Summer shelter erected in museum

Under the blazing summer sun, rows of loosely hanging reed blinds create shade, inviting passersby on the heated streets of Seoul to cool down.The reeds form the main part of a “park with a roof” set up outside the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea."Roof Sentiment" by SoA (MMCA)It was designed and constructed by architect duo Lee Chi-hoon and Kang Ye-rin – together known as Society of Architecture – and won this year’s Young Architects Program, jointly organized by the MMCA,

July 8, 2015

Discover creative design products at Hi Design Festival

Innovative design products of emerging young designers in Korea will go on display at Hi Design Festival from July 3-5 in Seoul. The festival, co-organized by Herald Corp., publisher of The Korea Herald, and shopping mall Hi Brand, offers young designers a chance to market their creations directly to customers, while inviting visitors to participate in open do-it-yourself making sessions. Various eye-catching products will be up for sale on the first floor of the Hi Brand mall and on the outdoor

July 1, 2015

[Photo News] All in the Jeans

Models present creations of Korean designer Juun.J during the 2016 spring-summer collection during Paris Fashion Week on Friday. Inspired by naval uniforms, the collection, held at Palais de Tokyo, presented 36 pieces that spun a new interpretation on classic tailoring by incorporating wool and denim into oversized silhouettes. The Juun.J show was attended by some 600 fashion experts, including major buyers from SAKS New York, Paris’ Galerie Lafayette and London’s Harrods. Juun.J has been partic

June 28, 2015

Dior’s history meshes with Korean creativity in ‘Esprit Dior’ exhibition

Seoul’s branch of "Esprit Dior," an international series of exhibitions by fashion giant Dior, marks the luxury house’s newfound attention for the Korean market by interweaving the history and philosophy of its designs with the creativity of Korean artists."Korea is increasingly positioning itself in the world as an important country in areas of art and creativity," said Florence Muller, curator for Dior at the exhibition’s press opening on Friday, June 19. "We considered that now is a good mome

June 25, 2015

Thai interior design for eco-chic living

Thai handicraft has been known for its high level of craftsmanship passed down for generations. Made in all parts of the country using natural materials, small pieces such as embroidery and ceramics have been must-buy souvenirs for tourists. But now firms are combining ethnic Thai handicraft with contemporary design to make functional, sophisticated home interior items. Modern Thai interior design products are now being showcased in Seoul for the first time in a dedicated exhibition. “Live Chic

June 10, 2015

Age of transformation

This is the second in the two-part interview with Rem Koolhaas. ― Ed.MILAN ― In an architect’s work, the most important influences are the client and the site, according to Rem Koolhaas. “An architect is nothing without somebody wanting something. We are passive unless mobilized,” he had said at the previous day’s conference on May 2 during the press preview of Fondazione Prada’s new Milan venue which he designed.In the case of his firm’s long-standing relationship with the fashion house Prada,

May 21, 2015

Seoul Fashion Week appoints first director

Seoul Fashion Week announced Wednesday that it had appointed veteran fashion designer Jung Ku-ho as its first director. Jung will oversee Korea’s biggest fashion event for a two-year term, orchestrating and revamping fashion shows and related programs. “I will try my best to make SFW Asia’s representative fashion week that leads the fashion trends of Asia. If anyone wants to know about Asian fashion, they will have to come to the SFW,” Jung told The Korea Herald before the appointment ceremony i

May 20, 2015

Changing the world one building at a time

MILAN ― An architect with an iconic status around the world, Rem Koolhaas’ cool piercing eyes and tightly pursed lips can intimidate. Sitting outside on the terrace of the ’60s Milan-inspired Bar Luce, created by director Wes Anderson of “The Grand Budapest Hotel” fame, at the Fondazione Prada’s new Milan venue, Koolhaas is busy texting and talking on the phone. When he is ready for our interview, a day after the media preview, Koolhaas explains with a slight grimace that he cannot shake hands b

May 15, 2015

Ferragamo, Korean artist collaborate on scarves

Italian luxury fashion house Ferragamo collaborated with Korean artist Lee Sea-hyun for its collection of silk, cashmere and wool accessories. Lee is known for the “red landscape” images that depict North and South Korean scenes in delicate washes of crimson orange, reflecting Korea’s sociopolitical reality. His paintings have been exhibited internationally in the U.K., Switzerland, Amsterdam, New York and Seoul. The first partnership between Ferragamo and Lee began when the brand’s Asia-Pacific

May 13, 2015

Chanel finds new inspiration in Korean aesthetics

The Chanel Cruise collection for 2015/16 was a tribute to Korean aesthetics. Models wore large braided wigs, or “gache,” a key accessory for women of noble birth during the Joseon period. The elegant decorations traditionally worn on the wigs were reinterpreted as brooches and accessories that added a Korean character to each look.  Chanel Cruise Collection 2015/16 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Monday. (Chanel)Drawing on Korean traditional aesthetics, Karl Lagerfeld filled his latest co

May 6, 2015

Hanok blends into public buildings

Nestled at the foothills of Mount Inwangsan, Cheongun Literature Library is an emerging tourist draw in Seoul.In a rare architectural style for a public building in Korea, the library’s faade exudes a traditional feel, in harmony with the surrounding mountain landscape. The Cheongun library is one of the latest architecture projects of the district office of Jongno. Starting from the restoration of Bukchon hanok village, the district has been spearheading efforts to popularize hanok in modern li

May 4, 2015

The evolution of shopping spaces

Park Jae-hun, 25, heads over to a casual menswear shop in Itaewon to buy some short-sleeve shirts for the upcoming summer season. While browsing, he notices a shelf full of bath soaps by the wall and a display of sunglasses and backpacks nearby. Even though they are not what he originally intended to buy, Park is intrigued and looks through the items anyway. After shopping, he orders a drink and relaxes at the cafe inside the shop. The Series Corner flagship store in Itaewon has been decorated l

April 22, 2015

Dreaming of a Korean craft renaissance

Throngs of foreign tourists stroll the streets of Insa-dong. The popular neighborhood in upper Seoul is famous for antiques, traditional crafts and art galleries and is considered a must-see location for those looking for a taste of “real Korea.” But most souvenirs sold in the area are anything but authentic.  Choi Jeong-cheol, president of Korea Craft and Design Foundation, poses for a photo at the foundation’s gallery in Insa-dong, Seoul. (Ahn Hoon/The Korea Herald)Fans, wooden masks, traditio

April 17, 2015

[Up & Coming] Humility and hard work make for mean designs

Up & Coming is a series of interviews with emerging artists in various fields of arts and entertainment. ― Ed. It would be easy to assume that the creator behind designs that have been called “youthful” and “rebellious” would have an equally boisterous personality. However, designer Kathleen Hanhee Kye flips this assumption on its head ― she is a calm yet driven, principled professional.  The Korea Herald met with Kye at her cozy Sinsa-dong showroom just three days after her fall-winter show at

April 14, 2015

Interior inspiration for springtime

For those seeking to primp up their living spaces in time for spring, inspiration could be found at the 21st Seoul Living Design Fair recently held at Seoul’s Coex Convention Center. Certain decorating trends stood out at the fair, which is currently Korea’s largest exhibition for interior and household-related brands. “Scandinavian patterns, industrial vintage and French antique are among the most popular styles in Korea today,” said Kim Hyung-rak, manager of home interior store Urban In. Frenc

April 8, 2015

Samcheong-dong, Garosugil emerging as hot spots for beauty shoppers

Seoul’s Samcheong-dong and Garosugil, prized for their eclectic cafes and small fashion boutiques, were relatively unknown to beauty shoppers from overseas. That may soon change. Both are rising as the new hot spots in Seoul for foreign tourists, set to rival the current top district Myeong-dong.Belport in GarosugilSamcheong-dong, north of Myeong-dong, has seen some 10 large-scale cosmetics businesses open since 2011.Innisfree Jeju House, a cosmetics store and organic cafe owned by beauty conglo

April 8, 2015

Milan Design Week to showcase Korean crafts

Korean sophistication, artistry and craftsmanship will be exhibited during Milan Design Week, one of the world’s largest showcases for design and craftworks.A total of 192 craftworks by Korean artisans will go on display under the title, “Constancy and Change,” at the Triennale Design Museum from April 14-19. It is the third straight year that Korea is holding the exhibition during the Milan Design Week, which brings together innovative designs from around the world.  Red dry lacquered bowl by K

April 7, 2015

[Herald Interview] Managing director of COS stresses timeless design, functionality

In the era of fast fashion, the life cycle of clothing is becoming shorter. People consume clothes as if they are disposable goods, driven by the supply of low-cost, trendy clothes offered by fashion giants such as Zara and H&M. However, the philosophy of COS goes against this fashion trend ― it believes fashion and longevity should go hand-in-hand, said Marie Honda, managing director of the company, a sister brand of H&M. “We have an approach to design that is timeless and permanent. Garments s

March 29, 2015

Social influence on fashion

Menswear at Seoul Fashion Week has never been so diverse in styles and ideas as in the 2015 fall and winter collections. Designers presented an interesting mix of styles from streetwear and traditional tailoring to avant-garde while exploring the relationship between social and political issues and fashion during the two-day menswear show on Friday and Saturday. In contrast to previous collections for the chilly season, many collections featured diverse colors that delighted the eyes of fashion

March 22, 2015