I scan the crowed room and I think to myself: This is it.
The girl sitting next to me gives me a smile; A punk Asian debutante, “Nice.”
I feel welcomed instantly.
She’s wearing plaid-yellow pants, multiple chokers, and a complicated updo. She’s outgoing. The word on the street is that she writes for Seoul magazine. There is another woman behind me who writes for Women’s Wear Daily, and somewhere in the crowd is an older, chic, white woman. I spot her twice. Someone tells me she’s frequented Paris Fashion Week with Rihanna. I’m going to assume that she’s a big wig.
It looks like I’m in good company.
The lights dim and I prepare for my first fashion show. As I sit in anticipation, I think of sex. I usually do. I dig a little deeper and ask myself: What does the modern Korean consider sexy? What will it take to push Korea into naughtier territory? Will harry potter glasses, tennis shoes, and baby doll dresses reign supreme forever, is what I’m asking??
These questions need answers. And as a fake Korean citizen, I demand something sexier for my palate. So bring it on.
Seoul Fashion Week, WOW me.
It’s 13:00 and CANEZOU pops my cherry.
The show opens up with a young girl strutting in ornate victorian garb. She’s holding a dolly. It’s whimsical and sweet and definitely unexpected. The collection reveals itself and …
“What the f***?!”
Um …
Homegirl brings out spandex dresses, neon pink clubwear, and zebra print-trench coats. I’m new to this, but even I can identify a what the f*** moment. As in, What the f*** is going on; Why the f*** am I here?; Does she know where the f*** she is??
Aw, I am so sad.
And yes, it is sexy but I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. To get analytical, It’s reminiscent of Westernized club wear circa 1998. CANEZOU is not the most wearable but it tells a story: Every little girl lives in a fantasy land and then grows into a sexier version of themselves. The club wear is jarring, but it is the interpretation of sexiness as seen through the eyes of a little girl.
Got it.
The fall line is hideous; almost laughable, but I also think Bomin Kim (the creator) is brilliant. She pulled a Warhol on us! Kim takes something terrifying and declares it high art. Who do you know that can tell their story using a tacky clothing, but re-mix it into haute couture?
I don’t know many.
Very, very well done, Kim.
About two hours later I find myself at pushButton, a brand that far surpasses the small fish. It’s blatant commercial appeal, allows for a smooth transition into a world of androgyny.
I love it: Boys that look like girls, who look like boys.
Currently, South Korea’s unisex fashions are framed around a masculine aesthetic. Cute, but not daring nor sexy. Nobody looks sexy wearing oversized everything.
pushButton uses feminity as its core delivery for both men and women.
And it works, the men look extremely feminine, while the women appear more dominant and strong. The look: Cat eyed sunglasses, furry sweaters and power suits for all. The gender-bending playfulness translates into naughty sexuality. It’s been decided: PushButton’s 2014 fall line is disgustingly perfect.
The final designer I witness, after an arduous day of fashions, is Jineteok.
Jineteok doesn’t just push the envelope. Her fall collection takes the envelope, stomps it to the ground, and shits on it. I guess she doesn’t like boxes. Oh, and the titties. Bare titties.
As a Westerner, I am quite pleased and … turned on. The fall 2014 line is comprised of victorian trench coats, polka dots, A- line dresses, and lots of textures for fall. That’s boring though. Nobody’s here for that. We want sex!
The mood shifts with unapologetic nudity; Jineteok is the first designer I see who plays with sheer T-shirts and dresses, all of which leave nothing to the imagination.
Many of her garments are sleeveless, and are a far departure from the aegyo- a traditionally tame and childlike fashion. Her shit was sexy, though! Who knew it would take an older Korean woman to show us the way. I’m inspired, impressed, and a little horny. Like a pizza, Seoul Fashion Week was multi-layered. You can even say it was a microcosm of Korea. There was victorian for the whimsical, unisex-minimalist for trendy, salacious club wear for the slutty, and chic nudity for the sophisicated.
There’s always something for everybody.
Overall, a game well played, Korea.
Images from Seoul Fashion Week courtesy of Danielle Mitchell
