From K-pop to couture: Korean fashion’s global rise

As the fashion world turns its gaze from the men’s shows to Paris Haute Couture Week, Sohee Park will debut as the only Korean designer on the schedule. Presenting her label, Miss Sohee, on January 30 — the final day of Paris Haute Couture Week — the creative director represents South Korea’s emergence as a global leader in design, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Although other K-couturiers, including Lee Jean Youn, have showcased at the event before, Park has been gaining prominence as an emerging designer at the sweet spot of pop culture since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2020. The roster of A-lister fans who have worn Miss Sohee for award shows and red carpets includes the likes of Cardi B, Megan Fox, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Fan Bingbing, Bella Hadid, Christina Aguilera, and Priyanka Chopra. Park’s participation underscores a larger trend of Korean creatives breaking barriers in traditionally Eurocentric arenas — a movement that also includes the powerful presence of Korean brands in streetwear and fashion beyond couture. “By infusing detailed traditional elements and working with artisans on the collection, I aim to connect past and present, honoring my heritage while envisioning a bold, global future for Miss Sohee,” Park says. This blend of modernity and tradition resonates deeply with global audiences, especially as interest in Korean pop culture — from K-pop idols to hit shows like Squid Game — soars. From traditional to trendsetting The spotlight on Korean couture has been building for years. Wrapping up in October 2024, the Cleveland Museum of Art’s exhibition Korean Couture: Generations of Revolution explored the evolution of Korean design, showcasing garments from 17th-century aristocracy to contemporary innovations. This rich cultural heritage has laid the foundation for designers like Lee Jean Youn, celebrated as the first Korean designer invited to the Fédération de la Haute Couture from 2010 to 2012. Lee’s work, blending traditional sewing techniques with modern aesthetics, has paved the way for young designers like Park. For Park, Haute Couture Week provides a global platform to showcase Korean craftsmanship at its finest. “Our designs cater to those who value craftsmanship, innovation, and exclusivity, often appealing to tastemakers, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals across regions like the United States, the Middle East, and Asia,” she says. Park’s celebrity fanbase reflects her brand’s magnetic pull among cultural and entertainment elites. K-fashion capital Seoul’s rise as a cultural epicenter has propelled South Korea’s growing clout in fashion. “The city has become a center for cutting-edge fashion, design, and digital culture, influencing not only Asia but the entire world,” Park notes. This is exemplified by the ascent of brands like cult utility-wear label Post Archive Faction, sunglasses giant Gentle Monster, and streetwear favorite Ader Error, all of which have gained global traction for their avant-garde designs and disruptively artistic retail concepts. Adding to this phenomenon is the unparalleled reach of K-pop stars, who have emerged as the industry’s most powerful key opinion leaders (KOLs). Korean idols, often dressed by local designers, have become global ambassadors of their country’s aesthetic. BTS’ Louis Vuitton partnership and Blackpink’s ties to Chanel and Celine highlight the strong link between K-pop and luxury fashion. Meanwhile, streaming hits like Squid Game and Parasite are helping elevate Korean artistry worldwide. A global audience for Korean couture Beyond Hollywood red carpets and Paris runways, Miss Sohee is also making waves in diverse markets. “In Asia, regions like China deeply appreciate high craftsmanship and the fusion of cultural influences with modern aesthetics, which aligns seamlessly with the Miss Sohee ethos,” Park explains. The designer also highlighted India as an emerging market for couture, driven by its heritage of dramatic, statement-making designs for weddings and grand events. Meanwhile, the Middle East continues to show immense enthusiasm for bold, luxurious pieces. This cross-cultural appeal underscores the universal impact of Korean design. “Looking ahead to 2025, I truly believe that Asia’s influence in fashion will continue to grow exponentially,” Park tells Jing Daily. Looking to the future Park’s presence at this season’s Haute Couture Week is not just a milestone for her brand but a bellwether for South Korea’s growing dominance in global fashion. As the designer envisions, “With the rise of Korean pop culture, including K-pop, K-drama, and Korean beauty, Asia’s role in shaping global fashion trends is undeniable.” By melding rich traditions with forward-thinking innovation, Korean designers are not merely participating in the global fashion conversation — they have the potential to lead it.

Miss Sohee couture debut marks new era for K-fashion

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Miss Sohee couture debut marks new era for K-fashion