Kim attributed the trend to consumers' pursuit of diversity and the influence of preppy looks from mega-hit KBS television drama "Boys Over Flowers. ...
It is that time of the year when fashion-savvy women are religiously checking out the weather forecast to decide whether they can start wearing lighter and usually more fashionable spring clothes.
This spring, industry insiders say fashion will be dominated by the usual bright colors including peach pink and yellow, but that minimalist fashion in monotonous shades will also sell steadily. They also said to watch out for dresses matched with biker jackets.
As for shoes - the item that completes fashion and is a barometer of whether or not one is stylish - consumers will see light colors reigning again.
Fashion experts say both kill heels and flat shoes are going to be popular in accordance with different looks, while some designer shoe makers will be rolling out unique but pricy products.
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Bright or monotone
It is no surprise that bright and vivid colors will prevail in spring.
"We picked peach pink and yellow as the main shades for this season," said Kim So-hyun, a merchandiser for Lotte Department Store.
Kim said the popularity of day dresses, which were among last year's hot items, is likely to continue into the spring.
"Dresses take up more than 45 percent of the department store's current total women's-wear sales," said Kim.
Kim said a neat day dress worn with a long tailored jacket is an appealing look for office workers, while picking biker jackets matched with skinny jeans and long shirts for those going for casual looks. Flower-printed chiffon dresses worn with biker jackets will be spotted often on streets, she predicted.
Biker jackets, which were considered too manly in the past, are gradually gaining attention from Korean women, who usually put them on top of feminine-looking inner-wears.
Kim said a recent development is local brands rolling out biker jackets made with materials other than leather, including tweed and wool.
Kim attributed the trend to consumers' pursuit of diversity and the influence of preppy looks from mega-hit KBS television drama "Boys Over Flowers."
QUA, a brand by Kolon Fashion, for example, is promoting a neat preppy style inspired by the drama, as well as girlish looks.
"Our spring/summer collection will show a lot of wide-shoulder jackets, long tailored jackets and short pants," said Kim Eun-jung, who heads QUA's design team.
But achromatic color lovers will not be disappointed.
"Although brighter colors will widely be seen in the season, monotone shades will still be seen a lot as well," said Kim So-hyun.
KUHO, an affiliate of leading local apparel company Cheil Industries Inc., presents monotone minimalist collection for the season, which is consistent with the brand's usual style.
Under the theme, "Avant-garde minimalism," the brand's spring collection will show simple silhouettes in such colors as black and gray with bits of bright accents - in turquoise or lavender.
"Outfits with higher waistlines accentuate the waist and figure, thus bringing more graceful femininity," said a KUHO spokesperson.
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Kill heels or flats
Spring shoes, just like fashion, will feature versatility in their colors and designs.
More than ever, shoes, along with bags, are considered crucial in finishing one's overall look. The recent popularity of designer shoes proves this phenomenon.
But instead of Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo from "Sex and the City," it is local designer shoe brands like Choi Jung-in, The Shoe and Jinny Kim which are getting consumers' attention.
The one-of-a-kind designs that differentiate themselves from ready-made shoe brands are receiving good responses despite higher prices.
Height-wise, the choice is most likely extreme: 4-inch kill heels, or flat shoes.
Heels this spring will be sexier and edgier with bold designs, while flats will be cute and lovely with various ornaments attached to them, insiders note.
Last winter's craze for booties - micro-short boots that barely cover the ankle - seems to continue in the season, but as sandal versions.
Guess Shoes, noted for its kill heels, presents 4 to 5 inch stilettos in various designs and details, including bootie-looking sandals.
Jinny Kim presents its Bon-bon Ribbon Collection of which the shoes have gift rapping ribbon-shaped decorations on them. The gold and silver flat shoes were specially created for the White Day, representing the romantic mood of spring.
By Koh Young-aah
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