Most Popular
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Korea enters full election mode
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Seoul bus drivers go on general strike, cause morning rush hour delays
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Immigrant woman stabbed to death by Korean husband
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Official campaigning kicks off for April 10 elections
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Lee Jong-sup resigns as envoy to Australia
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Yellow dust engulfs S. Korea, advisory alert issued
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S. Korea to boost support for single-parent families
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Court upholds jail term for man who attempted to murder ex-girlfriend
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Kia EV9 wins world car of year
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Korea misses out on global bond index boost
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First lady’s fashion raises question: Who pays?
WASHINGTON (AP) ― Michelle Obama’s fashionable clothing has become something of a given in her five-plus years as first lady. Yet her wardrobe still is the subject of endless public fascination and one long-simmering question: Who pays for those incredible outfits? It’s no small matter. Her high-low fashion choices mix everyday, off-the-rack fare with custom creations from top designers whose gowns can run into five figures. In recent weeks, Mrs. Obama has turned heads with a forest-green Naeem
June 4, 2014
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[Weekender] More than a piece of jewelry
As more people are choosing clothes and jewelry that highlight the wearers rather than specific brands, jewelers have started creating one-of-a-kind jewelry that can showcase the wearer’s personal history. Jewelry designer Jung Soo-yeon, who launched her jewelry brand Tanello in 2000, says she has succeeded in attracting both foreigners and Koreans in Seoul looking for such unique jewelry. “I focus on the private feeling that the jewelry can give to the wearer,” said Jung in a recent interview w
May 23, 2014
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Polishing the image of factory-built homes
AKRON, Ohio ― Factory-built homes have long suffered from an image problem.But it’s time for that image to change, representatives from the industry say.Tim Williams, executive director of the Ohio Manufactured Homes Association, thinks people may be surprised by the homes if they see them.“People think they’re just trailers,” he said. “If they see it, I think they’ll realize the benefits” in terms of affordability and quality.These aren’t the shoddily built tin cans of old. They’re well-constru
May 21, 2014
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A rare look at North Korean architecture
In Pyongyang, there are none of the narrow alleys that are commonly found in old cities. Instead, streets are up to 50 meters wide, lined with buildings with perfect symmetry. They are among major features of socialist architecture. Architecture in North Korea is little known to the world. North Korean architects have been out of the spotlight, as they are not considered as individual, independent artists, but workers who follow “Kim Jong-il’s Architectural Theory,” a set of architecture guideli
May 20, 2014
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[Herald Interview] Florist Audrey Oh on haute world of flowers
In her newly minted shop in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong, florist Audrey Oh starts arranging marigolds, blue delphiniums, shepherd’s purse and stonecrop into a vibrant, spring-appropriate bouquet.The veteran floral designer’s swift movements make it look deceptively easy, yet the marriage of near-violet blue with ruffled golden orange, the carefully spaced exclamations of yellow-green, are portrait-worthy, serving as a testimony to her years of experience.“I like natural and simple designs,” said Oh,
May 14, 2014
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Brides take bouquet-making into their own hands
MINNEAPOLIS ― When Natasha Cronen got married last September, she knew exactly what her bridal bouquet would look like, down to the petal.That’s because she’d made it herself, two days earlier, along with all the other flowers for her wedding.Cronen, of Woodbury, Minn., and her bridesmaids gathered at Market Flowers near the Minneapolis Farmers Market to craft coral and white roses into bouquets, centerpieces, corsages for the bride and groom’s mothers and grandmothers as well as boutonnieres fo
May 7, 2014
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Some women daring to explore shades of gray
AKRON, Ohio ― It was bound to happen ― you’ve found your first gray hair. It may remind you that the internal clock is ticking. You make a mental note to call the hairdresser for a dye job.Or do you?Silver or gray is trending now in fashion, accessories and home decor. And while some local stylists say going gray naturally may be a trend, others say it can make a woman look 10 years older.Before you squeeze that tube of Vidal Sassoon on your locks, examine your shade of gray.“I have one client w
May 7, 2014
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Old world glamour in black and white at Met gala
NEW YORK (AP) ― Old-style glamour ― especially in black and white ― ruled the night air as stars of Hollywood and the fashion world converged on the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday evening for the annual Costume Institute gala, the biggest event on the New York fashion calendar.This year, the glamour quotient was raised a notch: Whereas last year’s theme was punk, this time women were focusing on flowing gowns, and men were asked to dress in white tie ― full evening dress, including tails,
May 6, 2014
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[Weekender] Menswear undergoes smart evolution
Spring has brought versatile items and light colors to menswear, allowing men to be free from formal dress and try new style combinations. Blazers and pants that are both adaptable to formal and casual looks are gaining popularity. Fresh, light color shades are lifting the mood for the warmer weather.“The casual vibe has been prevalent in menswear for the past couple of seasons, and the hybrid items that can either work in formal and casual situations have been popular,” said Lee Hyun-jung, dire
May 2, 2014
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[Weekender] ‘Style is all about how you put things together’
Korea is one of the best markets in the world in terms of the number of fashion-conscious male customers, according to Filip Ekvall, the CEO of H&M Korea. The Swedish CEO talked about his personal fashion style, Korean men’s fashion taste in comparison to other countries and suggestions for spring items in a recent email interview with The Korea Herald. The following are excerpts from the interview.Korea Herald: What is your fashion style? Filip Ekvall: I love classic. Classic can be fun, not bo
May 2, 2014
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[Weekender] Men’s love for accessories
More Korean men are becoming fashion-conscious. They’re willing to invest in their appearance, especially in accessories, said the CEO of an international fashion accessory brand. They are still conservative, but are rapidly opening up to new ideas and trends, which is promising for many fashion businesses, said Robert Tateossian, founder and CEO of Tateossian London. “I have noticed that Korean men are very fashionable, wearing skinny jeans and great hairdos on the street. The market is definit
May 2, 2014
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Dress codes: What should schools limit?
EVANSTON, Illinois (AP) ― They’re called leggings ― popular fashion items that are tight-fitting pants to some, and glorified tights to others. Younger girls often wear them as pants with little fuss. But as those same girls approach middle school, leggings have become a clothing accessory that’s increasingly controversial ― and seemingly, the favorite new target of the school dress code. Some schools have banned leggings outright. Others have set limits. Haven Middle School in Evanston, just no
April 23, 2014
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Magnifying glasses become necklaces, handkerchiefs
As a child, jewelry designer Yoon Hye-rim loved playing with her magnifying glass. “I’ve always been an observer,” she said. “I would use it to observe flowers, insects and other things in nature.”The up-and-coming designer recently launched a brand named “Efluvi,” which offers magnifying glasses in different forms, including necklaces, handkerchiefs, and even paperweights. She is one of the artists-in-residence at Seoul Art Space Sindang, an artist residency program funded by the government at
April 23, 2014
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Victoria’s Secret announces London show
LONDON (AP) ― London is getting a new fashion extravaganza ― the Victoria’s Secret Show, which will take place for the first time in the British capital this year. Victoria’s Secret models Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel joined Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek at the company’s London flagship store for the announcement Tuesday. The annual show, known for its unique lingerie and live performances by top entertainers, will be held at Earls Court in the fall and air on CBS at a later date. No sp
April 16, 2014
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[Herald Interview] Heritage kept alive in generations
The Italian luxury design house Salvatore Ferragamo has been slow to bring dramatic changes to its designs. Signature designs such as the ribbon bow and metal buckle have been repeated or revived with handbags, shoes, accessories and ready-to-wear collections. “Some of the signature pieces are the same design although new colors and materials have been added. The styles have always been the same because they’ve become icons,” said James Ferragamo, who oversees the women’s leather shoes and bags
April 7, 2014
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[Herald Interview] Designer Munsoo Kwon adds whimsy to menswear
Munsoo Kwon attracted more viewers than any other rookie designer for his runway show at this year’s Seoul Fashion Week. His show was also frequently mentioned by foreign buyers and press as a favorite during the event. Since his debut with his 2013 fall and winter collection last year, he has become one of the most anticipated young designers in Seoul. His collection, featuring modern silhouettes and fine tailoring with a unique sense of humor, was widely praised by foreign buyers and press. Fo
April 1, 2014
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Rich heritage of Korean craft to be showcased in Milan
The aesthetics and rich heritage of Korean craftwork will be introduced during Milan Design Week in April. A total of 174 craftworks by 21 Korean artisans will go on display at the Triennale Design Museum from April 8-13. The second showcase of Korean craftworks in Milan will feature diverse pieces ranging from metalware, lacquerware inlaid with mother of pearl, ceramics, fabric works and mulberry paper. Under the theme “Constancy and Change,” the Korean exhibition will focus on the natural beau
April 1, 2014
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A garden of garments: Fashion’s a fabulous flower show this spring
PHILADELPHIA ― Designers pulled a bunch of pretty, petaled patterns from their graphic arsenals this spring, planting them generously all over sheaths and trousers, jumpsuits and shorts.The idea, of course, was to get women so excited about the sweet peony prints that they would start shopping well before the first crocuses of spring. The last time flowers were this fashionable was the early ’90s ― so most of our closets had nary a bud. And coincidentally, it also helped that we needed a boost a
April 1, 2014
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Hallyu buoys Korean fashion
Hundreds of Chinese fans were in a frenzy at the opening of Seoul Fashion Week last Friday, when K-pop boy group EXO took the catwalk presenting the creations of young Korean designers. The popularity of K-pop has put a spotlight on the Korean fashion industry event, launched in 2000, and designers as well. Now, Seoul Fashion Week is one of the most anticipated fashion shows in Asia.“K-pop and Korean TV dramas play an important role in attracting attention to Korean fashion,” said Griffin Chan,
March 27, 2014
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Menswear designers on quest to establish brand identity
A week of fashion showcases for the 2014 fall and winter season began with menswear collections on Friday and Saturday at Seoul Fashion Week. This year, designers and crowds of fashionistas gathered at the newly opened futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park. Menswear designers mixed fashion with art, attempting to find better fabric and colors to represent their identities. Designer Kimseoryong of the eponymous brand based his collection upon his journey to define the identity for his colle
March 23, 2014