Hera Seoul Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016 is underway at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. MUTZINE has exclusive coverage of the runway shows this season featuring top models, celebrity cameos, and of course, the latest fashions. We recap the catwalk highlights from day one.

Words Cathy Wang, Photos Michael Hurt

FLEAMADONNA

Fleamadonna marked the official beginning of Seoul Fashion Week, and as the first show, it definitely started the week off with a bang. Hyoni Kang opened the show, marching down the runway to Angel Haze while smiling and laughing with the crowd.

The models sported slicked, wet hair,  looking as if they had just showered and were just beginning their days. Large, circular, and reflective sunglasses obscured their eyes, letting the bold, deep red lips stand out even more. As if these women were not cool enough already, some models donned nose rings and exaggerated jewelry that felt effortless.

We happened to spot Crush, Girls’ Generation’s Sunny, and After School’s Nana, who were all seated in the front row with the best view of the show.

CRES. E DIM.

Cres. E Dim’s collection, titled "Cirque", was inspired by an outdoor art installation of the same name from visual artists Bang&Lee. Similar sculptures were placed on the runway, creating obstacles for the models to dodge or climb over. The circus theme was even apparent in the embroidered sweatshirts that were brightly clown-colored. Instead of traditional handbags, there were wacky, domestic accessories such as the shopping baskets and the toaster ovens for the models to hold on to. Overall, the show was a festive display of youth, fashion, and fun.

Here’s a secret about the show: the toaster ovens that were carried by models like clutch bags were originally meant to be dragged on floor with the models leading them by their cords. (If you look closely, the toaster ovens all had wheels at the bottom.) At rehearsals, the spectacle didn’t quite work out so the models ended up carrying the toaster ovens down the runway instead.

BEOM

BEOM presented as a part of Generation Next at Seoul Fashion Week, which is a program specifically tailored to feature young and emerging fashion talent. BEOM looked to the future by showing 3D-printed harnesses and digitally altered images. While digital machinery helped play a role in the creation of the collection, an overarching theme was water and nature. Painted koi fish and multicolored jellyfish were printed on sweatshirts and button ups. The aquatic theme extended to the beauty look for the models. The men all had misty sheen to their faces and the hair was gelled to emulate post-swim soaked locks.

CHOI BOKO

The very beginning of the Choi Boko show featured muted, subtle shades of blue with patchwork of flannel, denim, flowers, polka dots, and pinstripes. Models toted large suitcases as if they were traveling through the airport. This beginning gave no prelude to the second half of the show. The blues transitioned into a graffiti-like patchwork before spiraling into an explosion of colors. The last section was fitting of the circus theme from Cres. E Dim. with oversized hats that were like Goofy’s and large polka dots in bright primary colors styled with vertically striped bottoms. Checkered patterns were mixed in as well through the luggage and as a patch on some coats.

The show ended with a surprise performance from a group of dancers, clad in the flamboyant dresses and wearing headlights. The dancers executed Bollywood-esque dance moves to the tune of Elle King’s “Ex’s and Oh’s.” After carrying the luggage off the runway, the models returned for their final turn on the runway.

DOII

Every season, DOII consistently brings feminine whimsy to the runway. This season was no exception, with the opening look featuring rainbow tassels and fringe. Designer Doii Lee was inspired by a getaway to Brazil. The tassels and poncho shape of the opening look reflected the folk garb. Despite the black and white color palette of the beginning section, DOII’s playful spirit remained with large scalloped pants and fringed coats that swept the floor.

As the show progressed, the garments grew larger in size with large, tiered, ruffled dresses in a sweet shade of pink, making it look like a fancy French dessert. Iridescent and sparkly fabrics dominated in the middle section before returning to a calming, ocean blue palette. An embroidered horse motif on top of patchwork gingham, lace, and stripes brought the collection back to its folk roots.