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AJOBYAJO

Updated: Feb 15

Finding a New Path in Korean Streetwear


Two people in white outfits with text cover their faces, standing in a dimly lit setting. One wears a cap, and both have graphic prints.

AJOBYAJO started nine years ago with one goal: do things differently. At the time, a lot of Korean street fashion was copying trends from the U.S. and Europe. The founder did not want to follow that path.


For them, fashion is more than cool outfits. It should reflect the culture and the world we live in. As they say, "streetwear really is a response to the world around us." Instead of doing things “the right way,” AJOBYAJO chose to tell its own stories, rooted in Korean culture and shaped by the present.


Real People, Real Stories


From the beginning, the brand decided not to use professional models. They chose real people instead. People who naturally fit the mood of the season.


The goal was not to look perfect or overly styled. It was to feel honest. That raw energy is still a big part of the brand.


The clothes are made with freedom in mind. Oversized fits let people style and layer however they want. Once someone wears it, it becomes theirs. The designer offers the idea. The person wearing it makes it personal.


Two people in creative outfits, one in a purple hood, another with pearl mask. Dim setting, blurred motion, modern and mysterious mood.

Designing with Feeling


Each season starts with a feeling. Film and everyday life often inspire the collections.


The 25SS collection was inspired by Saint Maud. In the film, the main character believes she can save herself and becomes something like a god. That idea led the brand to explore how people today turn themselves into icons, and how others follow them with almost cult-like energy. The collection tells that story through clothing.


When it comes to materials, there are no strict rules. If something familiar can feel new again, they will try it. The focus is on staying open and keeping things interesting.


Staying True and Growing


Person wearing a textured, rust-colored sweater and beige pants with a coordinating mask. Background features a gray, corrugated wall.

One of the biggest challenges is staying true to the brand while still growing. Each season has to feel fresh, but the identity has to stay strong. At the same time, the business needs to expand.

The brand is now planning to grow outside of Korea, starting with China and Japan.


The founder’s advice to young designers is clear: "your identity has to be strong. You have to express it clearly, turn it into something people can connect with, and know how to sell it. Creativity and business aren’t separate, they need to work together. And the only way that balance works is if your creative vision stays steady."


In the end, AJOBYAJO stands for staying curious. Try new places. Watch films that make you uncomfortable. Change your routine. Inspiration comes from stepping into the unfamiliar.


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Off Record Magazine


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