Korean Streetwear is taking over fashion with its innovative concepts and ultra-cool styles. HBX has curated a list of the essential 13 you need to have on your radar now. Keep scrolling to discover your next favorite brand.
EGNARTS
Besides a catchy name, EGNARTS captivates with their unusual and eccentric pieces. Based in Seoul, South Korea, EGNARTS is yet another new brand that has its eyes set on taking over the small-batch fashion scene.
All items are custom-made, minimizing waste during production and promoting sustainability. The brand's design aesthetic is also timeless, drawing inspiration from classic workwear elements, eliminating the need to constantly chase trends, and emphasizing a holistic approach to fashion that values longevity, versatility, and eye-catching pieces.
BALANSA
Balansa is a brand that is difficult to define. As Busan’s leading select shop selling anything and everything that its founder likes, the store’s maximalist approach has been making a name for itself through its own kind of culture. Through its curated selections and international collaborations with the likes of Reebok, Casetify, Puma, and even Paris Saint-Germain’s Seoul shop, its reach has extended beyond the realm of music from which it originally came.
By maintaining their unique and vintage sensibilities, and mixing various tastes into a new kind of balance, Balansa has become Busan’s first-generation select shop. Today, when thinking about Busan’s subculture, Balansa is at the forefront.
GENTLE MONSTER
Renowned for its engineering of creating glasses for Asian faces, South Korea-based Gentle Monster is a designer brand that constantly develops itself under the philosophy of “Innovational High-End Experiments.” The brand’s avant-garde shapes and vivid colors are reflective of the brand name; gentle resembles the wearable and delicate aspect to its pieces, whilst monster reflects the attitude and individuality of the brand. Their pop-up installations are a further testament to the bold identity and statement of the brand, a feat seen interwoven into their pieces, whether accessorizing global fashion week runways or being a part of cutting-edge artist collaborations, most notably Jennie of Blackpink.
GRAILZ
Cutting-edge Korean fashion brand, Grailz, is redefining streetwear for the next generation by blending modern and retro influences. Known for its experimental aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail, Grailz sets itself apart through its mastery of fabric and pattern techniques. From minimalistic and laid-back styles to high fashion pieces, Grailz embodies innovation in the Korean fashion scene, elevating streetwear to new heights of creativity and individuality.
KOMPAKT RECORD BAR
Kompakt Record Bar collects and packs over 20 years of DJ experience, sartorialists, and music enthusiasts into one space in the busy neighborhood of Apgujeong in Seoul. The space quickly became a cherished hideout and cultivation of music lovers, drinks, and a stellar atmosphere. Deriving from the German word ‘kompakt,’ the brand’s name is a reflection of the compactness of the brand’s initial space, measuring a mere 30m2.
Kompakt Record Bar has also gained recognition for their apparel, taking inspiration from the nostalgia of vinyl records, and merging this musical influence with sartorial pieces for everyday wear. From graphic tees to retro iconography to eye-catching collaborations, Kompakt Record Bar offers a range of pieces that simultaneously pay homage to music history and pave its own path within the fashion realm. With the label’s ever-expanding presence and growth, the term ‘kompakt’ transcends its original meaning, transforming into a poignant reminder of the brand’s evolution.
L.E.E.Y
L.E.E.Y, a streetwear brand hailing from Seoul, caters to creative and free-spirited fashion aficionados. Founded and led by Creative Director Yeo Jung Lee, the brand delves into the avant-garde and playful realms of fashion, infusing futuristic and clever touches into traditional staples. Breaking away from conventions and formalities, L.E.E.Y's collections radiate with a sense of individuality and uniqueness in every garment. With a focus on intertwining innovative and chic elements into standout pieces, Leey is sure to become a staple in your wardrobe rotation for those seeking originality and individuality in style.
NACHE
NACHE is a brand that prioritizes breaking conventions to explore beauty through fresh perspectives, enabling wearers to freely express their individuality in clothing, and transforming the act of dressing into artistic expression. Nache, meaning “naked” or “nudity” in Korean, narrates the brand’s core aesthetical inspiration of the human body. Asymmetrical cuts, original patterns, and unexpected materials define the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the brand. By using natural and flexible silhouettes, NACHE employs draping and flowing cuts to reimagine the transformative beauty of everyday life through design. Above all, NACHE focuses on a unique aura that resonates intuitively with viewers, a connection that is essential to the brand.