Over the last few years, Korean style has made its way throughout the global fashion industry as Korean culture has become an incredible force worldwide. South Korean fashion is often referred to as K-fashion or K-style. With the Korean wave, you'll see the influence in many styles on and off the runway. South Korean fashion began to truly evolve into what you know and love today early in the 1800s when western influence began to make its way into Korea.
Korean Fashion Up to the Late 1800s
Before western influence, the Korean Hanbok was the primary style worn in everyday life by people across all classes. The hanbok is a two-part outfit with a jeogori (jacket) and a chima (skirt) or a baji (trousers) meant to capture grace and elegance, hiding a person's movement. The hanbok's history traces all the way back to the Three Kingdoms period and is still very much a part of Korean culture today, with people wearing hanboks for special occasions. Towards the end of the 1800s, western influences began to make their way into Korean culture.
The Early 1900s to 1945
As the Japanese began to occupy Korea, western fashion and trends began to evolve as the Japanese government began to encourage modernization. The Japanese government ultimately banned the hanbok, leading to changes in fashion. Men began to wear suits, traditional top buns were cut, and women were introduced to accessories, new hairstyles, and clothing.
The new style for women was labeled as "new woman" as social and economic changes began to allow women to work, and the Japanese prioritized access to education. The style began to change throughout World War II, and fashion and styles were pulled from military influence.
Fashion After the Korean War
As the Japanese occupation ended, Koreans began to wear hanbok to celebrate Korean culture. The fashion industry began to take on more contemporary fashion influences of the 1950s at the end of the Korean War. The newest influences brought about the introduction of brighter colors within makeup, new modern hairstyles, and more influence by the United States.
In the 1960s, a new wave of fashion was introduced as styles began to branch out. Influences from musicians brought about more miniskirts and hippie styles. Eventually, they banned the import and sale of products from other countries, which helped the birth of the Korean makeup industry. This period was significant in the shift in fashion but led to Koreans choosing fashion in ways that allowed them to express themselves.
The 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s
During the 1970s, Korea was under a harsh government environment led by President Park Chung Hee. Fashion became a symbol of protest for the youth as they continued to express themselves with bold fashion choices.
The 1980s and 1990s brought a fashion shift into more casual wear for all, including t-shirts, blue jeans, and jumpers. As more women entered the workforce, they began to wear more work-style fashion. Punk and hip-hop eras ushered in new styles for men, women, and youth.
From the 1990s to today
The pace of change in Korean fashion picked up quickly. Many international brands and designers blended unexpected elements and details that make Korean fashion unique. People were looking for new and innovative ways to stand out, choosing fashion statement pieces that deviated from the traditional styles.
Today, the Korean style focuses on elements of comfort seamlessly blended with fashion to enhance appearance. Korea, over time, has transformed into a fashion and style trendsetter with the rise of K-beauty and K-fashion as an incredible influence on the global fashion industry. Thanks to the integration of online stores, the emergence of indie designers, and a booming economy, the future of Korean fashion is bright.