Fashion KODE, an annual trade show for Korean fashion designers, kicks off Wednesday at the AT Convention Center in Seoul. It is one of the largest fashion fairs in Korea with more than 400 local and foreign buyers and 120 Korean fashion brands attending.

The fair has invited buyers from major fashion stores in Hong Kong, Japan, France, Italy and the United States. Among them are Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, Free’s Shop in Japan, L’Eclaireur Paris and Tomorrow Ltd in Italy.

A large number of top fashion brands including Jehee Sheen, Beyond Closet, Jarret and J Koo are participating in the fair. The general public will also be able to view the latest fashion trends and items.

The fair, which is in its second year, is also holding fashion shows. Thirty-five brands will participate in fashion shows to be held three times a day, at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Exhibitions of pop art and fashion illustrations will heighten the artistic mood of the fair.

On Wednesday, three members of EXO ― Baekhyun, Sehun and D.O. ― along with 23 other participants will show off creations by Korean fashion designers on a catwalk in the opening ceremony.

Fashion KODE is organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of Korea, the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It runs through Friday at the center in Seocho-gu, Seoul. For more information, visit www.fashionkode.com.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)