Kith Offers a Look at Its South Korea Flagship

Update: May 29, 2024

Kith confirmed its newest flagship, Kith Seoul, will open on Friday.

The retailer and brand will enter the South Korea market with a four-story store, which will include a Kith Treats bar and a Sadelle’s restaurant.

“The team and I have been working on this for over two years and fast forward to now, I’m really excited to share the final product,” Kith founder, CEO and creative director Ronnie Fieg said in a statement shared via social media on May 23.

In a statement, Kith described the layout of the store, which includes a first floor dedicated to premium lifestyle goods. The first floor, according to Kith, features Rosa Aurora Macchia Vecchia stone floors with dark walnut trim, Venetian plaster walls with softened edges and white onyx display cases. Also, there is a “living room” on the floor, which Kith described as “a sophisticated lounge area with cozy seating, a DJ booth housing vinyl records and a grand chandelier.”

Kith said on the other side of the first floor is the Kith Treats bar, which was designed with Rosso Portugalo, Rosa Aurora Macchia Vecchia and Mediterranean Blue stone walls and floors, as well as Carrara marble stools and stainless steel trim.  

The second floor, Kith explained, features a selection of footwear that its fans have come to expect,m as well as apparel for men, women and kids. The floor was designed with Kith Monogram wallpaper, Rosa Aurora walls and dark walnut floors with brass accents. 

Sadelle’s is on the third floor and extends to the fourth floor terrace. Kith stated the terrace “showcases a beautiful view of Seoul” and is replete with “an abundance of lively greenery.” As with the restaurant’s New York City locations, Kith explained its Sadelle’s will offer all-day dining with coffee, bagels, sliced-to-order salmon, burgers, French toast and more.

Kith also created several collections and collaborations for the opening, including a range of apparel for celebrating the store’s debut, which will be available exclusively at Kith Seoul on May 31. The collection includes T-shirts, crewnecks and hoodies with graphics inspired by both the city and flagship. There will also be accessories, such as catchall trays, keyrings and magnets.

Kith also created a Sadelle’s-themed collection of hoodies, T-shirts, caps and more. The footwear component is Fieg’s take on the iconic Clarks Originals Wallabee, which he reimagined with hairy suede, quilted suede colorblocked construction with colors inspired by the South Korean flag and co-branded fobs. 

The retailer and brand also teamed up with drink company Jinro — which is celebrating its 100th anniversary — on a new co-branded bottle, as well as a capsule of apparel and accessories, which will be available exclusively at Kith Seoul. Kith stated the bottle will also be available at select convenience shops throughout South Korea on May 31.

Lastly, Fieg partnered with Asics on a new Gel-Lyte 3, a look that features quilted suede uppers with hairy suede overlays and blue, red, white and black colorblocking inspired by Seoul. It arrives May 31 and will be sold via Kith Seoul and Kith Tokyo. It will also be available via Kith.com, EU.Kith.com and the Kith App at 11 a.m. ET/CET.

Aside from product releases, Kith confirmed it will host an exhibition during the opening weeks of Kith Seoul that details 13 years of the brand’s history through items from its archives. It will be on display on the store’s first floor from May 31 to June 16. 

The store’s address is 70, Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. KST to 8 p.m. KST.

What We Originally Reported on May 23, 2024

Kith is expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint.

The Ronnie Fieg-led brand and retailer announced via social media on Thursday that its next flagship store will open in South Korea, located in Seoul. The post stated the store will open in the Seongsu neighborhood.

“The team and I have been working on this for over two years and fast forward to now, I’m really excited to share the final product,” Fieg said in a statement shared by Kith. “The process isn’t easy and anyone who has experience with building spaces, knows the blood, sweat and tears that go into this but with each store that we have built, my passion for the process grows. The end product is great, but getting from A to Z is really what fuels me and drives me everyday.”

He continued, “Another milestone for our brand and I can’t wait to share it with you next week. More info to come.”

Additionally, Kith confirmed the upcoming release of Fieg’s newest collaboration with Asics, created to celebrate the new flagship. The look is Fieg and Asics’ third installment of the Gel-Lyte 3 Remastered.

Fieg’s latest reimagining of the shoe features its signature split tongue and formstripes executed in blue, red, white and black, which Kith said was chosen to reflect the South Korean flag. Also, the upper was made with quilted suede and hairy suede overlays, and additional details include terry cloth lining and classic rubber outsoles. The shoe was completed with “Fieg” embroidery on the tongue, “Asics Gel” branding at the heel and Kith x Asics co-branding the insoles.

The Ronnie Fieg for Gel-Lyte 3 Remastered “Seoul” arrives May 31 to coincide with the opening of Kith Seoul. The collab will also be available at Kith Tokyo, as well as online via Kith.com, EU.Kith.com and the Kith App at 11 a.m. ET.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.