Milan Fashion Week: a successful debut for the Korean label The-sirius

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Sep 21, 2017

Simultaneously minimalist and sophisticated, modern and timeless, youthful and couture, the unisex ready-to-wear brand The-sirius' Spring/Summer 2018 collection was an unquestionably successful runway debut this Thursday in Milan. Its founder, the 24-year-old Korean designer Younchan Chung has an undeniable talent, masterfully combining high-quality work on construction with a real attention to detail. 

Cotton, suede and leather combined subtly in compositions almost invisible to the naked eye, whilst long patchwork shirts were put together with different pieces of fabric. Models in white Birkenstock-style sandals walked in the summer heat, net bags full of fruit in hand. A thin chain decorated with mother of pearl disks hung elegantly from each model's right ear.

They alternated short dresses, jackets and shorts, with maxi lengths (finely ribbed long velvet dresses, outfits with the top and bottom made from two different materials, long macramé tunics, etc.). Everything was light and created an impression of delicateness. 

Originally from Seoul, where he studied at the Samsung Art and Design Institute and subsequently launched his label in 2016, Younchan Chung, who began in menswear, was quickly noticed on the fashion scene. In June 2016, he was selected by Italian Vogue to present his first ever collection at the Pitti Uomo trade show. His pieces are currently sold in the department stores of the Galeries Lafayette in Beijing. 

Last April, the designer won the International Fashion Showcase Designer Award, the prestigious prize awarded by the British Fashion Council and Mercedes-Benz, which allowed him to organise his first show this season. The trademark characteristic of his label? The colour beige, which he combines each season with neighbouring hues – here: lemon yellow, ecru and cream.  

A star is born? Time will tell. In any case, this first runway certainly had plenty to get excited about. Furthermore, the founder and designer Younchan Chung, fan of rapper and designer Kanye West, puts his take on things very clearly: "I chose the name Sirius because it's the brightest star in the sky after the sun, and I hope to become the same star in the world of fashion!"