“Traveling back and forth between the East and West keeps me alert because the pace of life is wildly different—it’s important to be reminded there’s a world beyond the immediate bubble we’re living in.” So shared Rejina Pyo at a preview in her north London studio this week. “This collection is my love letter to Seoul.” Steering clear of obvious symbolism and iconography, the collection subtly twisted the South Korean designer’s signatures, resulting in a sleek homage to her home city.
Her suits were crafted from lightweight wool and Tencel in olive and brown hues. Some included double-breasted jackets for a more mannish look, while others featured single-breasted styles with boning to emphasize a cinched waistline and statement buttons. She used recycled taffeta for puff-sleeve tops, party dresses, and wrap skirts, while full-length coats, bomber jackets, and cargo pants sets were made from a coated leatherette material that felt lightweight and soft to the touch.
Inspired by a textile she stumbled upon at a market in Seoul, Pyo designed a hand-drawn print, which she incorporated into camisole dresses, midi skirts, and house coats. The collection gained added depth with the inclusion of sheer lace shirts, skirts, and floor-length cover ups. She also dedicated considerable effort to perfecting classic organic cotton tank tops.
Pyo’s expertise lies in curating a harmonious range of separates in delectable, slightly unconventional hues, allowing wearers to easily mix and match pieces from her collections without overthinking things. She explained, “I wanted everything to complement each other without appearing deliberate. It’s all about achieving that balance between looking polished and casually undone—there’s something far more chic about that than being perfect.”
