Discover the SS26 Highlights: Knots and Shadow Play at Seoul Fashion Week

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Seoul Fashion Week showcased not just local brands but also acted as a pulse for emerging trends this season. The event featured a diverse range of styles, from innovative draping to bold streetwear and subtle undergarment influences, reflecting the rich creativity of South Korea’s capital.

For the Spring/Summer 2026 season, the schedule boasted 14 runway shows featuring renowned names like Caruso and Andersson Bell, accompanied by 74 showrooms where brands displayed their latest collections to buyers. A notable moment was the collaboration with the Fashion Council Germany, presenting twelve brands, including Lueder and Richert Beil, at the Berlin Showroom. This brought fresh perspectives to Seoul while offering insights into the local market.

While the future of Berlin designers on Seoul catwalks remains uncertain, the variety of trends presented indicates that Seoul has much to offer to the fashion world.

FashionUnited has compiled the standout moments from the SS26 season.

Ties Reimagined

This season, ties took center stage as they were reinterpreted in unexpected ways. No longer confined to formal menswear, they played a key role in post-gender styling, appearing in diverse contexts.

This season, ties were styled in various creative ways. Some models wore them loosely draped, others opted for double tie looks or mismatched designs. For instance, Caruso paired two ties with an oversized shirt and denim, while Andersson Bell featured a deliberately twisted tie with a frayed waistcoat and floral trousers. Big Park showcased a striking mix of patterns, blending a striped tie with a checked shirt and wide trousers.

Emphasizing Transparency

Transparency has been a significant trend, particularly on red carpets, but in Seoul, it took on new meaning. Designers employed transparent fabrics for layering and narrative rather than merely for shock value.

This season, transparency often presented itself through deconstructed tailoring. Andersson Bell explored this with a transparent mesh long-sleeve shirt paired with a traditional jacket, while Caruso showcased a jersey jacket layered with see-through mesh. Kwak Hyun Joo offered a romantic take on transparency with a lilac crop top and skirt, enhanced by delicate ruffles and asymmetrical elements.

Underwear as a Feature

Visible undergarments took the spotlight on the runway, shifting from a hidden layer to a central styling element. This trend highlighted both sporty and subversive styles.

New Wave Boys showcased a corset-like off-shoulder top with high-cut shorts, while Ulkin combined a bikini top with an open waistcoat and transparent mesh. Arts took an experimental route by printing underwear onto a white T-shirt, transforming its purpose and the model’s proportions.

Draped Ruching

Some designers in Seoul opted for textural and silhouette experiments, particularly through the use of flowing ruffle details, creating almost sculptural fabrics.

One standout piece from Arts was a shirt dress reimagined with laces, imbuing classic stripes with a modern, dynamic touch. In contrast, Lie mixed sporty elements with a navy ensemble enhanced by fine ruching. Mmam’s light blue slip dress showcased traditional draping, enhanced with ruching to allow movement and reveal skin through high slits.

The Power of Darkness

While many designers embraced color and extravagance, others opted for a more subdued palette. This trend used black to highlight precise tailoring and refined details rather than fade into the background.

Big Park displayed a dress with a structured bodice reminiscent of classic tailoring, blending the traditional Hanbok with modern elements. Arts offered a playful black ensemble enhanced by oversized bows. Sling Stone contrasted the vibrant hues of other designers, emphasizing clean lines and oversized silhouettes for a sculptural effect.