HANBOK
from tradition
to modern world
The hanbok, a traditional form of Korean dress, is being embraced by K-pop stars and adapted by innovative designers.
HAN
They wanted to know, and what insspired the look?The world of K-pop has always been a playground for innovative fashion, and Blackpink's members have consistently been trendsetters in this regard.
In the past few years, similar design concepts have been spotted on members of K-pop groups like BTS, SHINee and Exo. They are fresh takes on a centuries-old form of Korean dress called a hanbok.
(1)
Who was the designer of the hanbok
When the k-pop band Blackpink released the music video for their song “How You Like That” in June, fans began asking about the group’s outfits, which appeared at once traditional and contemporary.
history
The earliest visual depictions of hanbok can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms of Korea period (57 BC to 668 AD)
Hanbok has reflected variations and styles over its more than 2,000-year history: jacket and skirt hemlines have shortened and lengthened; sleeves have widened, rounded or narrowed over cycles of subtle change.
The ancient hanbok consisted of a jeogori (top) and chima (skirt) for women and top, baji (pants for men), and the po (coat) for men. The basic structure of hanbok was designed to facilitate the ease of movement.
(2)
Today, contemporary designers continue to take great inspiration from the garment, yet the most traditional form continues to take cues from the Joseon era, a dynastic period that lasted from the late 14th century to the early 20th century.
The kings, princes, and princesses all wear elaborate hanbok of rich jewel tones that have silver or gold gilt-patterns.The commoners, on the other hand, wear plain, light-colored dresses and hanbok outfits.Today we are introduced to bold, repeating prints on the hanbok that have been printed on rather than embroidered or gilded.
Hanbok patterns have generally represented elements of nature, such as peonies, dragons, and phoenixes, but they were primarily reserved for royal or noble clothing. In a historical Korean drama you would notice an interesitng thing.
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Modern hanbok is a style term that refers to hanbok mixed with Western and other cultural fashion influences. Modern hanbok can vary from traditional hanbok in terms of
Modern hanbok wearers also have more freedom to wear the hanbok in a mix-and-match style, and don't necessarily stick to the conventional ways of dressing in hanbok.
Today, modern hanbok introduces bright, Western-styled patterns that still invoke elements of nature but in a different way.
colors
silhouette
embellishments
skirt or pants length
fabrics and materials
patterns
Today, modern hanbok introduces bright, Western-styled patterns that still invoke elements of nature but in a different way, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary fashion sensibilities
With modern technology, colors and dyes of various kinds have been introduced to the hanbok. Now, designers have much more freedom to infuse any variation of color. From the bold and eclectic, to the subdued and modern, modern hanbok is not shy about being colorful.
How can it be so stylish
Modern hanbok can be worn as separate pieces and you can mix-and-match pieces with
contemporary outfits.
contemporary outfits.
Modern hanbok has flipped the gender roles on their heads and have designs for women that feature baji (pants) and long overcoats. Men's modern hanbok can also have feminine, soft elements and feature pastel-toned fabrics that were traditionally reserved for women.
Modern hanbok designers want everyone to enjoy hanbok, regardless of its shape or form, while retaining the classic elements of the hanbok style that is unique to Korean culture.
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Modern hanbok can be worn as separate pieces and you can mix-and-match pieces with contemporary outfits.
