Most Wanted
A curated roundup of the best new fashion arrivals, hand-picked by our editors
In recent years, the South Korean fashion scene has exploded, with an abundance of homegrown labels turning Seoul into a global center for cutting-edge design. This new dominance was cemented last year, when Minju Kim beat 17 other hugely talented hopefuls to be crowned champion of Netflix’s Next in Fashion series. While Minju is fast becoming a household name, there are a plethora of other labels that fly a little below the radar but are no less pioneering. Take LVIR: founded by Ji Young and Won Seob Lee in 2016, in just five short years the label’s understated yet luxe aesthetic has seen it become a firm favorite with fashion insiders worldwide. Known for contemporary tailoring, the brand’s ivory balloon-leg pants strike the perfect balance between effortless and elegant; style them up with a long-sleeved bodysuit and leather ballet pumps for an updated take on nine-to-five dressing, or pair with oversized knits and chunky sandals for off-duty days.
Of course, another South Korean designer who has been on our radar since she launched her eponymous line in 2014 is British-based Rejina Pyo. In recent years, her exuberant shows have become an undisputed highlight on the London Fashion Week calendar. Pyo first gained traction for her voluminous, sculptural dresses, but her not-so basics are a fail-safe way to elevate your everyday look. Take her second-skin polo sweater: cast in a vivid orange hue, this eye-popping piece, finished with playful mismatched buttons, works perfectly with denim of all washes – meaning you’ll reach for it time and time again.
For shopping assistant Connie Parkinson, when it comes to emerging designers, it’s Vietnam-born, Brooklyn-based Peter Do – an alumnus of NET-A-PORTER’s talent incubator program The Vanguard and a finalist for the illustrious LVMH prize – getting her excited this season. Which is why, when the cult designer’s chic waisted blazer landed on site this week, she was quick to snap it up.
“Peter Do’s SS21 collection is a celebration of modern tailoring – I am in love with each and every piece. This tonal blazer highlights what the designer does best – structured essentials with meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled craftsmanship. The ties at the waist define your silhouette, adding a feminine element that really makes this jacket stand apart. Prior to the pandemic, my daily uniform consisted of a power blazer, white tee and boyfriend jeans, so I’m delighted to be adding tailoring back into my wardrobe again.”
Discover more from this week’s What’s New.