South Korean menswear label D. Gnak presented its SS17 collection at Seoul Fashion Week. Mixing progressive tailoring, traditional Korean silhouettes and bold layering and draping, the range sees the designer’s use of a black and white palette contrasted with pops of bright orange and forest green.

Smsara is the theme of this collection where the identity between birth, death and rebirth and Saṃsāra is explored. Through the use of technical details and contrasting fabric, the range exudes a tribal yet refined look that reflects the subject matter.

The cuts are angular, the clothes are loose-fitting with permanent pleats in linen fabric and subtle details like silver hoops, straps and buckles tie in the range, adding a modern and inventive touch.

While the music presented during the show was a haunting and ambient piece, there is a certain rave-like and angsty edge as each model walks down the runway, which Kang manages to maintain with sophistication simultaneously.

Designer Kang Dong Jun trained at Parson’s School of Design in New York and celebrated the label’s 10th anniversary this year. The brand represents a unique crossing of global influences and over the last decade, has achieved international success, selling its line in many renown boutiques.

The name of the label is a mirror reflection of Kang’s name and exhibits disruption, experimentation and eclecticism. There’s no doubt that Kang will continue to explore these directional ideas for years to come and challenge the status quo of menswear.