The New Frontiers of the Creative Industry: Singapore and Seoul

Singapore and Seoul are key players not only in fashion but in the design and beauty sectors as well. Due to the expansion of local industries and strengthening international connections, the doors are also open for the Hungarian creative industries in these dynamically evolving markets of the world. In these markets, Hungarian players need to emphasise their innovative solutions and their close relationships with the local culture besides their aesthetic values. During the short time spent there, I had the opportunity to sit at the same table with creative and influential professionals who might open up new horizons and possibilities for Hungarian talents.

The creative industry is playing an increasingly significant role in the global economy. It has driven the economy for many years in the United States, the European Union, and Asia. It is one of the most dynamically evolving sectors, contributing to GDP growth and creating jobs globally. I am proud that I can represent the excellent players in the beauty and game industries in addition to fashion and design talents during my international trips.

Experiences in Singapore: Innovation, Design, and Creativity

Singapore is not only famous for its economic and technological development but also plays a leading role in the creative industry, including design. With the representatives of the Design Singapore Council, we discussed how they support product designers’ work, and we gained insight into the structure of the Singapore Design Festival. Their goal is to build the city with innovation and creativity, connecting the economy with education and everyday life. The city’s design-oriented approach was especially inspiring since design not only has an aesthetic value here but it fundamentally contributes to the development and global competitiveness of the city. It was amazing to see it reflected in the cityscape and the everyday lives of people.

The Singapore Fashion Council plays a key role in the Singaporean fashion industry, providing opportunities for local designers to build international relations and participate in professional fairs. Singapore’s fashion industry is dynamically expanding each year, with a special focus on sustainable fashion and responsible design. Collaborations between SFC and local brands continuously generate new business opportunities since the Singaporean market aims to become the Asian centre of the fashion industry. In my conversations with Leonard Augustine Choo , Director of Industrial Development of SFC, I learnt that the Singaporean fashion world is open towards international trends and places a particular emphasis on presenting local talents. Such events provide an opportunity for international networking and brand exposure in foreign markets.

As the economic and cultural centre of South Korea, Seoul is becoming an increasingly important player in the international creative industry. Stores such as Corso Como 10 and Boon the Shop represent avant-garde fashion and unique design. The local market is especially interested in brands that are able to combine traditional values with modern design.

One of the biggest retail conglomerates in South Korea, Shinsegae Group, is a determining global actor in both beauty and fashion. At our meeting, Boyoung Lee , Vice President of the company, explained how they are building the Shinsegae brand and responding to local market demand while also considering global trends. Such companies are not only important for the local economy but offer interesting opportunities for international brands as well.

Seoul Design Festival is one of the most important events of the Korean design industry, playing a key part in presenting the creative industry on the international scene. We had the opportunity to meet the festival’s organiser who is dedicated to working with his team on gathering local brands and creative talents to present them and allow them to connect to a broad audience.

During our stay, we initiated an extremely useful conversation with the Future Society team, gaining deeper insight into the unique and vibrant complexity of South Korean fashion. It was inspiring to hear how they balance global trends with local traditions and how important they consider supporting and connecting creative communities. This approach is a major contribution to the vibrant present and future of Korean fashion. We also discussed Hungarian designers, as they are representing the Hungarian Cukovy brand in Seoul. They told us what strategic steps they are taking to make the brand's market entry a success, and we also discussed how the success of a Hungarian brand can open up pathways for other Hungarian designers. 

Naturally, the press was also included in the series of meetings. Dazed & Confused Korea Magazine is one of the most forward-looking publications in South Korea, displaying fashion and trends, continuously reflecting the newest tendencies of the local and international fashion world. The magazine editor told us how K-pop celebrities shape global trends and their effect on young readers. The K-pop culture and its visual world influence not only music but also fashion and lifestyle, profoundly shaping the tastes of future generations and the evolution of the global fashion industry.

Space Mue’s buyer, Kim, has already been to Budapest during Budapest Central European Fashion Week and was deeply impressed by the Hungarian brands. She was glad to show us the brands in the multibrand store, highlighting their uniqueness and distinctive character. At the meeting, she was visibly enthusiastic about Hungarian design and held a positive opinion about the brands’ aesthetic and strategic strengths.

One of South Korea’s biggest beauty and cosmetics companies, AMOREPACIFIC , welcomed us to their stunning headquarters. During our meeting, we had the opportunity to walk through the building. Every detail in the office serves the purpose of supporting creative thinking and continuous innovation, helping sustain the company's leading position in the South Korean beauty industry. We also had the chance to present the Hungarian brands, and we were excited to share the latest achievements of the creative industry, hoping to get closer to the potential of the South Korean market.

Finally, we met with the team from Doosan Gallery, a family-run business whose founder, the father, established galleries in both Seoul and New York. The gallery aims to display works by international talents alongside South Korean artists. During our meeting, we spoke with the founder’s daughter, who shared the story of the gallery and expressed interest in Hungarian artists.

We had an eventful professional trip, and we believe that, in the future, #Singapore and #Seoul will offer excellent opportunities for Hungarian designers to expand abroad. The experiences show that active participation in the global creative industry and building international connections are vital for success. As in previous years, we will continue to do everything with the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency team to ensure that the potential of Hungarian brands is recognised in as many places as possible.