'Men's Clothes? Women's Clothes?' Fashion Changes Due to COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] As living environments change due to remote work and social distancing, unisex looks that can be worn by both men and women are gaining popularity.

On the 1st, Kolon Industries FnC Division (hereinafter Kolon FnC) announced that it simultaneously opened the first offline store of its unisex young casual brand 'Lucky Marche' on the 28th at COEX Mall in Samseong-dong and online at Kolon Mall. Lucky Marche consists of 51 types of clothing and accessories that can be worn by both men and women, featuring unique colors and graphics such as Choco Muffin and Green Wonder.

A Kolon FnC official said, "Lucky Marche is Kolon FnC's first in-house unisex brand," adding, "Since COVID-19, fashion that can be comfortably enjoyed regardless of gender has been reappraised, and we are strengthening unisex fashion."

LF's unisex brand Dunst has recorded double-digit sales growth rates this year (as of the 27th of last month). Launched last year, Dunst has continuously produced hit items such as the gender-neutral 'Reference Hoodie' and 'Crewneck T-shirt.' Released as an online-exclusive brand, it has established a distribution network centered on major fashion online select shops preferred by the millennial generation, including LF Mall, Musinsa, 29CM, and W Concept.

Hansae MK's casual brand Andew also introduced unisex fall/winter new products. An Andew official stated, "In the second half of the year, we plan to newly develop gender-neutral fashion by employing professional fashion models active on global runway stages."

A fashion industry insider explained, "The genderless trend, which removes the boundaries between men and women, has rapidly emerged as a mainstream fashion trend amid the COVID-19 pandemic," adding, "Practical items that can be freely styled during economic downturns are gaining attention, and the trend reflects daily wear that can be easily worn in everyday life centered around staying at home due to COVID-19."