Nora Noh was born in 1928 in the northern region of Korea. In the 1950s, she moved to Seoul and established her fashion label, "Nora Noh Fashion Company," which quickly gained popularity. Her designs were revolutionary for the time, as she challenged traditional gender roles and introduced Western-inspired fashion to Korean women.

Nora Noh's designs embraced a modern and liberated aesthetic. She incorporated elements of simplicity, functionality, and comfort into her creations, focusing on clean lines and tailored silhouettes. Her designs were not only fashionable but also practical, catering to the needs and active lifestyles of Korean women.

Nora Noh played a pivotal role in transforming Korean society's perception of fashion and women's roles. She challenged conservative norms by advocating for women's empowerment through fashion and promoting the idea that clothing should reflect a woman's individuality and independence.

Nora Noh's impact on Korean fashion and society was significant. She inspired a new generation of designers and paved the way for the growth of the Korean fashion industry. Her designs gained recognition both locally and internationally, and she was often referred to as the "godmother of Korean fashion."

Born: 1928

Education: Youngshin Girls' High School

Website: https://www.noranoh.com/

Born in 1955 in South Korea, Lie Sang Bong developed an early interest in fashion and pursued his passion by studying at the Seoul Institute of the Arts. He established his own fashion label, LIE SANG BONG, in 1985, and since then, he has been at the forefront of Korean fashion.

Lie Sang Bong's designs are characterized by their bold and innovative approach. He often combines traditional Korean elements with modern aesthetics, creating a unique fusion of East and West. His creations feature intricate patterns, architectural silhouettes, and unexpected fabric combinations, showcasing his ability to push boundaries and challenge conventional fashion norms.

Throughout his career, he has presented his collections at prestigious international fashion events, including Paris Fashion Week, where he became the first Korean designer to showcase his work. His designs have been celebrated for their artistic craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to tell stories through fashion.

Lie Sang Bong's talent and creativity have earned him numerous awards and accolades, both in Korea and globally. He has dressed influential figures and celebrities, gaining a reputation for his ability to create fashion that embodies elegance, sophistication, and a sense of individuality.

Beyond fashion design, Lie Sang Bong has also ventured into various creative collaborations and projects, including collaborations with international brands, costume designs for theater and dance performances, and art installations that merge fashion with visual art.

Born: 1955

Education: Seoul Institute of the Arts

Website: http://www.orientpalms.com/lie-sang-bong

Rejina Pyo was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. She studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins in London, where she honed her skills and developed her unique design philosophy. After completing her studies, she gained valuable experience working with renowned fashion houses, including Roksanda Ilincic and Christopher Raeburn.

In 2014, Rejina Pyo launched her eponymous fashion label, which quickly garnered attention for its distinctive aesthetic. Her designs are characterized by clean lines, unexpected silhouettes, and a balance between minimalism and femininity. She often incorporates playful details, such as oversized buttons, asymmetrical cuts, and bold color combinations, which add a sense of individuality and personality to her creations.

Rejina Pyo's designs have garnered a strong following among fashion influencers, celebrities, and industry insiders. Her collections have been showcased at prominent fashion weeks around the world, including London Fashion Week, where she has received critical acclaim for her innovative approach to design.

Rejina Pyo's achievements have been recognized with various accolades and awards. She has been featured in prestigious fashion publications such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and her designs are stocked by renowned luxury retailers globally.

Born: 1983

Education: Central Saint Martins

Website: https://rejinapyo.com/

LEESLE is the best contemporary Hanbok brand, loved by K-pop stars and celebrities. Leesle Hwang is the founder and CEO of the contemporary hanbok brand Leesle. She even recently appeared in Vogue magazine, where she was recognized as a significant Korean designer. Leese Hwang managed to create a revitalized version of very traditional garments that will make you really want to try them on and never look back!

She also designs a selection of accessories that would bring a touch of Korea to your Western outfit. Beyond their own brand, Leesle Hwang has collaborated with various brands and companies to expand their influence beyond the realm of fashion.

Leesle Hwang's success as a fashion designer stems from her ability to infuse a sense of fun and playfulness into her designs while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship and innovation. Her designs have attracted a dedicated following of fashion-forward individuals who appreciate her unique perspective and bold aesthetic.

In addition, at the Salam Seoul Festival on May 3 at downtown Seoul's Cheonggye Plaza, Hanbok appeared not only as a traditional fashion style but also as a bridge between Korea and Middle Eastern cultures. Leesle, a contemporary Hanbok brand named after the designer Hwang Leesle, displayed its creations at the event, which featured a mix of Hanbok and the Muslim head-covering hijab.

Born: 1986

Education: Jeonju Girls' High School

Website: https://leesle.kr/

Minju Kim first rose to prominence after winning the first season of the fashion competition show "Fashion Fund" in 2013. Her victory showcased her exceptional talent and catapulted her into the fashion industry spotlight. Since then, she has continued to make a significant impact with her distinct artistic vision.

Known for her whimsical and playful style, Minju Kim's designs often feature vibrant colors, unconventional silhouettes, and bold patterns. Her creations embody a sense of childlike wonder and imagination, drawing inspiration from cartoons, fantasy, and storytelling. Through her designs, she aims to evoke joy and provoke the imagination of the wearer and viewer.

Minju Kim's designs have garnered critical acclaim and have been showcased at prestigious fashion events around the world, including London Fashion Week. Her collections have been praised for their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and ability to seamlessly blend elements of fantasy with contemporary fashion.

She has collaborated with renowned brands such as H&M, creating collections that allow a wider audience to experience her unique aesthetic. Her collaborations have further solidified her reputation as a designer who pushes boundaries and challenges traditional notions of fashion.

Minju Kim's work has been featured in prominent fashion publications such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and her designs have been worn by numerous celebrities. Her ability to captivate the fashion world with her imaginative creations has made her a beloved figure in the industry.

Born: 1986

Education: Samsung Art and Design Institute, Royal Academy of Fine Arts

Website: https://www.minjukim.co/

Jung Wook Jun is a rising star not just of the Korean fashion scene but of the fashion scene as a whole. Studying at the prestigious international fashion design and business school ESMOD (the Ecole Superieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode), he graduated with a degree in fine arts.

It was while at ESMOD that his interest in fashion began, and following his graduation in 1992 (and a short spell of National Service in the Korean Army), he went to work at a number of famous labels to gain the experience he would need to launch his own brand: Juun. J.

Paris was chosen as the stage for his debut on the world market since the French capital was and is a source of inspiration for the designer Jung Wook Jun—a city that represents a base for him to communicate his identity and vision to the outside world.

With his first runway collection in Paris in 2007, Juun. J made his international debut and has been admired for his sophistication in street attitude and sharp tailoring since then. The look that he brought to men's clothing was unique and a forerunner for many of today's brands that play with proportions, oversizing, and layering.

With the next collection in 2017, Juun. J is now also leaving its mark on women's clothing. The challenge here is to reverse its well-known system and apply it to women's fashion. However, unisex and gender-neutral clothes still remain the core of every collection, and that's how he wants to gradually establish himself as a brand.

Born: 1970

Education: ESMOD INTERNATIONAL

Website: http://www.juunj.com/main.jsp

Kim Seo Ryong is one of the most famous fashion designers in Korea, renowned for his exceptional creativity and unique designs. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim Seo Ryong began his journey in the fashion industry with a strong passion for art and aesthetics.

With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of fabrics and textures, Kim Seo Ryong has made a significant impact on the Korean fashion scene. His designs often feature a harmonious blend of traditional Korean elements and contemporary fashion trends, creating a distinct and captivating style.

Kim Seo Ryong's collections are characterized by exquisite craftsmanship, intricate embellishments, and meticulous attention to detail. He has a knack for incorporating traditional Korean motifs, such as hanbok-inspired silhouettes, into modern, ready-to-wear garments. This fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics has gained him recognition both domestically and internationally.

As an influential figure in the fashion industry, Kim Seo Ryong has showcased his collections at prestigious fashion events and shows, including Seoul Fashion Week and various international fashion weeks. His designs have caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and the media alike.

Born: 1965

Education: Shinhan University

Website: https://kimseoryong.com/

Kathleen Kye is a famous fashion designer in Korea, known for her bold and eclectic designs that push the boundaries of conventional fashion. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she developed a passion for fashion at a young age.

After completing her studies at Central Saint Martins in London, Kathleen Kye returned to Seoul and founded her eponymous brand, KYE, in 2011. Her unique and unconventional designs quickly garnered attention and established her as a rising star in the Korean fashion industry.

Kathleen Kye's designs are characterized by a fusion of streetwear aesthetics, vibrant colors, and unexpected juxtapositions. She often incorporates playful elements, bold graphics, and unconventional materials into her collections, creating a distinctive style that resonates with the younger generation.

With her avant-garde approach to fashion, Kathleen Kye has attracted a strong following both in Korea and internationally. Her designs have been worn by numerous celebrities and have graced the runways of major fashion events, including Seoul Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.

Kathleen Kye's innovative and daring designs have earned her critical acclaim and several accolades throughout her career. Her ability to challenge traditional fashion norms and create garments that blur the lines between art and fashion has made her a prominent figure in the global fashion scene.

Born: 1987

Education: Central Saint Martins

Website: https://kye-official.com/

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Hyein Seo gained international acclaim after completing her studies at the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium. Her graduate collection, titled "School Kills," garnered attention for its rebellious and unconventional aesthetic, establishing her as a unique voice in the fashion industry. It was worn by Rhianna at the MTV Music Awards in 2014 and catapulted into the public eye.

Known for her dark and dystopian themes, Hyein Seo's designs often feature a mix of streetwear influences and high-fashion elements. She is recognized for her bold graphics, provocative slogans, and meticulous attention to detail. Her collections often explore social commentary, addressing issues such as youth culture, power dynamics, and societal norms.

Hyein Seo has showcased her collections at prominent fashion events, including Paris Fashion Week and Seoul Fashion Week. Her designs have attracted a dedicated following, including celebrities and fashion enthusiasts who appreciate her distinct style and boundary-pushing designs.

Born: 1991

Education: Royal Academy of Fine Arts

Website: https://hyeinseo.com/

Munsoo Kwon, for those of you not familiar, can be seen with YG’s very own fashion-forward Kwon Twins or other famous Korean celebrities. Born in Seoul, he grew up with an interest in fashion and all that comes with the art of making, wearing, and designing clothing.

Munsoo graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco after moving to the city in 2003. His clothing line has become so successful in the fashion industry that he has been mentioned in more than just one Korean publication, including Esquire and Elle.

His debut as a fashion designer was in 2012 at the Fall/Winter New York Fashion Week. Munsoo was even invited by Giorgio Armani to showcase his clothing in Milan. His clothing is worn by celebrities everywhere, from behind the screens of music videos to everyday streetwear.

Munsoo Kwon has begun to create his empire in the fashion industry and has made several famous friends along the way like the late Creative Director of CHANEL, Karl Lagerfeld, etc. The stylish streetwear can be found in stores throughout Korea, including Pier59 Studios and the Munsoo Kwon Showroom located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Born: 1980

Education: Academy of Art University

Website: http://www.munsookwon.com/collection/