Son Jung Wan F/W 2012: Winter Garden

Pulling inspiration from contemporary artist Marc Quinn’s winter garden where fadeless flowers thrive with vibrant colors even during the frozen winter, Son Jung Wan conceptualizes a collection based on the ‘Winter Garden.’

Son Jung Wan’s collection was a burst of color and life, almost fantasy like, but such a departure from the accepted concept of drab colors for the winter season. One must admit that this collection is a breath of fresh air amongst the colorless, drab, sometimes dreary color palettes for the Fall/Winter collections. Seeing vibrant greens, ravishing red, and mints is such an inspiration and such a positive reflection of life. Most of us do associate colors of grey, black, and other muted hues when relating to the winter months, but Son Jung Wan steps out of the proverbial box and focuses on the life that remains even during the frozen months.

Resurrection F/W 2012 for Concept Korea

The final member of the Concept Korea collaborative is Resurrection by Juyoung. The overall aesthetic for its design can be summed up as ‘Transformational Military Look,’ and it was by far one of the freshest designs for menswear during New York Fashion Week. A combination of practical tailoring and embellished accents with naturally falling silhouettes, the collection consisted of green zand blues, khaki, and brown color palettes.

Notably one of my favorite looks from the collection was the trench length military jacket with the black leather sleeves. The aesthetic of a utilitarian military jacket punched with a leather embellishment brings something so simple into a fashionable ensemble.  Another personal favorite is the asymmetrical wrap jacket with the utility belt accent. I’m always drawn towards effortless style with a bit of edge, and this collection by Resurrection does define my preferred aesthetic.

One can’t say enough praises about Resurrection, and I personally look forward for the designer’s growth in the U.S. fashion market. I look forward for Resurrection having a full runway show and a collection that supersedes its predecessor.

DOHO F/W 2012 for Concept Korea

Antique+Queen (Antique’en) was the over all theme for Doho’s luxury inspired collection. Doho wanted to express the regal clothing of past royalties and nobilities and specifically focused on the antique look of the QUEEN.

Throughout the collection one may notice the reference of tone on tone combined together with elaborate handcrafted details, as how DOHO interprets a Queen’s wardrobe would be. Although modernized by the sultry silhouettes and vibrant color palettes, none of the luxurious feel is lost as translated into the lux furs and embellishments in the garments.

One does feel that if applied to today’s modern Queens, it would be a clear description of a rebellious yet super fashionable Queen. I can only imagine how the world press would be a frenzy if one of today’s royalties donned Doho’s fashion. I would love for Kate Middleton to show up at a function in one of these ensembles.

Steve J. & Yoni P. F/W 2012 for Concept Korea

“And the Moon came nearer.” Inspired by an intergalactic exploration fantasy, Steve J. and Yoni P. re-imagines what a universal fashion would be free from any bulky spacesuits; instead replaced with bright knits and embellished ensembles.

The design almost re-invents the colorful 60’s era of flower power, denim jackets, and ‘hippie-couture.’  One has to appreciate the effervescent youthfulness of the collection, at times it does want to make you smile. The power of colors and loose silhouettes does give Steve J. and Yoni P a carefree and effortless style. Another definite design team to keep an eye out for in the upcoming seasons, Steve J. and Yoni P. certainly brings Korean fashion to center stage as it breaks into the U.S. fashion market.

Son Jung Wan F/W 2012 for Concept Korea

Pulling inspiration from contemporary artist Marc Quinn’s winter garden where fadeless flowers thrive with vibrant colors even during the frozen winter, Son Jung Wan conceptualizes a collection based on the ‘Winter Garden.’

Son Jung Wan’s collection was a burst of color and life, almost fantasy like, but such a departure from the accepted concept of drab colors for the winter season. One must admit that this collection is a breath of fresh air amongst the colorless, drab, sometimes dreary color palettes for the Fall/Winter collections. Seeing vibrant greens, ravishing red, and mints is such an inspiration and such a positive reflection of life. Most of us do associate colors of grey, black, and other muted hues when relating to the winter months, but Son Jung Wan steps out of the proverbial box and focuses on the life that remains even during the frozen months.

One also had the opportunity to sit during Son Jung Wan’s full runway show separate from the Concept Korea collective, and it was truly a breathtaking show. Muted hues co-mingled with vibrant colors painted a magical landscape on the runway.

Lie Sang Bong F/W 2012 for Concept Korea



Another designer part of the Concept Korea collaborative to promote Korean designers in their attempts to break into the U.S. market, Lie Sang Bong is a true asset to the collective. Lie Sang Bong uses inspiration from ‘Dol Dam’ a traditional Korean technique of building walls by stacking stones of different shapes and sizes.

The technique of ‘Dol Dam’ is applied throughout Lie Sang Bong’s design clearly in the different sizes between the sleeves, the top half, and the bottom portion of each piece. In fact in one of the coats, the concept of ‘Dol Dam’ is reflected as the top portion is more fitted, and gradually balloons out into a larger piece at the bottom- with a stone print as well. Furthermore, in one of the dresses the ‘Dol Dam’ concept is literally interpreted with stone like cut-outs and embossed stone mimicking details.

One is highly impressed with just a few pieces shown in Lie Sang Bong’s collection, I certainly look forward to a full show by the designer in the upcoming season!