Best of modern Korean fashion

Despite being collectively well-dressed as a nation, Korea is hardly known for its fashion designers. 

Japan has big names like Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo. Young Chinese-American designers such as Alexander Wang, Anna Sui and Vera Wang are household names.

Yet, Korea is still searching for its fashion big hitter.

Judging from the contemporary collections at Spring-Summer 2012 Seoul Fashion Week, here are the young Korean designers who might just step up to bat. 

Jardin de Chouette 

Jardin de Chouette designer Jae Hyun Kim cuts classic garments with a rock n’ roll edge. 

Kim’s spring collection is not so much about her iconic flashy prints, instead her smooth silhouettes and strong feminine lines. She is able to take a classic tuxedo jacket and spin it into an edgy dress with a plunging neckline. 

Even when not being overtly sexy, a background in sculpture clearly adds to her ability to work the female form. Her white tuxedo ensemble featuring a knee length pencil skirt with a matching cocoon-like cape jacket still manages to exude a subtle sexiness.

“It’s all about the hidden,” Kim says, describing the look. 

21-15 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울시 강남구 청담동 21-15); +82 2 3444 4007; www.jdchouette.co.kr

Also carried by Boon the Shop, Shinsegae Department Store, Hyundai Department Store, Galleria Department Store.

Pushbutton 

The Pushbutton brand is wearable and whimsical for the young and fashionable crowd.

“I make clothes to be casually worn, not to be too serious,” says Pushbutton design director Seung Gun Park. 

The Pushbutton Spring/Summer 2012 collection consists of contemporary pieces that are refreshingly light and airy with quirky twists. One standout is a take on the typical Breton stripe shirt, which Park refined into a light and luxurious silk blouson paired with tailored hot lime-green cigarette pants. 

Park has a knack for what’s hot right now -- take his sexy orange jumpsuit with an empire cut corset and wide leg bottom. His playful use of icy cool sherbet colors is a refreshing palette and the perfect complement to his clean lines. 

745-10 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울시 용산구 한남동 745-10); +82 2 797 1203; www.pushbutton-e-boutique.com 

Jichoi 

Jihyung Choi, creative director of Johnny Hates Jazz, has flown the coop and created her own collection label, Jichoi. Her strength as a designer is doing basics reinterpreted.

Jichoi’s contrasting style conveys simple, soft and elegant lady-like silhouettes with a modern touch. Take her classic white shift dress with the art deco inspired sequined sailor flap. It has a sleek silhouette from the front, while the back features a sculptural wave-like draping creating contrasting moods. 

The Jichoi woman is a classic sophisticate at first glance but once you get to know her, you’ll find there’s more to offer.

“She’s unique and has her little secrets”, confides Choi.  

#203, Myungho Bldg. 540 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울시 강남구 신사동 540, #203); +82 2 545 1260; www.jichoi.co.kr

Also carried by Shinsegae Department Store, Galleria Department Store, Flow & Hiroshi

Studio K

Studio K designer Hyejin Hong has a background in jewelry design. She believes in making garments that can withstand the test of time by focusing on basics like good tailoring and construction using quality materials.    

The spring collection was inspired by illusions -- seemingly streamlined silhouettes that were actually off-center, like the a navy blue boxy shirt dress with asymmetrical shoulder details in creamy chiffon.

The back featured a kaleidoscope print in a diamond pattern, reverting back to Hong's jewelry and illusions theme. 

The texturally interesting design of Hong's patchwork dress in particular shows off her tailoring expertise. 

648-20 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-896; +82 2 518 8984; www.thestudio-k.com

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