It’s a balance of heritage, international collaborations, and public participation.
Seoul Fashion Week has officially turned 25. Running from September 1 to 7, the Spring/Summer 2026 edition is under new leadership by Shin Sun-e, who expanded the event beyond its longtime base at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This season, runways and presentations are taking place not only at DDP but also at sites across the capital, including Deoksugung-gil, Heungcheonsa Temple, and the Oil Tank Culture Park.
Related story: Introducing Maison Margiela Line 2: The French fashion house’s collection of ‘intangible products’
Related story: Why ABC-Mart’s shoe empire opening in PH is worth the hype
Related story: Miley Cyrus becomes first-ever face of Maison Margiela
Andersson Bell opens with a palace backdrop
Andersson Bell, one of Korea’s most internationally recognized contemporary labels, opened Seoul Fashion Week, and staged its Spring/Summer 2026 show along Deoksugung-gil, the tree-lined promenade that skirts the stone walls of Deoksugung Palace. Rain delayed the start by half an hour, but once the skies cleared, the pavement turned the historic setting into a runway.
The collection, titled Soft Clash, drew on Mark Rothko’s color-field paintings and the style of ’90s icons PJ Harvey and Jarvis Cocker. Designer Kim Do-hoon leaned into contrasts with slip dresses against oversized tailoring, knits beside leather. The setting underscored this duality: contemporary fashion against the stone walls of a Joseon-era palace. The front row included TXT’s Hueningkai, IVE’s Gaeul, and Hearts2Hearts members Ian and Jiwoo.
Berlin in Gangnam
Just a day later, the Berlin Showroom, an official offshoot of Berlin Fashion Week, opened at the MCM Showroom in Gangnam yesterday. Twelve German designers presented collections centered on sustainability and material innovation.
The week so far and what’s next
After Andersson Bell’s palace runway, September 2 brought a wave of presentations and off-site shows. People of the World and July Column hosted showrooms, while Sling Stone staged an outdoor runway at the Oil Tank Culture Park. Today, September 3, Caruso presented its collection in the basement of the Mondrian Hotel, while Big Park transformed Heungcheonsa temple into a dramatic backdrop for its evening show.
Related story: Dior’s ‘Designer of Dreams’ exhibit in Seoul is a must-see piece of theater
Related story: In a nod to multiculturalism, Gucci stages its Cruise 2024 show in Seoul
The schedule stays full through the weekend. Ulkin will take the runway at DDP on September 5, followed by Han Nansin, BLR, and Ceeann, among others. At DDP, the trade exhibition is already underway, with 74 brands on the floor and buyers from 22 countries moving through showrooms and meetings.
Beyond the runway, anticipation is building around Lee Min-ho’s expected appearance later this week. While not yet confirmed, reports suggest the actor may step onto the runway as part of Seoul Fashion Week’s sustainability program, possibly wearing pieces made from recycled textiles.
Public access
Unlike many fashion weeks, Seoul continues to invite public participation. At DDP, visitors can take part in activities including fragrance MBTI testing by the brand Pigeon, styling sessions with the Seoul Jewelry Center, and coffee tastings. Social media giveaways have also provided fans with access to selected runway shows. Near Sindang Station, the “Seoul Fashion Road” exhibition is displaying work by young designers that incorporates AI, light, and sound.
On the retail side, W Concept’s Hi Seoul Showroom, running both online and offline, features over 100 emerging brands. The platform allows collections shown on the runway to be purchased directly.
Head over to Seoul Fashion Week’s official website for the full schedule.
Related story: 6 sizzling things to enjoy in Seoul right now
Related story: Seoul fights back against overtourism at the historic Bukchon Hanok Village
Related story: What to know about South Korea’s e-Arrival Card before you fly
