Salon Yong, a vintage shop in Hongdae.
Continuing on with our highlight of vintage fashion around the world, this week’s article will be focusing on South Korea’s vintage fashion revival. The popularity of second hand and vintage clothing, as with many other places around the world, has been steadily rising in South Korea. Whilst this is due to a number of influences, the main driving force has been the buying power of millennials. Wearing second hand clothing can be fashionable and environmentally friendly at the same time (check out my article on sustainable fashion here: https://swabycollection.wixsite.com/everythingvintage/post/what-is-slow-fashion), so it’s a win win situation.
What is different when we look at South Korea, however, is that these vintage items don’t just come from local areas, but they are also shipped in from the United States and Europe, in ‘clothes per kilo’ buying schemes. This means that Korean people have access to clothing in a greater variety of sizes, shapes and designs than they would otherwise.
100kg bales of used clothes sent to South Korea.
The resurgence of vintage fashion in South Korea has coined the term ‘Newtro’. This youth culture trend is gathering in popularity across South Korea and is defined by ‘a reinterpretation of vintage and retro design styles’. The movement has not only been helped by famous K-Pop groups such as DIA, but also by social media and the rise of Instagram.
K-Pop group DIA’s new album cover.
It’s not all about the ‘gram though. South Korean millennials are also using the Newtro movement as a way to live more simply and to reconnect to their heritage, by being able themselves to have nostalgic experiences. The movement isn’t confined to clothing either, with lovers of the trend choosing to furnish their homes with retro furniture.
The Korea Herald’s image from the Seoul Design Festival.
Although open to all members of the population, Newtro reflects the wants and desires of the younger generation. Many people no longer want or feel the need to keep up with the mainstream and everchanging trends of society. Newtro allows them to embrace their unique style in a way that is also environmentally conscious. This is certainly something to be lauded and I hope that Newtro’s popularity keeps on growing!
Please comment, share with your fellow vintage enthusiasts and let me know if there’s anything specific you want me to write about. To share this article, use the share buttons below. You can also use the social media buttons at the top and bottom of this page to visit my pages. If you want to keep up to date with my listings and discounts, then make sure to sign up for my mailing list and follow my store (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SwabyCollections) on Etsy.
Comments