The Current State of Fashion as Seen from Seoul, South Korea. | feature

Shop 2_88CURATEIt feels like I'm peeking into the owner's closet.

Bampo is home to a French international school and was once the site of the French Embassy. As many French nationals still live here, you can sense that distinctive atmosphere in the streetscape. While cafés and bakeries line the streets, there are still relatively few clothing stores. It was to this neighborhood that the select shop “88CURATE” relocated four years ago. The shop is located on the fourth floor, while the fifth floor houses “88commune,” a gallery and coffee bar.

“I enjoy making the trip to shops that are my personal favorites, so I want my customers to experience the joy of going out of their way to visit this place,” says the shop owner, Mr. Hun. By stocking brands that are still rare in Korea, he seems to be creating a reason for customers to visit—to find items they can only discover here.

The lineup features independent brands from around the world, including the U.S., Australia, Spain, and France. As for Japanese brands, they were the first in Korea to carry “NOROLL” and collaborated with Takashi Morioka of “PAJA STUDIO.” The selection extends beyond apparel to include Nordic antique tableware and the jewelry brand 〈CURVV〉, run by Ms. Hun’s partner.

〈SANEH〉 is a South Korean brand that was just established in 2025. The brand is committed to high-quality fabrics—from materials to dyeing—and manufactures its products domestically. These pants are a special order for “88CURATE.” Based on American work pants from the 1980s and 1990s, they are made from Japanese-made twill cotton and finished to allow you to enjoy how they age over time. Pants: ₩250,000

Founded in Spain in 2019, Camisas Manolo is a brand specializing in shirts. Crafted using traditional techniques by skilled tailors, the shirts feature sophisticated patterns and meticulous stitching. Their appeal lies in their elegant yet casual style, making them easy to wear. The slightly oversized collar is a standout feature, making a strong statement whether worn alone or layered. Shirt: ₩400,000

This jacket, crafted from soft-to-the-touch moleskin, is a piece from , a brand run by an Australian couple. The brand primarily uses Japanese-made fabrics and manufactures its products in Japan; in fact, they are said to be involved in the fabric development process as well. They offer items that strike a balance between unique material choices and practicality. Jacket ₩1,130,000