Cultural Garments – Silvia Chen

Overview of Korea: Modern

Summary:
When Korea first began its modernization movement in the late 19th century, it was largely influenced by acculturation, which refers to “a modification of the content of two cultures as a result of contact”. Western culture was seen as a symbol of modernization, leading to often forced adoption of western dress and fashion. Traditional costume was labeled as ceremonial, then adapted and modified for more modern lifestyles. Then, Western dress was integrated in Korea through original styles and imitations. Finally, current Korean fashion design now expresses influences from both the traditional hanbok and Western and international styles.

Reflection:
The history of Korean fashion reflects how countries that were industrializing and developing sought to replicate the “success” of Western nations. The history also reveals how imperialism affected lifestyles down to even the fashion, as Korean fashion evolved from its earlier Chinese influences to Japanese, then Western. It was also interesting to see how Westernized education and new technologies influenced fashion, as newer, Western-style education enforced Western-style dress. Furthermore, the popular 1920s “flapper” style became a symbol of the “new woman” in Korea.

Although the history of Korean fashion is interesting in observing the effects of multiple outside influences on a country, it also shows the suppression of traditional culture through modernization. However, Korea has recently begun integrating the traditional hanbok and other styles into their current fashion, showing a resurgence in acceptance of traditional styles.

Link: https://www-bloomsburyfashioncentral-com.cmu.idm.oclc.org/products/berg-fashion-library/encyclopedia/berg-encyclopedia-of-world-dress-and-fashion-east-asia/overview-of-korea-modern

2 thoughts on “Cultural Garments – Silvia Chen”

  1. I found this reading and your perspective very interesting and they address similar topics. The modernization of style and fashion under western influences certainly had a huge influence on Asian countries. The aesthetic has shifted from traditional garments to more simplistic and western trends. And it is very interesting and inspiring that while such transition takes its place and traditional culture seems to be less appreciated in forms of clothing, there are still a group of designers who strived for evoking historical aesthetics in garments. As they try to elevate traditional aesthetics by integrating it to modern garments, a cultural dialogue emerged. It has proved that traditional cultural elements should not fade in time but instead coexist with modern society.

  2. Silvia and Sean, this article and it’s examples really illustrate how fashion and garments are cultural elements that reflect both what is going on in society and its politics as well as the values and thoughts of the individual wearing the garment. The key points that you bring out on how garments reflect the impact and influence of colonization and power on the fashion of a place. If we were having a larger discussion, I would love to ask how you think subculture (like K-Pop) is affecting Korean fashion as well as fashion elsewhere (such as the United States)?

Leave a Reply