From hanboks at royal palaces to noodle shops in tucked-away alleys, our design team took a colorful deep dive into South Korea to bring this season’s story to life. We caught up with Fashion Director Margie Tan to hear about the moments, flavors, and creative sparks that helped shape the Fall collection—plus her favorite finds for families dreaming of their own Seoul adventure.
Why did you choose South Korea as the inspiration for this season? Have you visited before?
This was my first time visiting South Korea, and I was instantly swept up in the energy. Right now, Korean food, fashion, and entertainment are making waves around the world—and being there in person made it easy to see why. For this Fall/Winter collection, I wanted to capture that incredible blend of tradition and trend. From bold streetwear and playful pop art to peaceful gardens and intricate craftwork, South Korea offered endless inspiration that felt perfectly in step with Tea’s spirit of global storytelling.
Let’s talk product! Which styles are you most excited about for this first drop?
I’m obsessed with our wide-leg lace trim track pants! They’re the perfect blend of sporty and sweet—a trendy play pant with a girly twist that feels fresh and totally wearable.
I also love this quirky cat print. It’s a nod to Korea’s love of fun, expressive characters you see everywhere—from streetwear to K-pop merch. It’s cute, cool, and full of personality—just like Seoul style.
Tea first visited South Korea in 2010, and now you’re revisiting one of our most iconic styles—the pink pojagi dress. What draws you to pojagi as a design inspiration, and what made this the right moment to bring that dress back?
Pojagi is a traditional Korean patchwork technique originally used to wrap gifts or carry treasures. I love how it transforms something utilitarian into something truly beautiful—every stitch is full of intention and care. That philosophy really inspired us this season. Bringing back the pink patchwork dress felt like a full-circle moment. It’s a beloved piece for longtime Tea fans, but it also feels completely fresh. It’s playful, iconic, and such a meaningful way to honor both our past and Korea’s incredible textile heritage.
Can you share a memorable experience from your research trip?
Dressing up in traditional hanbok and visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace was such a standout experience. There was something really special about walking through this historic place in traditional clothing—it was like the past meeting the present in the most joyful, “selfie-worthy” way. It made history feel alive and playful, which is something I wanted to carry into the collection.
What were some of your favorite foods you tried while you were there?
I’m completely obsessed with Korean snack foods and cuisine! Some of my favorite discoveries were Americano coffee in a pouch, banana milk, turtle chips, konjac jelly, and the most delicious roasted sweet potatoes. I also loved the fresh fruit wrapped in mochi—it’s the perfect bite. But my absolute favorite was mul-naengmyeon—those cold, chewy noodles in icy broth were so refreshing. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
What kinds of items did you bring back from your trip, and how did they influence the line or the photoshoot?
I came home with all sorts of treasures—bows, pearls, sequins, even handmade paper and delicate fans. Those little details really helped channel the K-pop energy we wanted for the line, especially in accessories like hair pieces, socks, and shoes. For the shoot, I brought along fun styling touches like shoe charms and hair bows inspired by Seoul street style. Two big trends really stood out: ultra-girly looks with frills and pastels, and moodier, emo-inspired outfits with dark layers and edge. The contrast was so expressive—and we wanted to bring both vibes into the world of kids’ fashion in a way that felt playful and wearable.
Any travel tips for families planning to visit South Korea? Must-sees or must-tries?
Rent Hanboks for a Palace Visit – Many rental shops near Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung Palace offer kids’ hanboks too! It’s a fun way to experience history and makes for unforgettable family photos (plus free palace entry if you’re dressed up!).
Explore the Markets – Visit Gwangjang or Tongin Market for kid-friendly street foods like tteokbokki, hotteok, and kimbap. Many stalls are quick, casual, and perfect for adventurous little eaters.
Visit Kids-Centric Spots – Don’t miss Lotte World, the Hello Kitty Island pop-up shops, or themed cafés like Kakao Friends. They’re uniquely Korean and a hit with kids (and adults!).
Margie’s journey through South Korea brought a fresh lens to this season’s collection—infusing it with playful prints, meaningful details, and moments of joy. We hope it inspires your family to explore, imagine, and dress for all the stories waiting to unfold.
