‘Concept Korea’ ends on high note on sidelines of NY Fashion Week

The “Concept Korea” show, held on the sidelines of the biannual New York Fashion Week, drew to a close Tuesday with the state-run agency supporting the event for 14 consecutive years calling the latest runway a “success.”

Womenswear label Mmam and unisex brands Kimmy.J and Charm’s -- each led by a Korean designer -- showcased their fall-winter 2024 collections, leaving behind a lasting impression, according to the state-run Korea Creative Content Agency, which reports to the Culture Ministry. The six-day fashion week ended Wednesday.

The KOCCA statement Thursday quoted Didi J, a Serbian-born influencer with an Instagram following of some four million, as saying the show leads the global fashion trend.

“This season was more exaggerated with prints, different cuts and silhouettes. Concept Korea is fashion forward and styled impeccably!” the influencer said. “All pieces looked amazing together, but individually they stand alone and look great. These are pieces I would incorporate into my daily wardrobe.”

On stage, Shownu, a member of the K-pop band Monsta X, walked the runway. “It’s been very meaningful for me to take part in the show as ambassador,” he said.

Meanwhile, a KOCCA official went on to say that he expects to see “not-so-bad” results of the agency’s efforts this year to introduce foreign buyers to Korean designers. He declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak openly on the matter.

“Our job here is to translate that impression into something material,” the official said, declining to disclose how many contracts have been signed for this year because brands withhold such “trade secrets.”

In the last three years, the official added with caution, a total of nine brands that participated in the Concept Korea event were believed to have landed contracts worth roughly $3.1 million. This was a preliminary figure, so final purchases could be either much higher or lower, according to the official.