[New York Diary] "The Most Noteworthy Korean Fashion Show"... The Rise of 'K-Fashion' in New York

Emerging Korean Designers Shine at New York Fashion Week
Concept Korea Show Draws Praise for Creativity and Diversity
K-fashion’s Limitless Potential Recognized by Global Industry Leaders

"It's amazing. They are leading fashion. All the outfits are great." "I'm very satisfied to have seen three outstanding shows at one event." "I love the individuality of Korean designers. The potential of K-fashion is limitless."

These were the praises poured out locally for emerging Korean designers who walked the runway at last week's New York Fashion Week in the United States. The protagonists were designers Kim Hee-jin and Lee Ha-eun of 'KIMMY.J,' designer Park Hyun of 'MMAM,' and designer Kang Yo-han of 'CHARM'S.' On the 12th (local time), they presented their seasonal collections side by side in Manhattan, the heart of contemporary fashion. This was on the stage of the 'Concept Korea' fashion show, an official New York Fashion Week event that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency have continued for 13 years.

Starting 30 minutes before the show, a long line began to form outside Spring Studios in Manhattan, the venue for Fashion Week. Overseas media covering New York Fashion Week, fashion influencers, global buyers, and industry professionals gathered, quickly filling all 320 seats. This was an increase of 100 seats compared to last year.

The first brand to kick off was KIMMY.J. Known for presenting eco-friendly and socially meaningful products, KIMMY.J's 2024 SS collection showcased designs combining yoga wear and urban wear. It focused on physical and mental rest for modern people in their busy daily lives, interpreted through KIMMY.J's approach. As models walked the runway against the backdrop of Manhattan buildings visible through the large windows, reactions included comments like "free and modern, very New Yorker."

The second show by MMAM began with the beautiful dance of ballerino and model Lee Ju-ho, as if shedding a shell and taking flight, and ended with the confident and unique walk of LGBTQ+ activist Elton Ilirzani, who is actively involved in the genderless movement. The messages designer Park Hyun wanted to convey?genderless, ageless, sizeless?were reflected not only in the minimalistic outfits he presented but throughout the entire show. It was about loving yourself just the way you are and embracing the dignity and diversity of all humans.

Designer Park Hyun, who debuted at New York Fashion Week through this stage, told reporters after the show, "I kept getting asked by overseas buyers if I was going to New York Fashion Week, so this was a stage I really wanted to stand on," adding, "I wanted to deliver the message that everyone can be loved just as they are." Elton Ilirzani, who met the designer as a client for the first time and walked as the final model of the MMAM show, described it as "magical" and evaluated the brand as "simple yet futuristic." As a CEO of a headhunting company, he is also a fashion influencer with over 11 million followers.

The final brand to grace the Concept Korea runway was CHARM'S, which presented a collection inspired by Carl Sagan's 'Pale Blue Dot.' Mixing black and white, silk and cotton, Warcore fashion and elegant silk scarves, it captured the sharp eyes of fashion insiders.

Fashion influencer didij, who has over 4 million followers, expressed admiration, saying, "It's an amazing show. They are leading fashion." He added, "All the outfits are good," especially praising the craftsmanship of CHARM'S. Another fashion influencer, Eddie Elize, said, "I attended several fashion shows during the week, and Concept Korea was the most noteworthy," expressing satisfaction with all three brands' collections.

Sam Denser, CEO of luxury fashion boutique 3NY and one of the most influential buyers in New York, evaluated, "It was very impressive, original, and the most memorable show I've seen recently," adding, "The potential of K-fashion is limitless." Attendees at the event unanimously agreed that Korean designers, who have recently stood out in the global market, are talented and creative. This is why their next shows and next year's Concept Korea are even more anticipated.