5 Korean Fashion Labels You Need to Know

Last July, we got front row seats to the first K-Collection show in Singapore, which showcased the Spring/Summer 2019 collections of 5 Korean fashion labels: LIE, Greedilous, Tibaeg, D-Antidote and D.GNAK. These are't just any fashion brands; they're the cream of the crop of the Korean fashion scene that is currently dominating the streets with its edgy ready-to-wear offerings.

For our October issue, we caught up with the designers behind these breakthrough Korean brands to tell us more about their inspirations and what sets them apart. Read on below to find out more.

LIE stands for Love, Identity and Ego. Why these three words?

They’re all important words to me. I want to love my family, friends and myself. “Identity” means to represent my personality in the brand. I want to be proud of myself too, and that’s why the word “ego”.

How would you describe the main visual codes of LIE?

I really like everyday luxury with a twist – combining materials, and making something new with creative ideas. I like mixing colours, textures and feelings to form something that looks fresh."

Tell us a bit about the Fall/Winter 2018 collection.

Pictures of glaciers and the North Pole were the start. I looked at images of the skies, the seas and the skinny polar bears. The problem was clear: the bears were not fat, and we’re losing ice and land. The collection is a reminder of the beauty of the North Pole. I played with the phrase “it’s not just ice”, turning it into “it’s not justice”.

We have to ask: What does “Greedilous” mean?

It’s a combination of “greed” and “fabulous”. The former represents how I wanted to gain, and figure out my way of life as a designer. And within that greed, I wanted to create something fabulous – a fabulous life.

You’ve collaborated with Beyoncé. How did that happen?

It happened through one of my vendors in New York. Beyoncé purchased some pieces from the collection, and was caught in paparazzi shots. There was a lot of buzz that came about, and so I invited her stylist to my show. We wanted to continue the relationship through a collaboration, which was available in South Korea. We’re continuing to collaborate in the future.

Tell us about the Fall/Winter 2018 collection.

It was inspired by Marie Antoinette, and I thought about what she exuded and what her life decisions would have been like.

How did you decide on D-ANTIDOTE as the name of the label?

I wanted to “detoxify” those who have been “poisoned” by luxury and fast fashion.

What’s the essence of D-ANTIDOTE?

Seoul-meets-London, gender fluidity and the crossover of menswear and womenswear. London is much about making old and vintage things modern and cool again. It is almost more about adapting bad taste and making that contemporary. Seoul is dynamic, young and very trendy – we’re strong in the area of youth culture. I like to mix the two concepts together.

D-ANTIDOTE is very noted for its collaboration with Fila. How did it happen?

It all started with Fila being my shoe sponsor for Seoul Fashion Week in 2016. That led to a collaboration on backpacks, and then we did other accessories. Spring/Summer 2019 will mark our fourth collection together. Fila Fusion will be launching in Singapore soon. We both have an interest in youth culture and streetwear.

Tell us about how Tibaeg represents your love for tea.

I do love tea. When you have a paper tea bag, you put it into water, and you end up with an aromatic cup. I want the clothes to be like that too – if you wear them, you look more beautiful.

How would you describe Tibaeg?

It’s poetic, soft, feminine and casual. It’s easy and not too serious. The wearer gets to enjoy it, style the pieces in the way she wants, and be in harmony with the clothes. We have many prints, but they’re not difficult to wear. 

Tell us a bit about the Fall/Winter 2018 collection.

It was inspired by marbles, and how they’re multi-coloured and a part of childhood. The collection is a little more playful and casual than how Tibaeg was before. There is less print, and more simplicity and colour-blocking. 

How would you describe D.GNAK?

A tailoring-based streetwear brand.

Tells us about your fascination with black.

It’s the colour that I’m the most comfortable with. Through my career, I tried using and mixing several colours, but in the end, black was the one that stood out.

What is the fierce-looking Fall/Winter 2018 collection about?

It is Yakuza-themed. I like to watch Yakuza movies, but I’m usually too busy. I happened to watch a very good one by chance, and that was the inspiration for the collection.

Would you consider doing a standalone collection of womenswear?

I’ve tried to mix womenswear into my shows, but I felt that what I have to express isn’t quite enough. Womenswear is more like a fantasy to me – I design what I think would be cool for a woman. Menswear is really where I design what I know I like and want. The feeling isn’t the same

View the full story in the October 2018 edition of L’Officiel Singapore, out now on newsstands and on Magzter. To subscribe, click here.