Seoul Fashion Week set to dazzle in March

• Published date: 25 February 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

Members of NewJeans appear in a poster for 2023 F/W Seoul Fashion Week at DDP in March. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

SFW gives top Korean designers chance to present collections in Paris, Tokyo, New York

By Ko Dong-hwan

It's that time of the year when Korea's fashion designers rummage through their wardrobes to carefully choose their choicest couture. Those picked by their creators will be the outfits representing not just their labels, but also the country in front of fashionistas and industry dealers from over 20 countries.

Seoul Fashion Week is set to put Korean fashion to the catwalk March 15-19, in what stands to be a chance to land a lucrative deal while winning the hearts of dedicated followers of fashion. The event's organizer, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is making moves to add extra luster to the event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).

The biggest change to the show's appearance compared to its previous settings is the stage. It's no longer linear, but circular. In the 23 years since the city began hosting the show, not once was a circle stage at the center of onlookers' attention. The circle concept, according to the Beauty and Fashion Industry Division under the city government's Economic Policy Office, will offer a more lively experience to the audience. The feature also brings out a more daring and creative stage set-up using giant LED screens, allowing the participating brands to showcase their models in more unique ways.

As another new tool to better satisfy the participating designers in the 2023 F/W Seoul Fashion Week, a more even playing field has been prepared for them to minimize potential complaints about unfairness in presenting their apparel. Except for the opening, the order of designers hitting the stage has been decided through a draw. The city government said it had nothing to do with the sequence of the 30 participating designer brands.

Members of NewJeans appear in a poster for 2023 F/W Seoul Fashion Week at DDP in March. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

A model walks during the 2022 F/W Seoul Fashion Week 'BONBOM' at Seoul Craft Museum in the city's Jongno District, March 18, 2022. The fashion show was held for the first time in three years due to COVID-19. Korea Times file

The honor of opening the show went to Ulkin by Lee Seong-dong, who earned the highest point from judges among local designer brands during a pre-evaluation stage to choose which brands will join the event.

Seoul Fashion Week, for the...