10 Reasons Why Seoul Will Be the Next Fashion Capital

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For some time now, we have been hearing about a new fashion capital.

In addition to the iconic cities of Paris, New York, London, and Milan, another city is asserting its growing influence and creativity on fashion show runways.

Seoul has made a spectacular entrance into the dreamlike world of fashion, and the Korean capital has won the hearts of fashionistas around the globe.

To better understand why Seoul will be the next fashion capital and to grasp the Korean trends, follow our guide.

So, will Seoul be the next fashion capital? We bet yes, and we’ll explain why in ten points!

1. Korean fashion is ultra trendy 

The K-dramas that are hitting big on Netflix, the K-pop groups invading playlists, Bong Joon-ho’s film Parasite, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes… You’ve noticed, Korea is trendy right now, and for our greatest happiness, this is not about to stop!
The phenomenon of Korean pop culture has a name, the Hallyu, which can be translated as “Korean wave.” The Hallyu is supported by the Korean government and an unprecedented enthusiasm internationally.
Of course, fashion isn’t left out, and with its pool of influencers and increasingly creative designers, it shakes the iconic luxury cities like Paris or Milan.

2. Korea is a country of creators and producers

In Seoul, they produce and especially create clothing and invent the trends of tomorrow. Creativity is the attitude that allows the Korean capital to strategically position itself as the new fashion city.
Korean brands that manufacture locally are becoming increasingly numerous, and the fashion market is powerful.

The downside is, of course, on the production side. Fast fashion reigns supreme, which is not very eco-friendly.

3. Celebrities love Korean fashion

Even the stars have taken notice and are also adopting the chic-casual look of Korean fashion!
Pop star Rihanna or rapper G-Dragon have been spotted wearing clothes from the brand Hyein Seo. Rihanna admitted to being a fan, and the brand shared a photo of the singer wearing one of its T-shirts on Instagram.

Lie Sang Bong, the famous Korean designer, has dressed stars since 1985. Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Lindsay Lohan are among those who covet his clothes.

4. Fashion brings in revenue, and the state subsidizes it

In the land of the morning calm, fashion is a state affair. The development of the textile industry is such that the government has made the bold choice to concretely help creation by subsidizing new players in the sector. This decision has immediate repercussions on the fashion economy and innovation. Young creators are supported in their work and bring a touch of freshness and optimism!

5. Fashion is in the streets, not just on the runways

Unlike Paris or New York, where runway fashion rarely meets everyday fashion, in Seoul, fashion is everywhere!
Just a stroll through the capital’s streets will show you that the trends are embraced by the majority of the population and that young people are shopping enthusiasts. This ease of wearing the same clothes as those seen in fashion shows is typical of Korean fashion: accessible, chic and classy.
Korean outfits have another great advantage; they also adapt to all occasions. A classic outfit of a blouse and puffy-sleeved shirt during the day transforms into a trendy evening outfit by adding a touch of makeup or a beret.

6. Men and fashion

If there is one country where men don’t feel left out, it’s definitely Korea!
It’s very simple, from streetwear styles to haute couture, men’s fashion is very present and more represented than elsewhere. 

Oversized tops, trench coats for men, and cardigans come in beige tones, pastels, or more colorful shades.

White sneakers worn with jeans or beige pants are trendy among men, and for a more dressed-up look, it’s no more complicated! Just switch to a pair of brown loafers, and you’re all set.

7. The importance of aesthetics and beauty

We’ve all envied them with their perfect skin and their beauty routines on the runways, in the streets, or on Netflix. It hasn’t escaped anyone that Koreans love to take care of themselves and don’t hesitate to compliment others on their physical appearances.
They pay particular attention to looks and style.

Before fashion, K-beauty had also conquered the world with products that are cuter than each other.

8. Mastered eccentricity

Having style is a real balancing act. If nude and classic outfits are a good base, there’s no question of not standing out by adding your personal touch. Enhancing a look with a Korean style requires creativity; why not add an oversized printed cardigan to a light outfit to brighten it up, or colorful or pastel socks matched with a pleated skirt?

9. Influencers with millions of followers

You cannot talk about fashion without mentioning the Korean influencers who lead the dance on Instagram with their millions of followers, like Hoyeon Jung, who we also saw in the hit series Squid Game in 2021 and who has 23.5 million followers.

With her two million followers, Irene Kim became the must-follow fashion influencer in 2022. After collaborating with the biggest names like Chanel or Calvin Klein, the pretty model with a rock’n’roll look and colored hair has just created her own brand.

The influencer and businesswoman, Jung Da Won, is the CEO of the brand Mejiwoo. On Instagram, this pretty model has 10.8 million followers who daily follow her beauty and fashion favorites. She is also the sister of J-Hope from the famous K-pop group BTS.

10. A very attractive market 

Seoul is not done making headlines in fashion. In 2020, the clothing market was valued at €29.6 billion.

French luxury brands like Céline or Louis Vuitton, already established in the Korean market, are now collaborating with celebrities from Korea. In Paris, New York, and now Seoul, stay in the loop on Fashion Week trends by reading our article on the subject.

After a long pause due to the pandemic, Seoul is regaining its models and runways for this much-anticipated fashion week!