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Hong Kong’s Fashion Week has long been dominated by Japanese designers specializing in ready-to-wear street designs. But this season brought out an unprecedented Korean presence. Korean designers may be prospering due to the craze surrounding South Korean television drama Jewel of the Palace. If fashion isn’t leading the way for music and film cultural cross-over then it is never far behind. The standard for Korean fashion has been exported textiles made at a higher quality than their Chinese counter-parts but little or no emphasis on design. Now Korean and Hong Kong designers are moving into Western markets, following in the footsteps of Vivienne Tam and haute couture designers Walter Ma and Andre Kim. Born and Raised in Korea, Jiwon Park made her mark with flirty, feminine fashions. She is a favorite of Patricia Fields (Sex and the City). Keep an eye out for upcoming Korean designers like Park as they shed their image as a mass producing market and move into private collections and couture labels. For hip Korean, Japanese, and Hong Kong designed street wear check out onatoko.com.
Vivienne Tam ivory jersey poppy print halter top
Jiwon Park black crinkled silk chiffon mini dress with satin and lace accents
