Born in South Korea, raised in Texas, and now based in Paris, Rok Hwang has developed a cosmopolitan approach to design. His ethos materializes with his eponymous label Rokh. One can distinguish a work of his for its reconstructed tailoring and fresh, youthful appeal.
For a label that just hit the five-year mark, Rokh has already recruited fashionistas from around the globe as loyal clientele. Four shining examples? The designer's fellow Korean nationals and the pop music princesses of BLACKPINK.
Ahead, we discuss how the brand blossomed into the fashion world and how it's gained "it" status at such a meteoric pace.
Who Is Rok Hwang?
Rok's cross-cultural upbringing greatly influenced how he viewed his craft. Upon coming of age, he flew to London to study at the Central Saint Martins, the same institution that trained the likes of Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. He first earned a BA in menswear before he was encouraged by his late professor Louise Wilson, mentor of the greats, to pursue an MA in womenswear.
After graduating in 2009, he found himself as one of Phoebe Philo's apprentices during her first year with Celine. Rok's resume expanded as he worked as a freelance designer for Chloe and Louis Vuitton.
How Rokh Began as a Brand
Bringing with him years of valuable experience, Rokh established his very own house in 2016. "Professionalism and respecting the work ethic is one of the key things I have learned from the past," he once told The Korea Herald. "The main interest is always creating something interesting but desirable, working closely with the form of the body and understanding the drape and movements."
Two years after their launch, Rok won the LVMH Special Prize in 2018. Any fashion enthusiast can observe his profound understanding of how a piece of clothing behaves when worn. Buckles, buttons, and seams are placed at seemingly unconventional spots to allow the wearer customization. What may appear as an idiosyncratic silhouette is actually an offering for one to personalize the garment. This endearing design ethos has been strikingly apparent ever since Rokh's first runway show at Paris Fashion Week 2019.
After their fashion week debut, Rokh became synonymous with its off-kilter designs that undeniably screamed chic. When asked for a bit of foresight by The New York Times, the creative director said that, "We’re not in a rush. We want to do things well here. I don’t take the brand lightly, it is my career, my pathway, my only job, so decisions are made with thought."
That was nearly four years ago, and to this day, Rokh has continued its thoughtful and unique approach to fashion. Most recently, they were the latest house to collaborate with H&M on a capsule collection. The selection had everything you would expect from the Korean designer, from remixed casual staples to edged-up corporate wear fit for an office siren.
BLACKPINK Members Wearing Rokh
As mentioned, the K-pop superstars are among the brand's closest friends. See how they rock Rokh below.
1. Jennie Kim
One of the label's first muses was Jennie Kim. As captured by the paparazzi, the it-girl had everyone hunting down this plaid bralette and cardigan duo she wore at the airport.
2. Rose
Rose was also in on the Rokh hype, having donned one of the brand's printed puff-sleeved tops that featured a babydoll collar and an extra-cropped fit.
3. Lisa
Casually wearing a similar piece was Lisa, who went for a dainty lace top that had cut-outs galore.
4. Jisoo
Completing the quartet of Rokh ambassadors is Jisoo. She looked as chic as ever in a plaid dress that came with a waist-cinching belt.
SHOP: Must-Have Rokh Pieces
As of the time of writing, Rokh's official website is under construction. Although, a fetching array of their pieces is available to shop on the luxury e-commerce site Farfetch.
Their iterations of the white top and jeans are simple and straightforward. With the numerous amount of times you can wear this combo though, you'll certainly be getting your money's worth.
Ribbed Tank Top, resells for $183 (approximately P10,535.86), ROKH, farfetch.com
Ripped Flare Jeans, resells for $478 (approximately P27,519.89), ROKH, farfetch.com
Rokh has taken full liberties when it comes to updating our everyday blouses, literally twisting them in terms of silhouette and design.
Knot-Detail Long-Sleeved Top, resells for $361 (approximately P20,783.85), ROKH, farfetch.com
Twisted Asymmetric Blouse, resells for $516 (approximately P29,707.67), ROKH, farfetch.com
Layered Long-Sleeved Shirt, resells for $684 (approximately P39,379.93), ROKH, farfetch.com
If a regular pair of trousers is starting to bore you, then perhaps it's time to opt for one with cut-outs below the waistline, or maybe even tiers of fringe.
Belt-Detail Straight Trousers, resells for $473 (approximately P27,232.03), ROKH, farfetch.com
High-Rise Wide-Leg Fringe Trousers, resells for $688 (approximately P39,610.22), ROKH, farfetch.com
The Parisian label has reimagined the humble office skirt with layered panels and asymmetric hemlines. Throw on a pair of heels and you'll be the best dressed gal in your department!
Twist-Embellished Cotton Mini Skirt, resells for $570 (approximately P32,816.61), ROKH, farfetch.com
Asymmetric Pleated Skirt, resells for $835 (approximately P48,073.46), ROKH, farfetch.com
In terms of outerwear, nothing surpasses a neutral-toned blazer that you can also wear as a top, or a retro-style cardigan that you can zip all the way up.
Houndstooth Double-Breasted Blazer, resells for $1046 (approximately P60,221.36), ROKH, farfetch.com
Logo Embroidered Merino Cardigan, resells for $598 (approximately P34,428.65), ROKH, farfetch.com
In the dress department, Rokh has played around with different skirt styles and added pieces of hardware for an edgy touch.
Chain-Strapped Draped Dress, resells for $1595 (approximately P91,828.94), ROKH, farfetch.com
Halter Neck Balloon Dress, resells for $855 (approximately P49,224.92), ROKH, farfetch.com
Follow Rokh's official Instagram account here.
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