SEOUL — Thug Club has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, “K-Dark Nostalgia,” a deeply personal homage to early 2000s menswear, as envisioned by Creative Director Kwon Jiyool. Marking his first solo season, the collection reflects Kwon’s formative obsession with European and Japanese fashion—a passion that once led him to skip textbooks for style forums and archival deep dives.
A Nod to the Past, Reimagined
The lineup blends Thug Club’s signature grunge aesthetic with Kwon’s nostalgic reverence for the era. Distressed denim, weathered leather, and rugged tailoring dominate, while staple silhouettes—like the brand’s iconic trench coat—reappear with biker-inspired shoulder pads, metallic hardware, and bold new colorways. Hoodies and sweatpants feature scarlet cutout motifs, channeling the raw energy of 2000s subcultures.
Beyond Trends: Fashion as a Personal Journey
For Kwon, the collection is more than a revival—it’s a tribute to a time when discovering fashion required patience and curiosity. “Back then, style wasn’t fed by algorithms,” he reflects. “It was about digging through forums, chasing elusive pieces. That hunt shaped my world.” This emotional connection fuels “K-Dark Nostalgia,” which merges post-hardcore edge with underground aesthetics.
Why It Matters
In an industry saturated with fleeting trends, Thug Club’s SS26 stands out by weaving nostalgia into rebellion. The collection doesn’t just reference the past—it reinterprets it through Kwon’s lens, offering a raw, aspirational vision for modern menswear.
View the full collection in the gallery above.
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