South Korea – Charles & Keith has launched the first ‘Designer in Residence’ initiative, which aims to support rising fashion designers by giving them a platform to show their designs. The project seeks to amplify new creatives while expanding the fashion industry.
In its first partnership, Charles & Keith is joined by South Korean designer Seokwoon Yoon to showcase his Spring Summer 25 collection at the brand’s flagship store in Gangnam.
The collection’s theme is focused on the life and death cycle and the human desire to preserve moments. This is portrayed through the use of wildflowers. It also displays Yoon’s style of creating oversized and unconventional designs.
As part of the collection, Yoon reimagined the iconic Charles & Keith Petra shoulder bag using his painting technique along with geometric designs. The special-edition bag is limited to 30 pieces, and will be sold exclusively at the brand’s Gangnam physical and online store.
“Having partnered with Seokwoon Yoon on his runway showings at Seoul Fashion Week previously, we were thrilled to be able to evolve our support for his namesake label with The Designer in Residence concept this season,” Keith Wong, Charles & Keith co-founder, said.
“The project is intended to be a practical way to heighten visibility of emerging design talent we have long-standing relationships – and great synergy – with, by leveraging our prime flagship locations to highlight their newest collections. We hope the novelty of bringing ready to wear into the store will inspire customers on how to style our Fall products, whilst offering a fresh CHARLES & KEITH retail experience that sparks excitement,” Wong added.
The Spring Summer 25 collection is available from Sept. 5 to 19, 2024 alongside Charles & Keith’s Fall 24 collection at the Gangnam boutique.
