Korean Traditional Fashion Inspires the Global Runway

Abstract

Currently, a growing number of luxury fashion brands present their pre-season collections adopting Korean aboriginal fashion in textile and apparel designs. This is mainly because of the significance of South Korea as the third largest luxury market in Asia. Traditional Korean design and techniques are eco-friendly in their use of materials, processes, and design techniques. However, the sustainability of Korean aboriginal fashion has not been recognized in the global market. Global luxury brands’ recent adoption of Korean aboriginal inspirations can certainly help to create global awareness of Korean aboriginal fashion’s sustainability and aesthetics. The consumer trends seeking sustainable products and manufacturers’ enhanced production capabilities generate new opportunities for Korean fashion brands in the global market. The present case study about Korean aboriginal fashion helps to clarify the growth of Korean aboriginal fashion in the global fashion industry. This research addresses how Korean aboriginal fashion can affect sustainable fashion consumption of global consumers. Specifically, this case study has explored the adoption of Korean traditional natural materials, dyeing techniques, and design technologies as reflected in the global fashion brands’ runway collections.