Korean ‘kimjang vest’ returns as $4,300 luxury item

Valentino’s Gobelin Apres L’Hiver Fiorellini Waistcoat, left, and Moncler’s Reversible Floral Down Vest have drawn attention for their resemblance to Korea’s traditional “kimjang vest.” Captured from Valentino and Moncler websites

The “kimjang vest” — a floral, quilted gilet once considered the uniform of Korean grandmothers — has made its way into high fashion.

Social media and online communities are abuzz with comparisons between the humble Korean granny vest and new releases from major luxury houses. Posts titled “Valentino copying Korea’s hot trend” point to the similarities between the brand’s new Gobelin Apres L’Hiver Fiorellini Waistcoat and the traditional Korean vest.

Priced at a staggering 6.3 million won ($4,300), the Valentino vest features a vibrant floral tapestry pattern with fur trim on the neck and shoulders. The men’s version retails for 3.4 million won.

Moncler, known for its premium down jackets, has also adopted the look. Their Reversible Floral Down Vest, featuring colorful flowers on a navy background, is priced at 2.33 million won.

The floral quilted “kimjang vest” has gained popularity among young people after celebrities such as aespa’s Karina, left, and BLACKPINK’s Jennie were seen wearing it. Captured from social media of Karina and Jennie

The massive price gap has sparked amusement across Korean online communities and social media. The original kimjang vests — widely available in traditional markets or online — usually cost between 5,000 and 10,000 won.

“If I go buy a kimjang vest right now, I effectively save 5.99 million won,” one commenter joked. Others noted, “The Korean one is cheaper, warmer and actually looks better,” while some marveled at the reach of Korean culture, saying, “The Korean Wave has even reached kimjang vests.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.