Fashion trends and cultural dynamics have evolved around the globe through the years. Geographical changes, political circumstances, natural dynamics, and the influence of other cultures contribute to the changing waves of a culture or fashion. It is important to understand the significance of fashion history. Without the knowledge of fashion history, the point in fashion we are at today would not be unique.

fashion history
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This article discusses the history of Korean fashion and how it has evolved into one of the world’s most popular fashion trends. Korean fashion has a rich history of cultural, political, and foreign influences. The way Korean culture has continually progressed has put Korean fashion where it is today in the global fashion world.

It’s hard to define the Korean fashion of today in simple words. Perhaps the way the inventive youth of today tries to create individual identities of their own through expressing themselves the way they like and, in the style, they prefer, is the most distinctive feature of Korean fashion.

Let’s dig deep into the history of this amazing K-Fashion starting from almost a century ago.

The Korean ‘Hanbok’

It all started in the late 1800s when Korean people started to wear a simpler and more traditional version of the Hanbok. Hanbok is traditional Korean attire, consisting of a ‘jeogori’ (a shirt or a jacket) and a ‘Chima’ (a wraparound skirt). But more than a century ago, Korean men and women used to wear it out of mere simplicity and poverty. There was little concept of accessories, jewelry, and fancy hairstyles.

Korean Fashion from 1910 to 1945

1910 was a turning point in Korean fashion history. This was the year when Japan tried to capture South Korea. Japanese armed forces, in order to overpower the Koreans, banned Hanbok. This led to dynamic changes in Korean fashion as Japanese fashion started to get absorbed in Korean culture. Japanese fashion is mostly comprised of West-inspired dresses.

Korean men started to wear suits and women wore pants. Korean people were also first introduced to different accessories, jewelry, and hairstyles. In addition to this, makeup trends, the use of lipsticks, and mascara also started to pick pace among Korean women.

Korean Fashion from 1945 to 1950

1945 to 1950
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The Korean war brought immense tragedy, poverty, and nuisances to the Korean people. This also led to a cultural setback. Due to the circumstances, KJP or “relief supply” fashion was rising. The populace started wearing the supplies they got after the war according to their liking and modified them according to their needs. The Hanbok was also making a comeback since the ban was lifted after the war.

Many Korean men had fought in the war, and they used their military clothes as a part of their fashion. The ease of times gave Korean people the liberty to once again wear their traditional clothes.

Korean Fashion from 1950 to 1960

1950 to 1960
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This is the decade that became the base of modern Korean fashion. During the early 50s, Korea was sunken in darkness and poverty. But several fashion designers also rose to popularity. The first fashion show in South Korea was held in 1956 at the Bando Hotel. Norah Noh was the designer who made this possible. However, Korea lacked models and that is why Norah had to use Korean actresses including Miss Korea to wear and represent her dresses.

Norah Noh is believed to be the founder of modern Korean fashion. Her foundation led to many designers rising to the occasion and very soon the city of Myeongdong became the epicenter of Korean fashion. Talented designers and their work made this city the Mecca of the Korean fashion industry in a short amount of time.

Korean Fashion from 1960 to 1990

People of Korea started working more and needed more comfortable and work-friendly clothes. This led the designers to create more pragmatic and mobile dress styles like miniskirts, shirts, and comfortable footwear. This era also marked the rise of cosmetics as women started to wear makeup more than before.

The 70s is believed to be the era of bold fashion. A rebellious attitude of Korean people against a conservative government gave birth to bold fashion trends. Bell-bottomed pants, big sunglasses, and hooped earrings all became a part of this hippie era. Also, many fashion-related corporations were founded during this time including the widely popular JDG (JoongAng Design Group).

The West-inspired “Disco Boom” arrived in Korea too. The 1980s marks the punk and hip-hop era. Vibrant colors, baggy dresses, chains, jeans, and t-shirts all became a part of the dressing styles of Korean men, women, and youth. A lot of women started to layer clothes wearing jackets and bombers on their tops.

During the 1988 Seoul Olympics, imports affected the liberalization and brought uniqueness into fashion in Korea.

1960 to 1990
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Korean fashion from 1990 to 2019

The pace Korean fashion picked after the 90s has not gone dropped since. Due to the Korean wave, many international brands and designers started to fuse Korean trends and styles into their work giving Korean fashion exposure to the rest of the World. Andre Kim has undoubtedly become the face of modern Korean fashion worldwide due to his work.

The fashion week held in Seoul twice every year is now Korea’s most renowned fashion event attracting global media, local and international stars, and designers. Along with Korean fashion, it is important to notice the significance the Korean entertainment industry holds. Korean movies and K-pop idols especially have helped spread Korean trends overseas increasing online sales and market.

Despite many modern fashion trends and designs, Korean fashion has managed to hold its place in the global world of fashion. An important reason behind this is the rich history of Korean fashion which cannot be rolled out. The Hanbok has proven to be a great masterpiece to recreate for the modern fashion world. It is something that fulfills the retro yet decent fashion demands of people. Leslee and Kim Mi Hee are the top brands whose work shows the trendy and fashionable side of Hanbok.

Hanbok
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The Korean Fashion of Today

South Korean fashion is big and is expected to be bigger in the coming years. The unstoppable invasion of K-Pop, K-makeup, and K-dramas is not going to let down the wave of Korean fashion anytime soon. Korean artists and actors create such iconic and trendy looks that it leaves people around the world awe-inspired.

Korean originals
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Fashion trends like Athleisure, Blush Tones, Vibrant Blazers, and big Shades are the true storytellers of modern Korean originals. All we can say about these trends is that they are here to stay!

Conclusion

The rich history, cultural dynamics and all the political circumstances that were proliferated by the times have left Korean fashion influenced, to say the least. Korean fashion remains to be Korea’s most treasured cultural aspect. With Korea’s currently booming economy, its unstoppable global impact, and the flow of the Hallyu Wave, one can imagine the future trends of Korea’s shining fashion culture and how it is going to leave the rest of the world amazed and inspired by the next couple of years.

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