Seoul Summer Haze Informs a New Era of Elegance for WOOYOUNGMI SS26

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Summary

  • WOOYOUNGMI SS26 collection, “DANCING TEXTURE,” blends formal metropolitan dress with the lightness of hot South Korean summers
  • Vintage swimming costumes inspire striped tops and shorts in superfine knits

WOOYOUNGMI’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, known as “DANCING TEXTURE,” was showcased during Paris Fashion Week. This collection explores a fascinating conversation between the heavy summer humidity of South Korea and a reimagined sense of sophistication. The setting for this presentation is Seoul’s hills, where the heat and dampness create a dreamy, intense atmosphere. The designs in the collection reflect this lively weightlessness, combining formal urban fashion trends with the necessary airiness needed for sweltering city temperatures.

The designer courageously tackles the contradiction between hot weather and formal clothing. She pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion by viewing classic outfits through a lens of exceptional lightness. Summer adaptations of men’s formal wear are striking, with shorter-than-usual shorts, lightweight tank tops, and even lighter versions of iconic tailcoats made from silk viscose. These tailcoats, symbols of formal dressing, are reimagined in a super-light form, fitting closely yet maintaining an airy, sophisticated feel. This philosophy is also seen in sharply tailored suits with waists resembling hourglasses, crafted from delicate mohair that seems stiff but feels surprisingly soft. Fine poplin dress shirts have detachable collars subtly embellished with sunlight-reflecting details, adding a hint of subtle glamour.

Redefining traditional formal attire now includes a modern take on vintage men’s swimming attire. This transformation results in striped shirts, shorts, and full-bodies made from premium knits and light lycra, bridging the gap between athletic wear and high fashion. The influence of swimwear can be seen in urban clothing, upgrading other sportswear and undergarment styles. Long rayon shorts, short retro sports shorts emerge, often paired with swim shorts underneath, while the same material gives a surprisingly formal touch to summer jackets and both loose and slim-fitting pajama pants during the summer season.

This fashion line creatively transforms sleepwear into daywear by introducing slip dresses, skirts, and camisoles made of a blend of silk viscose that gently billows, reinforced subtly to hold its form. Sometimes, these pieces are matched with soft, well-worn, lightweight leather jackets. The boyish Mary-Janes, originally from the women’s collection, add a summery feel and come with interchangeable straps made of genuine or faux exotic leather.

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2025-06-30 00:25