Elite Traveler Winter 2019

by Emma Reynolds STYLE DESTINATION

The Seoul skyline

A place where high-tech skyscrapers and world- class contemporary art meet Buddhist temples and historic museums, Seoul, South Korea is one of Asia’s most captivating cities — and surely one of its most fashionable. While designer-laden boutiques, and many Korean beauty spas SEOUL here, shop at don’t miss the

K-Beauty In the past few years Korean skincare (called K-Beauty) has taken the world by storm for its odd but results-yielding ingredients — such as snail slime, bee venom and starfish extract — that promise blemish- free skin. Stop by the flagship stores of luxury Korean skincare brands Sulwhasoo and AmorePacific to pick up your skin’s next best frien (think anti-aging creams and masks). Don’t miss other cult favorite skincar and makeup stores, like th whimsical Stylenanda Pin Hotel, Dr Jart+ or A-Land amorepacific.com, stylenanda.com, d e e k .

Style scene Seoul’s style is dominated by sporty streetwear, unisex dressing and bold looks that stand out among the crowd. Women’s fashion is creative and unafraid: Designers like Pushbutton and The Volon embrace bright colors, while others, including Yuul Yie’s incredible shoes, highlight

Pushbutton crepe coat, $710, net-a-porter.com, pushbutton.co.kr

Sulwhasoo TimeTreasure renovating cream, $420, Sulwhasoo, +82 2 541 9270, neimanmarcus.com, sulwhasoo.com

architectural designers ar looks, mens (the first me headed by a relaxed luxur pair of Gentl

silhouettes. While many e known for avant-garde wear label Wooyoungmi n’s brand in South Korea woman) emphasizes y. Top off any look with a e Monster sunglasses.

Wooyo Wooyou wooyou

ungmi bomber jacket, $460, ngmi, +81 2 515 8897, ngmi.com

drjart.com, a-land.co.kr

Gentle Monster Doublebread 02 sunglasses, $260, +82 2 772 3251, gentlemonster.com

The Volon Cube chain bag, $1,150, farfetch.com thevolon.com ,

Dongdaemun Design Park & Plaza

Art & design Seoulites’ penchant for streetwear makes them loyal fans of international designers like Maison Margiela, Vetements and Comme des Garçons, found in nearly every luxury store in the city. If you’re looking for local designers, head to the Cheongdam-dong neighborhood to peruse smaller boutiques, like Beaker and Boon the Shop. The city’s shopping mecca is undoubtedly Shinsegae Department Store in Myeong-dong, which has everything from luxury furnishings, designer boutiques, four hotels, several museums and traditional Korean restaurants. Art and design lovers must tour the Dongdaemun Design Park & Plaza designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and Samoo. It’s an art installation in itself, with a futuristic, curved aluminum facade, where you will find contemporary galleries and a rooftop park. shinsegae.com

er pumps, $390, modaoperandi.com, yuulyieshop.com Yu o g c leath