On September 23, WWD Korea, SBA (Seoul Business Agency), and KBIZ played host to the first-ever Runway to Seoul (RTS), a futuristic fashion show that combined the best of K-entertainment, fashion, and AR/XR experiences for a night that celebrated creativity, culture, and innovation.
“WWD Korea’s Runway to Seoul event is a spectacular fusion merging the very best of K-culture—where fashion, music, technology, and entertainment converge in perfect unison. Our vision is to showcase for the next generation a celebration of creativity and innovation. WWD Korea as a cultural ambassador is passionately dedicated to expanding Runway to Seoul, weaving the vibrant Korean artistry and culture, bridging fashion, music, technology, and entertainment, to the world stage.”
– Yuna Kim, retired competitive figure skater and Olympian
The event’s festivities included fashion shows that featured seven designers: ‘8 by YOOX’; ‘L.e.e.y’; ‘Oridnarypeople’; ‘NACHE’; ‘NICHE2NIGHT’; ‘KOWGI’ and ‘MINA CHUNG.’ Global fashion e-commerce platform YOOX proudly showcased their AW 23-24 collection that embraced the freedom of self-expression and the feeling of belonging in a community free from restrictions. The collection beautifully blends ’90s minimalism with bold Y2K aesthetics, offering head-to-toe leather ensembles, futuristic references, relaxed fits, and grunge touches.
RTS attracted a star-studded guestlist that included celebrities such as actors Ji Il-joo (Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo), Kim Min Kyu (Snowdrop, Business Proposal), and Lee Sangyun (Liar Game, One the Woman). Other attendees included solo artists Holland, Swings, and Vapo; K-Pop girl groups Cherry Bullet and Kiss of Life; and many more. Kiss of Life, along with DJ 250 and rapper Kiim Simya, graced attendees with performances that proudly showcased the diverse music spectrum that K-musicians have to offer.
After its success in Seoul, RTS plans to expand to global fashion capitals such as New York, Paris, and Milan with the ultimate goal of becoming the leading fashion event to bring Korean culture and fashion into the global limelight.
Check out some of the photos from the event, below!
