By Honorary Reporter Livia Jade Bishop from UK
Photos = Livia Jade Bishop


Having won tickets to a highly anticipated event in Seoul, I attended on Nov. 3 this year's Hongik Fashion Week organized by Hongik University. Under the theme "Peace is Blue," the event from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4 showcased unique outfits, captivating musical performances and digital art through two fashion shows, open fashion forum and pop-up market.

This year's edition expanded its reach by including departments like design convergence, performing arts, and advertising and public relations, incorporating musical performances, creative ads and interactive digital media works.

After arriving late in the afternoon, I grabbed an information booklet from the market, explored what was available and headed to the first of the four exhibitions scattered throughout the university campus. Despite all works sharing a common theme, no work bore a resemblance to another, and the peace-related ideas explored within the works differed immensely. 

I found it incredibly interesting to see the unique and beautiful pieces on display, and later read about the ideas they were created from. The diversity of inter-departmental works interpreting the theme struck a chord with me, with each artist presenting unique interpretations of "peace."

I was particularly drawn to large-scale abstract sculptural artworks with their diverse and expressive interpretations of the exhibition's theme. The artists' ability to translate complex emotions into tangible 3D forms was intriguing, with the accessories and dresses at the first exhibition hall capturing my attention through their fusion of traditional and contemporary elements.


The culmination of the week's festivities was the two fashion shows that I, as a first-time attendee, approached with a sense of anticipation and excitement. One was held by students from the university's Graduate School of Fashion and the other by those from the Department of Textile Art and Fashion Design. 

The first show kicked off with introductions and emphasis on peaceful concepts and inter-departmental collaboration. Guests included politicians and delegates from European embassies in Seoul, and the runway came alive with innovative garments.

Models showcased a range of designs from readapted military uniforms to bridal dresses and futuristic pieces, creating a captivating spectacle. But the unexpected musical performances were my favorite part of the show. The finale featured a rendition of "Imagine" by John Lennon, evoking a powerful sense of unity and hope and getting other performers to slowly join, with a chorus of voices urging to "give peace a chance."


Models dressed in blue and held signs bearing messages of peace, creating a visually striking and emotionally resonant finale. Their powerful imagery of unity and hope left a lasting impression.

Hongik Fashion Week was not just a showcase of fashion but also an immersive experience transcending traditional boundaries. As a newfound enthusiast of Korean fashion, I eagerly await next year's edition and hope to keep seeing the evolution of creativity and talent on display.

jihlee08@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.