The South Korean Brands to Know

I visited South Korea when I was just 18 years old, staying in a city called Busan. April - Cherry Blossom season, and with it comes a festival surrounding the falling of the flowers. I will never forget the blossom piled waist high on the side of the pavements. I must have walked at least 20k steps a day, the best way to see a new city. Back then I had just finished my full-time dance residency, moving onto university to study Sport and Exercise Science. I worked in a clothing store part-time, so had a fond interest in fashion; but not as strongly as the present day. I’d love to go back to South Korea in the next few years, but next time spending time in Seoul, soaking up the local fashion and appreciating the minimal style from a more mature perspective. 

For the past two years, I’ve been wearing more and more South Korean labels. Muted tones, structured lines and also trialling new skincare to add to my beauty cabinet that not only feels good but also looks appealing on the shelf. If you’re a minimalist and sport a capsule wardrobe, I think this post is for you. I find myself restyling my Korean pieces more than many other key wardrobe items. Plus, it’s easy to shop some of the brands in this post as they are stocked on Net-A-Porter and W Concept which ship Internationally.

Verso Seoul

Clean lines, breezy fabrics and neutral tones. Verso is more of a lifestyle store. I originally found them on Instagram for fashion, but they also stock ceramics, jewellery and scents for the home.

Gabriel Lee

I first wore Gabriel lee in May 2019 at MBFWA (Australian Fashion Week). There are never too many pieces in the collections, and I love a staple blazer makes an appearance each season. Usually with striking detail, whether it’s an asymmetrical button placement or split hems.

Recto.

My ruched crop top has to be my most worn piece this year. Versatility is key when selecting new pieces to implement into my closet. Style with high waisted linen trousers, or under a white shirt. 

Yuul Yie

I’ve been wearing Yuul Yie shoes for just over a year. Recognised for unique structured heel designs. Perfect shoes to elevate basic outfits. They have a lot of online stockists, so easy to shop worldwide.

Andersson Bell

Korean and Scandi fushion that launched in 2014. Andersson Bell reinterprets Scandinavian vibes to create new objects from a point of Korean’s view. I adore their tailoring and outerwear. I opted for my blazer pictured in a larger size.

Venn Skincare

Skincare streamlined to modern life without compromising on the efficacy. You've maybe heard of the 10 step Korean beauty routine - Venn simplifies that. My favourite products are the Moisture Balance All in One Cleanser and the Age Reversing All in One Concentrate. 

Numbering

My newest discovery. Jewellery that makes a statement. Chunky chains contrast with a minimal wardrobe. Also the brand which made me fall back in love with silver.

Gu-de

Bags with substance. Like many other Korean accessories, styled with a simple wardrobe will make them pop. I first discovered the brand the start of 2019. You can add extra accessories such as a different strap giving a bit of spice to the styles.

Hopefully when the world adapts to a new kind of normal, I’ll make it back to South Korea. If you have any recommendations from visiting yourself, I’d love to hear them. Hope these brands can inspire you to mix up your wardrobe.

Writing, photography and creative direction by Yours Truly
All images shot self-portrait 

Pastels On The Pier

Last weekend I was lucky enough to review one of the most luxe hotels in Sydney: Pier One. I fell in love with the place after an event for the toiletries brand Appelles Skin. The hotel stretches along Pier One, which conveniently is under the Harbour Bridge….hello best view in the city! As the hotels decor channels nautical chic, it only seemed appropriate to wear a brand that oozes contoured lines and sleek silhouettes to tie in with Pier One’s theme. The weather was beautiful and the balcony of the room was the first place to capture these shots. As you know, I am a sucker for light and shadows, so couldn’t pass on the perfectly timed position of the sun with light play through the balustrades. 

This two piece set has the perfect balance of fitted and loose style. The tops classic style and turtle neck adds sophistication, yet the wide legged pants are contemporary and pushes the boundaries on tailoring. Bec & Bridge are masters at reinventing tailoring pieces for the fashion forward lady. Their fabrics are lightweight and effortless movement is what comes to mind when I think of this duo. Therefore the harbour breeze on the balcony was the perfect place to portray this.

A smart tailored coat, should be in everyones winter wardrobe. In my case, a base colour of either black, grey or navy. It’s easy to style and instantly makes an outfit smarter. To finish the look off, I added a trusty pair of Jo Mercer suede snake like ankle boots and John Hardy silver accoutrements. I was fascinated by this bamboo ring, and here’s a little fact for you: For every bamboo piece purchased, the brand plant 4 bamboo seedlings. Nearly one million has been planted to date!

Stay tuned for my review of Pier One Hotel in the coming days, I can’t wait to show you where I stayed. You won’t want to miss snaps of the breathtaking view!

Shop the look:

Bec and Bridge Top: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Bec and Bridge Pants: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Gant Tailored Coat: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

Jo Mercer Black Boots: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Camilla and Marc Clutch Bag: SHOP SIMILAR HERE

John Hardy Ring: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

John Hardy Bracelet: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Breda Silver Watch: SHOP HERE or SIMILAR HERE

Photo credit to Chris Bray and thanks to Pier One Sydney Harbour for the location.