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 

Utility

There’s a bit of a theme going on over on my Instagram other than tonal (Surprise surprise!). It’s a mix between a safari trip and what your granddad might wear angling. Oversized jackets, multiple pockets, and aesthetically pleasing on the eye. So if you’re new to utility or already on board, here are some ways to style this SS19 trend. 

The cargo jacket 

It’s versatile for spring. Pair with straight leg jeans, or for warmer days bike/city shorts. 

Boiler Suit 

As seen on the runways of Stella McCartney and Zimmerman, it’s the new LBD for a night out. Pair with strappy heels and a clutch bag. For daytime, this style looks great with slides or sneakers. Personally, I think the more oversized the better. Make sure the waist is cinched in. 

Tailored Utility 

You know I love a head to toe tailored look. Try pairing a multi pocket jacket with matching tones on the bottom. Style with a pleat front trouser and belting the jacket. 

The Pocket Belt 

The Fendi Pocket Belt Bag really paved the way for the utility bag this season. Dependant on if you have £1k to drop and a designer personal shopper on speed dial! There a many alternatives, and this style looks awesome around the waist as well as cross body

The Tonal Trend

Tonal dressing. The one trend that was my main focus at both London and Paris Fashion Weeks. I’m a big fan of neutral, muted colours and when styled together I instantly feel myself. I have high hopes for tonal styling transitioning into spring summer ’19. Head to toe black or rich chocolate looks were perfect towards the end of winter, but moving into spring I am also experimenting with head to toe camel/tan and by far my favourite white/cream. Layering with a similar palette was a lot of fun for Fashion Weeks, but for spring I will opt for maybe a white tee with tailored linen and a jumper thrown over my shoulders. 

It doesn’t have to be exactly the same tones throughout, and there isn’t no right or wrong. Personally I think styling similar hues like white and cream doesn’t make the outfit appear so flat and adds depth. 

So if you’re like me and less colour is a frequent occurrence in your wardrobe give this trend a go. I guarantee you won’t have to spend a fortune, and you’ll master this dressing with key pieces you already own. If you’re feeling like freshening up your closet, I’ve linked a selection of my favourite spring favourites below.

Heading Into Autumn

Finally, my favourite season is here! Pumpkin spiced lattes, candles burning and layering has begun. Does anyone else look forward to October? I recently took a trip to Florence and was so nice visiting a European city without all the summer crowds. Italy was on my travel list this summer, but the months just slipped away and couldn’t face a busy Capri, as much as it was on my to do list. There’s always next year! Mornings in Florence were crisp with the sun shining, exactly how autumn should be. 

It’s so nice to be wearing proper tailoring now we’ve said goodbye to humidity until next summer. And I know I will be wearing this red Monsoon blazer and trousers with a coat layered in the winter. It’s such a versatile outfit. I always opt for kitten heels with my suits, but being in a city exploring on foot/bike trainers were the best option. It was also refreshing to not have the trousers taken up as they were the perfect length on me and I’m 5 ft 3. Bonus! This outfit was shot at Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as ‘The Duomo’. 

Day two involved a bike ride along the river and coffee shop hopping our way through the city. Turtle necks are going to be my staple for winter, so it was nice to mix things up a little incorporating this style into a dress. Mornings in Florence are currently around 10-13 degrees celsius and it reaches about 23 in the afternoon so adding a morning layer was key. This coat actually comes with a detachable faux fur collar, which I think will change up the look for the winter months. The riding style boots were perfect for the bike ride, and avoided a lot of nicks! 

Now I am home.....craving the little Nutella croissants. This happened the last time I went to Italy! 

Shop The Post: 

LOOK ONE

Watson Wide Leg Trousers: Monsoon 

Lucy Tailored Jacket: Monsoon 

Dad Trainers: similar here, here and here 

Karl 24 Leather Tote: Boyy Boutique 

LOOK TWO

Cally Cowl Neck Jumper Dress: Monsoon 

Harry Wool Blend Crombie Coat: Monsoon 

Lily Long Brogue Boot: Monsoon 

Belt Bag: similar here 
(Monsoon currently have 20% off autumn coats and boots which ends soon!)

Photo credit to Hannah Crosskey from A Fashion Fix 

Collaboration in partnership with Monsoon