Seven Korean fashion designers will showcase their collections in world fashion hub New York during New York Fashion Week as part of the state-sponsored project that supports Korean designers in promoting their brands overseas.

The selected designers are Kathleen Hanhee Kye (Kye), Kim Seoryong (Kimseoryong homme), Kim Hongbum (Cres E. Dim), Ko Tae-yong (Beyond Closet), Park Youn-soo (Big Park), Lee Suk-tae (Kaal E.Suktae), and Choi Bo Ko (Choiboko).

Kathleen Hanhee Kye, Kim Hongbum and Choi Bo Ko are returning to Concept Korea, following their participation last season.

Starting this year, the state-run Korea Creative Content Agency, which has been managing the Concept Korea project since 2010, will provide two-track support for the selected designers.

For young designers such as Kathleen Hanhee Kye, Kim Seoryong and Kim Hongbum, it will offer space in multi-brand stores, professional promotional support and consulting services.

Four established designers will showcase their collections during the New York Fashion Week in September this year and in February next year.

The Concept Korea project has increased sales, as seen by the participating designers. The sales have increased almost threefold from $126,152 in 2010 to $389,376 in February this year, according to KOCCA.

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)