gentle Monster

Never underestimate the power of a good pair of specs. The sartorial memo when it comes to sunglasses this summer? Coloured lens’ rule (see Bella Hadid and co for more details). From blue mirrored frames to Sunny D toned aviators, Gentle Monster develops itself under a philosophy of ‘high-end experimentation.’

@gentlemonster

Another A

The Seoul-based brand to watch is for the modern minimalist, with a girly twist – one for those who have a penchant for mixing and matching styles, ruffle details and slogan tees.

@another__a

Charm’s

The gender-fluid label K-pop stars turn to for punk athleisure. ‘90s grunge t-shirts? Check. Loco for logos? Check. Dreamy duffle bags to covet this season? SOLD.

@officialcharms

D.GNAK

Since Korean-born designer Kang Dong Jun left the Parsons School of Design in New York he has been busy expanding his sophisticated yet ‘popular avant-garde’ menswear brand D.GNAK. Tailored silhouettes with a twist and muted palettes are a hit each season.

@dgnakofficial

This article originally appeared on Hunger TV August 2017 and has since been updated.

TextEmma Firth

Main imageKYE / AW18 collection / via kyefashion.com

Designers to FollowFashion