The oppressive humidity of summer and the monsoon rains have begun their assault on the country, an attack to reign the coming months. The 30-degree-plus weather can be a struggle to beat, but what better way to greet July and August than by dressing the part?
From head…
Parasols are among the first items that pop into mind when the warm months arrive here. This protector from nature’s forces has been around for more than 4,000 years, with roots in Chinese and Egyptian cultures. Originally a mark of affluence or royalty, the parasol was used for protection from the sun. It was an innovation of the Chinese, who waxed the paper of the domes, to make them waterproof.
Reaching the Western worlds in the 16th century, the concept of the umbrella grew into a mark of fashion, and by the 1900s became a prevalent accessory among women. Though men once scoffed at the invention _ opting instead for the protection of their coats _ these days, umbrellas (if not their solar counterpart) are a necessity for any region.
Korea was also taken by the umbrella, with summers proving a particularly hot and rainy time of year. Though elsewhere parasols slowly grew out of fashion, their popularity has maintained in Asia, having integrated with the greater umbrella culture while feeding into the aesthetics of paler skin. These days, people of all ages can still be spotted with a small silk parasol tucked under their arm.
As the world grows into its comforts, however, functionality became a desirable trait over pure decoration. Fashion was no exception, with items being created for multi-use purposes.
“Recently, the division between parasols and umbrellas has become ambiguous, so there have been a lot of parasol-umbrella (hybrids) being released,’’ said Kim Du-ok from the Lotte Department Store. “Umbrellas with flashy colors or patterns have been popular, as well as ones with a coating that blocks off UV rays.’’
At the major department store, the brands of choice for most consumers include MetroCity (starting at 15,000 won for umbrellas all the way up to 190,000 won for parasols) and Louis Quatroze (from 20,000 won to 88,000 won).
…to toe
Call them what you will: Wellingtons, rubberboots, galoshes, gummies or rainboots. It’s no news that rain boots have been filtering their way into Korean society, in part through school children and the middle-aged manning the fish markets.
The past few years have seen a surge in variety and styles, from the classic Hunter Wellington boots (the source of the term “Wellies’’) established in 1817, to the chic-heeled rainboots found throughout the streets of Seoul.
For an original and functional twist on style, try Amaort, a hip Japanese company equally dedicated to fashion and sensibility. The brand solves the problem of bulk often associated with rainboots, choosing instead to go in the extreme opposite direction.
The innovative “Packable’’ line is made of a thin rubbery material that gives way easily, so that it can be rolled up and placed into a handy drawstring pouch. When unrolled and worn, a cotton band with elastic keeps water from entering through the tops of the boots. They are sold at the Myeongdong branch of A-land; not available from the store’s online Web site.
Those who are into more feminine monsoon gear can look toward Esquire, the Korean shoe and clothing brand, for their new, water-specific line of booties.
“It’s good to wear shoes that protects the ankle by giving it stability during the rainy season,’’ said Nam Ji-hee, chief of Esquire, about the decision to use the bootie style. “Booties match well with skinny jeans or miniskirts and it’s an item that captures both fashion and practicality for the wet rains.’’
The new line includes thick straps to keep the shoes in place on slippery days, a grip on the sole and open design that doesn’t retain water, making it a practical choice for the season at 255,000 won. The entire first stock of the shoe was sold out within a month of its release, according to the company.
For a more decorative look, try out the heel designed by French design company Guy Laroche (255,000 won), or the ubiquitous variation of the gladiator sandal. The absence of leather makes the shoe perfect for monsoon season, as the material is known to stain and warp when worn in heavy rains. For more information on the shoes, visit www.esquire.co.kr.
