Pret-a-Porter Busan starts today

Pret-a-Porter Busan, Korea`s second-largest fashion event, kicks off today and continues through Saturday at BEXCO.

Unlike in previous years where the event made efforts to introduce world-class foreign designers to the local fashion industry, the 2010 edition will focus on featuring distinguished Korean designers active on the international stage, according to the Model Center, which is hosting the event.

In particular, Gina Kim, Doii Lee and Lea Seong are the three Korean female designers worth paying attention to, a Model Center spokesperson said.

Kim is a classical pianist-turned-designer based in Australia. Just three years after beginning her new career, Kim proved her talent upon winning an Australian Fashion Design Award in 2002.

Kim is known for her works that incorporate innovative textiles with commercial appeal, creating her own style of "modern-day glamour." The Gina Kim brand is particularly noted for evening gowns worn by celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Kylie.



Lee has worked for luxury goods brands John Galliano and Kenzo since graduating from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design. She has been mainly focusing on pursuing her career in London, Paris and Japan.

For her Saturday show, Lee will present energetic and witty designs - mainly colorful printed cotton, chiffon and silk garments with shiny decoration like sequins. She uses diverse colors from white, black and blue to pink, emerald and ivory.



Seong is also an up-and-coming designer that the fashion-savvy might want to keep an eye on, said the Model Center spokesperson.

The Parsons graduate is popular in Shanghai, where her eponymous brand name is based, as well as the United States. She recently became the first foreign member of China Fashion Designer Association.

Seong`s collection tomorrow is also highly anticipated by industry insiders, since she will feature "flapper-style"-themed garments made of her specialty fabric, which is made from organic milk.

Other veteran local designers including An Yoon-jung, Lee Young-hee and Lee Mi-kyung, also participates in the event.

With funding by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism from this year, Pret-a-Porter Busan ambitiously aims to make grounds as a fashion event that represents the country, along with the Seoul Fashion Week.

"We are also considering combining fashion shows with other artistic genres to make Pret-a-Porter an event that represents Asia," said Model Center president Toh Shin-woo.

For more information, go to www.papbusan.com or call Model Center at (02) 528-0888.

(youngaah@heraldm.com)



By Koh Young-aah