Introducing the Romantic Edge of HAENGNAE
A look into the Tokyo-based fashion house's A/W 2024 collection.
Often regarded as the fifth fashion capital of the world, Tokyo’s fashion weeks bring dramatic designs to the apparel industry with a focus on experimental avant-garde elements. Bringing us designer names that are both established and contemporary, Tokyo never fails to put on shows that remind us of the originality of the fashion world. On March 16th, 2024, Anna Choi of HAENGNAE presented her A/W 2024 collection with a strong relationship to the philosophy of love, or what she deems the “romantic edge.” With striking solids and innovative silhouettes, this season’s HAENGNAE show will certainly leave a lasting mark on Anna Choi’s fashion house.
About the Designer
HAENGNAE, founded in 2021, is rooted in a mix of the cultural elements of New York, Tokyo, Europe, and Korea, where Choi was born. Through her first-hand experiences of living in these locations, Choi seamlessly integrates the ideologies of self-expression, craftsmanship, and haute couture from each country with her own values to create collections that exude self-love, power, intelligence, and courage. Her mission is clear in her one-of-a-kind designs, with each piece making a passionate statement that is curated for who she considers the “strong romanticist.”
About the Collection
Discussing her fashion house, Choi states, “By wearing HAEGNAE, we envision clothes that will make people feel love and strength as they never neglect efforts to make their dreams a reality.” With exuberance and flair, Choi’s designs emphasize exactly this; it’s the sort of avant-garde fashion that can bring one back to why they fell in love with the industry in the first place. For her Fall/Winter 2024 collection, Choi chose to utilize three main colors—red, tan, and black—that are typically known for their timelessness. For HAEGNAE, however, these striking tones called attention to the unconventional silhouettes and design details of the garments.
In a collection of 21 designs, HAEGNAE depicted just what Tokyo’s fashion is known for: its experimentalism. From bows, puff sleeves, and hoods to layering, quilting, and flares, the collection played with typical apparel elements in what appeared to be a take on repurposing. The textiles weren’t conventional, either, as linens, leathers, and tulle were often collaborated to create unique designs. What’s for certain, though, is that the collection was not lacking in strength; the sharp and immense silhouettes showcased exactly what Choi was going for—the power bestowed on us through confidence and self-love.
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