In France, hanbok or traditional Korean dress made its appearance at a prestigious fashion show. What's special is that they were designed by non-Korean world-renowned designers.

At the Spring/Summer 2006 Pret a Porter, Paris, models walked down the catwalk in traditional Korean costume, hanbok. Celebrating the 120th year of normalization of diplomatic ties between Korea and France, some 70 hanbok dresses were presented at the 100th edition of the prestigious international fashion show.

In addition, an exhibition hall at Porte de Versailles was dedicated to the Korean clothing, which was reinterpreted here by top designers. Earlier this year, ten designers visited Korea to learn about hanbok, including the Belgium designer Jean-Paul Knott, who previously worked with Yves Saint Laurent. "I wanted to integrate Korean culture with the Western one through my design."

The pieces include an evening gown as well as a leather top, both inspired by the hanbok. The biannual show runs until September 6.