Spring is upon us here in Korea and Seoulites could not be more excited, not only for warmer temperatures, terrace coffees and cherry blossoms, but also spring fashion.
And while fashion trends are fairly globalized these days, there are a few that make Korea stand apart from the rest this year, which were evident at last October’s 2015 Spring/Summer Seoul Fashion Week held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. A recap of the week, demonstrated in this video, reveals that some of the biggest trends include fringe accents, polo collars, plaid patterns and sheer materials. Popular colors are yellow, head-to-toe white and denim. Also, last year’s trend of rolled up pants and oversized jackets seem to be sticking around.
So where can you pick up these latest trends on your next trip to Seoul? Well, the list is endless, really. But if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop that offers a quality collection of Korea’s hottest premium brands for both men and women, then look no further than Joykolon, located next to City Hall, a short walk from the Myeongdong shopping mecca.
Read on about Joykolon’s best brands and a few of my favorite items I spotted there on my most recent visit. (And good news for those of you outside of Korea: they have a website, too, so read on.)
Customellow
I think any girl would agree. There’s nothing sexier than a man in a suit and Customellow has some of the best looking suits on the market, as their concept is to reinterpret the timeless fashion of gentlemen’s attire to make the classics fitting for today.
Pair one of their stylish suits with a crisp button down and a solid color necktie to stand out at the office or an upcoming networking event. For those looking for something a bit more casual, Customellow also has a nice selection of shirts and jackets perfect for a cool spring day. I even spotted a few colorful designs, like the sea life themed raincoat, perfect for the guy who’s still a child at heart.
Lucky Chouette
One of the more popular brands among Korean female celebrities is Lucky Chouette, a contemporary street-wear line of the Jardin de Chouette luxury brand. Their collections offers a range of simple designs with a hint of fun and funk, and have been sported by stars such as Haeri from Girls Day, Nana from After School, actresses like Park Shin-Hae, Min Hyo-Rin, and top model Jang Yoon-Ju.
Lucky Chouette’s collections are extremely colorful and the signature characters that they incorporate into many of their items are absolutely adorable. The fun lip print shirts and their navy blazer, which looked nice with a pink and white button down, are perfect for just about any occasion. With this brand, you can mix and match their pieces to create a casual look great for brunch with the girls, or a dressier one for a night out on the town.
Suecomma Bonnie
Designed by fashion leader Lee Bohyun, Suecomma Bonnie offers handmade shoes made of only the highest quality materials imported from Italy. Although known for feminine and sexy styles, the brand also has a great selection of really unique and stylish sneakers. These shoes have been spotted on stars such as Boa and Song Hye Gyo.
The best sellers at Joykolon, it would seem, are the sneakers. And who wouldn’t love to done these colorful works of art on a day at the Han? Check out this pair of pink, white and silver patent leather loafers that incorporate a bit of this season’s fringe trend.
Couronne
Don’t miss Couronne, a luxury accessory brand that offers items crafted of carefully selected high quality leather. This spring’s collection, entitled “Alice in Wonderland” is a line of beautifully made handbags, wallets and accessories, all incorporating the brand’s signature of simplicity and timeless chic in exquisite color patterns.
Yellows, whites and blues are the go-to colors this season, as the handbags suggest. The texture of the leather used on the accessories at Couronne is also fabulously luxurious and the high quality is instantly obvious. The snakeskin clutch that shimmers under the lights is sure to the eye of any fashionista.
Series
Series, yet another brand under the Kolon name, provides urban casual styles with a neo vintage feel for the fashion conscious man. Series has been growing quickly since its launch in 2006 and currently operates a total of 60 independent stores. It has attracted many followers through its support in the cinema, photography and music industries to foster a unique style of integrating function, culture and fashion.
Not only are Series’ shirts, sweaters and jackets appealing to the eye, but they’re also of the highest quality. The color scheme and patterns (plaid, plaid and more plaid!) of the items on display are laid back, and these wearable looks are going to be especially attractive on Seoul’s fashionable men.
Kolon Sport
Perhaps Kolon Sport is the most widely known of the brands listed in this post, and for good reason. They have been one of the leading brands in the outdoor market since the brand first launched in 1973. Under the slogan, “Your best way to nature,” the brand boasts a long tradition of supporting explorers to pioneer the untouched corners of the world.
Kolon Sport’s designs focus on quality, function, safety and comfort. Their wares are colorful and place an emphasis on design, but they also provide protection from the elements and comfort. Like many of the other brands listed above, Kolon Sport is offering special gifts for Chinese shoppers until the end of the month in celebration of Lunar New Year.
Can’t wait to get your shopping shoes on? Here’s all the info you need to get yourself to Joykolon to pick up the latest styles and all the hottest spring trends. Also, don’t forget, you can just as easily shop from the comfort of your home at wannabK.com.
More Information: Joykolon
Address: 20 Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: 1588-7667
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
How to Get There: From exit 4 of City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Lines 1 & 2), walk up the stairs and take a right. Walk through City Hall until you reach the street. Take a left and walk straight for about 2 minutes. Kolonjoy will be on your left in the basement.
Map:
Although this post was sponsored by wannab K, the opinions are, of course, my own.
Words and photos by Mimsie Ladner of Seoul Searching. Content may not be reproduced unless authorized.
