Written by Stefano Imbert in Events on the 20th July 2015

New York City has officially and proudly brought back its Fashion Week: Men’s. Organized by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, and with sponsors such as Amazon Fashion, East Dane, MyHabit and Shinola, from July 13-16 the city had runways for 2016 spring/summer collections dedicated solely to menswear. The main location was set in trendy neighborhood of Tribeca, but additional independent designers were showing their creations in other locations scattered around town. In one of these alternative locations, I had the pleasure to attend Concept Korea, a showcase of up-and-coming talents from Korea with a focus on DBYD and Ordinary People brands.

Kang Dong Jun is the designer behind the DBYD label. According to the press handouts, this collection is targeted to loners, guys who prefer staying home alone and playing with their imagination than hanging our with their friends.

Seen on the runway are pieces in dark shaded hues with exaggerated proportions and asymmetrical cuts, especially the light hooded coats, all accessorized by flapping harnesses and untied belts. Pants also have their own singular proportions, spanning from ¾ lengths mid-calf to extreme low crotches tightened up under the knee. Ordinary People is the label designed by Hyeong-Cheol Jang, and this collection’s aim is to blur the lines between classic menswear style and sportswear. The result has quite a playful vibe, mixing formal patterns, such as pinstriped suit jackets, over 80’s flavored pinstriped jogging shorts, and the pinstripes sparkle! Silky and flowing overcoats frame these ensembles. The colors span from navy blue to white with sporadic splashes of carmine red. And among these classic summer colors and patterns is an unexpected surprise when down the runway comes oversized wide striped T-shirts made from very sparkly lamé over light and flapping ankle length pants paired with white platform sandals. The overall effect is playful and fun but retaining that feel of avant-garde fashion. 

*Illustration also by Stefano Imbert

We attend the 2015 male NYFW and review the Concept Korea collection with illustrations from the Men’s New York Fashion Week.