What's Happening?
The second edition of the Seoul Fashion Forum, organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and WWD Korea, convened industry leaders to deliberate on the future of K-fashion in a challenging global market. The event, themed 'The Next Chapter of K-Fashion:
Deep Dive & Inspiring,' took place during the fall 2026 Seoul Fashion Week at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Keynote speakers and panelists, including Byungmin Kim, vice mayor for political affairs of Seoul, and Jörn Zempel, president of Loewe Korea, highlighted the need for K-fashion to connect emotionally with global audiences. Discussions focused on strategies for global expansion, emphasizing the importance of structure and systems over individual brand talent. The forum concluded with a panel on the role of AI in fashion, underscoring the balance between technology and creative experience.
Why It's Important?
The Seoul Fashion Forum is pivotal in shaping the trajectory of K-fashion as it seeks to solidify its position in the global market. With the fashion industry facing a stagnant global market, the insights shared at the forum could guide South Korean brands in leveraging their unique cultural and design strengths. The emphasis on emotional connection and strategic global expansion could enhance K-fashion's competitiveness, potentially leading to increased international collaborations and market penetration. This development is significant for the U.S. fashion industry, which may see increased competition and collaboration opportunities with South Korean brands.
