About as Korean as I get

Some Korean-Americans are super into being Korean.  They follow Korean pop-culture, fashion, music, speak Korean fluently, only hang out with other Koreans, and their favorite vacation spot is Korea... or wherever it's trendy for Koreans to be going.

I was never really one of those Korean-Americans, but I'll admit I did wish I was one until it was discovered that I couldn't keep up with the trends, skincare regimen, diets, and my Korean language ability is pretty dismal.  That being said, I was really excited to read that Carolina Herrera's Spring 2011 line was inspired by traditional Korean dress.  And she does an amazing job of re-interpreting the design of traditional Korean clothes.

 Photo from anonymitynews.com

Photo from cupcakemag.blogspot.com

I still remember growing up and having kids in my class ask me if I was Chinese or Japanese, and having no idea what Korea was.  S. Korea is making some pretty incredible strides in putting itself on the map culturally, technologically, and politically, and it is exciting to see the influence grow.

Now isn't it ironic how Carolina Herrera, a Venezuelan designer, is doing an arguably better job of celebrating Korean history and culture than, say, these guys over here are?  Just sayin'.