From Paris to Seoul: A Style Analysis of Korean-French Fashion

Croissants to Couture

French and Korean Fashion Blend!

It's no secret that Korea has a soft spot for French culture, and that is manifested in various ways; whether it be through the leisurely replication of cafe culture, or the placement of boulangeries found on every street corner. This admiration isn’t solely held for cuisine and creation of a third-place however, it also extends to art. Contemporary, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism; in the eyes of Korea, French aesthetics are often associated with timeless beauty, and sophistication.

Korea translates this admiration for aesthetic principles of elegance to a creative dialogue woven into practices of personal presentation; dressing, fashion! Inspired by France’s application of practicality and modern decorative style, replication goes beyond the consumption of croissants and lattes. Building off of the flâneur concept, what Korean fashion aims to encapsulate is the intellectualism exuded from an individual that wanders an urban landscape, modestly detached from their surroundings. This type of observer presents themselves beautifully, straying from flamboyant styles. 

Minimalism and modesty exist already in chic Korean Fashion, visible in feminine business wear and casual garments. The blend of Korean and French styles is quite fascinating, as the cultures that shape both have a long history threaded with many differences. Philosophy and fit contrast, and yet there is a common regard held highly for balance of form and function. When approaching a feminine aesthetic, cohesion becomes a lot more clear.

Western vs East Asian Fashion

The structured boots paired with the brown coat hints at Western tailoring, and the sheer dress draped over the denim jeans replicates a popular East Asian fashion trend.

Before delving into this fusion of styles, it’s important to note the difference in culture that shapes Western and East Asian fashion. Despite there seemingly being little difference between fashion from the West and the East due to the inspiration that bounces between the two, the structuralization does vary! 

Western fashion tends to take a less conservative approach to modern-wear as opposed to East Asian fashion. Showing skin has become a more prominent element in fashion subcultures in the East, however the key difference is the balance between which body parts are being highlighted. For example, an outfit for a summer-outing in the city of Seoul may be constructed of a boat-neck tank to highlight the arms and shape of the collarbones and a long skirt to further emphasize the skin being shown. In Western fashion, a tank may easily be, and often is, paired with shorts. There is likeness in the appreciation of statement pieces between the two cultures, but the jump at experimentation varies. Where layering of prints and colors may hold value as being bold and startling in the West, East Asian fashion bends normality by pushing shape and proportion. 

With major fashion capitals like Paris existing in the West, how do styles from Korea in the East fit into shared aesthetics, mindful of historical and traditional impact?

A New Aesthetic: Where K-Fashion Meets French Elegance

Pulls influences of Korean Fashion (loosely fitting pants, layering theme) and French Fashion (elegant placement of layering between cardigan and button-up, cohesion of effortless beauty)

This fusion of styles combines the effortlessness of Parisian fashion with the trend and layer-driven characteristics of Korean fashion in a manner that makes it distinctly identifiable as both!  It's an interesting blend that has gained traction through more modern-day collaborations between brands (think of AMI Paris) and fashion influencers (like K-Pop Idols), and the cultural wave of Korean media.

Core Elements:

• Silhouette: Combines the refined fit admirable in French fashion with the volume highlighted in Korean fashion. Together, the laid-back approach to natural shape is bent in a playful manner with a Korean touch, oftentimes shaping the waist and accessorizing with garments that balance out the emphasis with a more androgynous cut. Think of: a well-structured blazer worn over a feminine blouse, cinched at the waist and arm cuffs.
• Modest Color Palettes: With both French and Korean styles being well known for their neutralized color pallets reflected in their fashion, there simultaneously exists a cuteness culture. A blend of both would be modest in its color usage, with combinations of feminine tints to highlight the simpler color palettes. Think of: a beige slip-dress layered with a soft pink cardigan, and lightly shaded feminine accessories such as a handbag or frilly socks.
• High/Low Fashion: A common styling pattern seen in both cultures, this refers to mixing price/quality points of garments together. Furthering the influence of refinery being maintained, a blend of French and Korean fashion may suggest wearing expensive wool alongside regular denim or cotton. Think of: a well-valued wool coat draped over a graphic t-shirt paired with loose denim jeans.

French emphasis of timeless basics, and Korean implementation of layering. Modern twist of classic garments!

To put it simply, Korean French fashion is a creative approach taken to combine timeless beauty with trendy layering of textures and elements. It’s a modern emergence, inspiring a complimentary relationship of youth and visual dynamism!

Where to Shop:

A recommended place to shop at for replicating this style!

• Mardi Mercredi: Korean brand well known for it's replication of French Style!
• Marithé + François Girbaud: Initially a French brand, the garments have recently gained traction in popularity in the Korean Street Fashion scene!
• RonRon: Captures the romanticism of chic French fashion, captured through the k-fashion lens!