Yesterday Dong Hwan and I stopped by Korea Style Week at the COEX Mall to visit an old friend, Noone Leather Kustom's Designer, Yoo Jin Suk. As I walked around the space I saw some of what I had expected, and then a few rare gems that definitely stood head and shoulders above the traditional trends of Korean modern style.
Couturier Holiday, designed by Judith Chihye Shin, was the brightest shining diamond of Korea Style Week 2014. Judith Shin trained at Central Saint Martins London.
Her designs are feminine, but not girlish. Usually I do not favor pastels and lace, but she manages to fashion these materials and colors into a fresh, grown-up and inspired collection.
There were many different styles of bags on display at KSW, most not noteworthy, save one. Sigmapixi is a new start-up eco friendly handbag designer lead by Kang Hye Jeong, CEO and Creative Designer. The line was launched two weeks ago in Korea. For those looking for a slightly more conservative, but still modern style, e.u.rasa.chan offers signature pieces with a distinctly Korean edge.
Just before we left, we visited the Korea Tattooist Association booth. All of the tattooists' artwork on display was impressive. They are a well-organized group of talented artists. I was particularly drawn to AOE, designed by DONO. The Korea Tattooist Association's Director, Jeong Won Choi, can be reached at While we were looking around the space, there was a woman making t-shirts with custom designs, available for purchase to event visitors.As I was looking at the Korea Tattooist Association brochure this morning over tea, and browsing their individual websites and blogs, I discovered Tattoo Artist, In-Nyung Kang. She was the woman pressing designs onto white cotton t-shirts. I regret that I didn't notice her at the time. I would have loved to talk to her about her work. She studied Buddhist Art, Oriental painting at Dongguk University. If I were to get a tattoo, she would be my clear choice. Check out her work on her Facebook page.
By Kelly S Jin
