The Korean Fashion Brands We Like to Shop for a Bit of Newness
We've long been obsessed with Korean beauty but what's really getting us excited is the fact that brilliant Korean fashion brands seem to be gaining momentum.
With countless A-list fans and cult Instagram followings, the Korean fashion scene has experienced a boom of late, and we're ever so grateful to finally have these brands in our lives.
From the eyewear outfitter that Bella and Gigi Hadid are fans of to the super-glam designs that are now stocked at one of your favourite stores just in time for party season, keep scrolling to discover the best Korean fashion brands out there. Best get that long card number ready, too.
Since this brand is sold on sites like Net-a-Porter, it might be the most familiar of the bunch. Started by a husband and wife (how cool is that?), this label is known as the ultimate one-stop shop for directional denim: shaping it into wrap skirts, patched jackets, and cool crop tops.
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The perfect cut and with cool cord panelling? We've just found your new favourite jeans.
Take one look at the Instagram page or online store for K-fashion brand Charm's, and you'll see one thing: out-of-this-world streetwear. If you're in the market for a sick statement sweatshirt or a grungy yet totally cute T-shirt, Charm's is the place to go.
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Related: 47 Cool French Fashion Brands Everyone Should Know About
The true name of Cres. E Dim. sums up its overall balanced aesthetic. "Cres" means "getting gradually louder" and "Dim" essentially means "getting gradually softer." Expect to see a contrast of bold and soft pieces on this site, in addition to slogans akin to streetwear and an interesting use of fabrics.
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If the '70s, a preppy schoolgirl and a funky artist were to all collide, you would get Beyond Closet. Its selection of knitwear, sweatshirts, and tees all have the perfect amount of character, instantly putting you in a better mood when you wear them.
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Heart details are a recurring theme at Beyond Closet, and we've fallen head over heels for this sweater. Pair with a leather miniskirt and ankle-strap shoes.
Related: I've Done the Research—These Are the 8 Best Shoes to Wear With Midi Dresses
Goen Jong of Goen.J was born in South Korea and spent many years in France—an influence that's certainly apparent in her chic designs. Her pieces are perfectly clever and polished, and each one offers a refinement that is difficult to achieve.
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Elevate your work look by baring your legs and wearing a pair of loafers.
The word "chouette" in Lucky Chouette means owl, and is the designated symbol for the brand. Besides the cheeky graphic, the brand is known for pieces with vibrant prints and atypical shapes.
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This gorgeous mustard hue will lift the rich tones typically found in your winter wares.
Related: It's the Perfect Time to Invest in a Great Winter Coat—28 That Stand Out
If you aren't afraid of using your clothing to make a loud statement, Hyein Seo is the brand for you. Between the patched bomber jackets, graphic tees, and faux-fur jackets, trust us when we say you'll have a lot to work with.
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Fun fact: Celebrities love KYE—Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, and Hailey Baldwin to name a few. These bold pieces are just the right amount of edgy and glam and are now available to shop at Urban Outfitters, too.
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Ruche detailing is key for autumn/winter 2018. Wear this with glittery heels and a silk camisole for party season.
Eyewear has never looked so intriguing thanks to Gentle Monster. With every shape and colour under the sun, eyewear addicts will be in heaven while shopping this brand's enticing selection. Kaia Gerber is a fan, while Aimee Song has collaborated on two collections.
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All that is on trend and extremely detailed can be found at Rocket X Lunch. From gorgeous embroidered bomber jackets to zipper detailed denim, you'll fall in love with this quirky brand at first sight. For us, it's the beautiful knitwear we keep coming back for.
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Related: I’m a Fashion Editor—This is the Classic Winter Staple I Rely On Year After Year
With over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, Style Nanda is one of the most iconic Korean fashion brands out there. With colour-pop dresses blended seamlessly with muted separates, it's also known for its very sweet price points.
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We need not remind you that cords are big news this year. Wear these sage strides with a cream chunky knit and cowboy boots.
If elegance is what you seek, look no further than Tibaeg. Founded by Eunae Cho in 2011, Cho used her experience working at big Korean style stalwarts to inform her own beautiful designs.
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Like what you see? Why not check out some of our other favourite brands from overseas.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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