SNKRDUNK Spotlight: Andersson Bell
When Scandinavian minimalism meets Korean urban culture.
A trip to a foreign country may not only be a source of relaxation and enjoyment, but it can also provide inspiration for creative individuals such as Dohun Kim. A cultural immersion during his initial trip to Stockholm had a profound effect on him, ultimately leading to the creation of his brand, Andersson Bell.
Established in 2014, the Seoul-based brand is known to incorporate Scandinavian minimalism and Korean urban culture into fashion. This is also reflected through the brand’s name with “Andersson” being a common Swedish name and “Bell” symbolizing the bells found in traditional Korean temples.
“Andersson Bell, in itself, pursues a twist in the East and West moods. It is irrelevant to races and people can feel very unique by looking from anywhere in the East and West,” said Kim.
Since its inception, the brand has not only gained recognition from the fashion community, but pieces spotted on many Korean idols/celebrities including BTS, BLACKPINK and NewJeans have also led to a growing interest among the younger generation in general.
Style
While the brand’s origins traces back to Scandinavian influences, Kim has expressed that his inspirations comes in many other forms, mainly from aspects that he finds contrasting with his home country of Korea. This can be seen in various expressive attributes of garments, including vivid patterning, color-blocking and more.
Aside from vibrant use of colors and unique textures, high-quality materials are noted to be sourced from various areas and constructed through advanced technology with domestic factories. Thus, pieces are known to last in the long run, much like how their designs remain timeless.
Each seasonal collection also incorporates a thematic concept, highlighting the brand’s ability to demonstrate versatility and provide various perspectives through their clothing.
Projects
Looking to collaborations, Andersson Bell has a compelling narrative to share through their creations. Alongside partners including OOFOS, Red Wing and more, past releases with lifestyle brand ASICS have garnered them greater attention within the streetwear community.
Besides apparel launches, the brand has also been generating original editorial content that effectively showcases their collection. Moreover, art installations at their flagship store provide visitors with a fresh and interactive experience which complements the brand’s concept.
What’s to Come
Over the course of just under a decade, Andersson Bell has made remarkable strides in transitioning from a streetwear brand to a designer label, eventually ranked as one of the top trending brands on South Korea fashion e-commerce platform MUSINSA.
With hopes of further global expansion and venturing into other domains, we can certainly anticipate a more exciting future for the brand.
Andersson Bell
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