Cover From streetwear to runway: the Korean influence on Asia’s high-fashion scene (Photo: Getty Images)
From streetwear to runway: the Korean influence on Asia’s high-fashion scene (Photo: Getty Images)
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From K-dramas to K-pop, the world has fallen head over heels for all things Korean–and fashion from the haute streets of Seoul is no exception
It’s time we had a little conversation about the fashion phenomenon that’s been turning heads from Seoul to Singapore and everywhere in between–Korean street style–and how it’s not just influencing what the cool kids are wearing on the pavements of Gangnam.
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Korean fashion is having a moment, and it’s lasting longer than most of the multi-season K-dramas. Even K-pop airport fashion serves as inspiration. This revolution is redefining Asian luxury and making waves in the hallowed halls of high-end Asian fashion. So, let’s dive into this sartorial sensation.
But what exactly is Korean street style? It’s a mishmash of oversized silhouettes, layered looks, and a bold approach to mixing high-end and casual wear. It’s the art of looking effortlessly cool while secretly spending hours perfecting that ‘just rolled out of bed’ look—and it’s taking Asia by storm.
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What does this have to do with high-end fashion? Well, quite a lot. The line between street style and high fashion has always been a bit blurry, but Korean street style? It’s not just blurring that line—it’s dancing on it, spray-painting it, and then inviting everyone to a fabulous party on both sides.
Take oversized blazers, for instance. Once upon a time, they were the domain of your dad’s wardrobe and 80s TV shows, but Korean street style embraced the oversized look, pairing those big, boxy blazers with crop tops, bike shorts, or ripped jeans. Before you knew it, luxury brands were sending models down the runway looking like they raided their boyfriend’s closet–in the best way possible.
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How about the humble bucket hat that was once relegated to the heads of fishermen and overzealous tourists? It’s now a Korean street style staple and suddenly, Prada and Gucci are churning out bucket hats like they’re going out of style which, ironically, they’re very much not.
Korean street style has influenced the very way high-end Asian fashion approaches styling. The art of layering, once the preserve of people living in places where the weather can’t make up its mind, has become a cornerstone of high-fashion looks across Asia.
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Models are catwalking down the runway wearing dresses over trousers, oversized sweaters over flowing skirts, and more layers than a particularly complex mille-feuille. It’s all about creating depth, texture, and interest–and looking fabulously chic while doing it.
Korean street style has a knack for taking something simple, like accessories, and turning it into a statement piece. Chunky trainers? Check. Tiny sunglasses that would make a cat squint? Absolutely. Bags so small they can barely fit a lipstick? Yes. Korean street style has also influenced the very aesthetic of high-end Asian fashion and brands are following suit, creating luxury versions of these. The cool, effortless vibe that Korean fashion influencers exude has also become the holy grail for luxury brands looking to appeal to a younger, trendier audience.
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Gone are the days when high-end fashion was all about looking polished and perfect. Now, it’s about looking like you just threw on an outfit worth thousands to pop to the shops for some milk. It’s a delicate balance of high and low, casual and formal, that Korean street style has mastered.
Its influence extends to the models and faces of these brands too. Korean celebrities and influencers are increasingly being tapped as brand ambassadors for high-end fashion houses. Blackpink’s Jennie (Jennie Kim) for Chanel, BTS’ V (Kim Tae-hyung) for Celine, Blackpink’s Lisa (Lalisa Manobal) for Bulgari, and Bae Suzy (Bae Su-ji) for Dior, to name a few. These stars bring with them not just their massive followings, but also their innate understanding of how to make high-fashion pieces look cool and wearable.
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High-end brands will continue to draw inspiration from the streets of Seoul, while Korean street style will keep finding new and exciting ways to incorporate luxury pieces. This beautiful dance between high and low, street and luxury, makes the current Asian fashion scene so exciting. It’s unpredictable, it’s dynamic, and it’s more fun than a shopping spree with an unlimited credit card.
It’s here to stay. Shaking up the industry, challenging traditional notions of luxury, and injecting a much-needed dose of fun and creativity into high fashion.
This article/explainer was assisted by AI. We are dedicated to bringing you into our world with more meaningful content, and AI is allowing us to explore this frontier and deliver more content you will love.
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
