Fashion Week raises 16 mil. won for Japan

By Lee Hyo-won

The 2011 fall/winter Seoul Fashion Week wrapped up with a stylish cause Saturday, raising some 16 million won ($14,750) for Japanese quake victims, organizers said.

The weeklong fashion showcase held in Daechi-dong under the auspices of Seoul City featured donation boxes throughout the venues and other fundraising campaigns, of which all proceeds will go to Japan via the Korea National Red Cross.

On Saturday a charity bazaar was held with the support of leading industry magazine Cosmopolitan. Some 1,000 people took part in the occasion to cash in on compassion and fashion, as items on sale included 130 pieces donated by 63 designers as well as beauty products contributed by 20 domestic and international brands. Some of the coveted items were auctioned off, adding more buzz to the event.

Designer Lie Sang-bong, who provided some of his creations for the bazaar, said: “It’s a pleasure to take part in this meaningful charity event to help Japanese earthquake victims. It seems like this special event brings together fashion people’s outer beauty with their inner beauty and compassionate hearts.”

Up-and-coming designers featured in Seoul Fashion Week’s Generation Next section created T-shirts in collaboration with Groupon, a leading international social commerce organization. The shirts will be sold online, and all proceeds will go to Japan, along with other Fashion Week donations.

The 2011 fall/winter edition marked the most successful event in Seoul Fashion Week’s history, according to organizers, with more than 80,000 visitors and participants including press and buyers from near and far.

The festivities wrapped up with the high-end women’s collections by Korean designers.

Jung Hun-jong’s lines embodied haute couture elegance with fabulous velvet and silk creations while An Yoon-jung opted for minimal designs accentuated with structural tailored details. Choi Bok-ho presented uncanny textures in eccentric color palettes, such as uniquely reinterpreted wool and corduroy coats. Moon Young-hee added masculine touches to seductively female silhouettes, featuring dark-hued works inspired by menswear.

For more information about Seoul Fashion Week, visit www.seoulfashionweek.org (Korean and English).