Concept Korea VI Gives Captain Planet a Run for His Money

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The concept behind Concept Korea is fairly simply: When Seoul Fashion Week struggled to garner the attention of international buyers and press, the government decided to take Korea's fashion designers to the world's fashion capitals. New York welcomed them with open arms. Like really open arms. American industry folk who helped choose the five designers for this season's presentation include—are you ready—Fern Mallis, the founder of NYFW, Simon Collins, dean of Parsons, Collen Shering, Fashion Director of Saks, Stan Herman, former pres of the CFDA, Carol Song, VPs of Kate Spade and Lanvin, among several others. That much backing is a force to be reckoned with, to put it lightly.

And speaking of forces, the five designers, Kathleen Kye, Choi Boko, Hongbum Kim, Lie Sang Bong, and Song Jun Wan took on the theme for Spring 2013 "Five Directional Colors" by each representing the natural elements iron, wood, water, fire, and earth. Though that might sound like a Captain Planet re-run, the theme translated to a rather beguiling dance number to open and some of the craziest prints we've ever seen, innovative blazers, '60s silhouettes updated with architectural touches, and shin-gaurds in some cases.

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Like anything you see? Look for the goods at Opening Ceremony soon. The store's head buyer also helped choose the designers and whadduya know? OC's chosen country this year is...Korea.
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