[ASEAN-Korea summit] Fashion event embraces ASEAN diversity

BUSAN -- Celebrating the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit, a fashion show introducing the latest fashion trends of ASEAN member states was held Monday.

The Busan Metropolitan Government organized the ROK-ASEAN Fashion Week from Friday to Monday, holding events ranging from fashion shows to networking sessions. 

The highlight of the four-day event was Monday’s ASEAN Fashion Show, during which designers from ASEAN countries presented their creations on the runway.

Featured designers included Melvin Shah from Malaysia; Esther Choy from Singapore; Hannie Hananto from Indonesia; Paul Direk from Thailand; Natacha Van from Cambodia; Zin Myat Myat Win from Myanmar; Fadzil Hadin from Brunei; Jian Lasala from the Philippines; Viengkham Nanthavongdouangsy from Laos; and Hoang Quyen from Vietnam.

A hanbok fashion show was held as part of the event, featuring models in hanbok creations walking the runway while a performance of traditional Korean dance took place toward the back end of the catwalk.

The hanbok designs had modern touches, and matching the mood, the music changed back and forth between traditional music and contemporary electronic music. 

Busan-based rookie designers had a chance to showcase their creations as well. They collaborated with veteran designers to create modern garments inspired by hanbok, using fabrics created by master weavers from the Busan area.

The creations challenged the definition of hanbok, showing the public that hanbok is more than just traditional costumes.

First lady Kim Jung-sook was among those attending the event.

The festival kicked off Friday with a fashion show featuring fashion brands such as Lee Mi Kyung Boutique, Danco’Lee and Lee Young-hee Presents.

On Saturday and Sunday, university students from Busan who study fashion design had a chance to introduce their creations.

By Im Eun-byel (silverstar@heraldcorp.com)