Our Favourite Fashion Looks From 'The Penthouse: War in Life'
Another show that kept us wanting more was Penthouse. The Penthouse: War in Life, continued the series in February earlier
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we've been blessed in the Korean drama department for these past two years. Crash Landing On You, Itaewon Class, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, Start-Up and Vincenzo were among the shows that got us glued to the screens with their superb plotlines.
Another show that kept us wanting more was Penthouse. The first season started in October last year, and season two, The Penthouse: War in Life, premiered in February earlier this year.
So what's the story about? Penthouse revolves around the social elites of South Korea who live in a luxury 100-storied luxury penthouse apartment named Hera Palace.
In the show, the parents are willing to do anything for their children with any means possible. With the plot thick with revenge, cheating and bribery, the this drama has gained plenty of viewership and attention.
Season three is slated to be out in early June, so we're getting ready for that by taking a look at the amazing outfits sported by the three female leads: Lee Ji-ah, Kim So-yeon and Eugene so far.
Lee Ji-ah wore an elegant white off-shoulder dress with a mermaid-tail silhouette that had wave designs. Not only did it accentuate her slim figure, but it also showcased her flawless skin.
Lee Ji-ah appeared on the first episode wearing a demure dress with a pale pink shawl that fell to the ground, showing off the demeanour of the queen of the Penthouse.
In another styling, Lee Ji-ah opted for neutral earthy tones. Her simple long-sleeved shirt and hairstyle exemplify her casual style.
A trench coat is essential for winter, and the character wore a beige iteration that showcased her intellectual and gentle side.
You don’t need many accessories when you’re wearing an outfit that is filled with unique design elements, such as the lace top Lee Ji-ah donned here.
To pull off neutral tones elegantly, try her method of pairing a white knit top with a beige skirt, finished with dark brown knee-high boots.
For eveningwear, Lee Ji-ah wore a short-sleeve body-hugging dress with embellished trimmings. She accented the look with various pieces of jewellery.
In the promotional poster, Lee Ji-ah looked sexy yet elegant in an outfit with an asymmetric neckline.
A white shirt layered over a high-neck shirt, matched with a brown midi skirt showed off the intellectual side of Lee Ji-ah.
In the second season, Shim Su-ryeon made a dramatic return with a new identity as Na Ae-kyo. Her styling reflected her change and showed off a more cool, suave attitude. Here, she sported a Miu Miu pre-spring 2021 shoulder-baring top with grey trousers for a casual look.
Looking nothing short of royalty, Lee Ji-ah wore a white blazer dress from Fendi spring/summer 2021 collection.
Showing off her versatility in colour palette, Lee Ji-ah wore a purple tweed jacket and casual wide-legged trousers from Chanel spring/summer 2021.
Lee Ji-ah showed off her svelte figure in an army green vegan leather mini dress from Alice + Olivia.
The styling of the new character Na Ae-kyo is punchier to show off her personality. One example is this Louis Vuitton pre-spring 2021 outfit that played with horizontal and vertical stripes, with the top set against a soft mermaid-tail maxi skirt.
On her return as Shim Su-ryeon, Lee Ji-ah dressed to impress with this grey blazer and shorts combo from Saint Laurent spring/summer 2021.
A black short-sleeved Louis Vuitton top with a stand-up collar made Lee Ji-ah look sharp and poised.
Kim So-yeon plays Cheon Seo-jin, perfectly embodying the villainous character with every glare and move. The character’s styling is both rich and eye-catching to complement her role.
The choice of a puffed sleeve top adds to the character’s imposing nature.
Another puffed sleeve top, this time made in green leather, is matched with a gold buckle belt and pearl necklaces to add layers of opulence.
A sleek halterneck black dress is an invincible choice for banquets. The chunky earrings further add to the dynamism of the outfit.
Many of Kim So-yeon’s outfits are perfect for the workplace, such as this sharp tailored black suit paired with a chunky necklace and matching black tote.
A body-hugging dress accented with flower details not only showed off Kim So-yeon’s trim figure but also enhanced her dominating presence.
Behind the sophisticated black coat peeks an elegant silk shirt. The large bow makes the entire look visually interesting without being excessive.
Playing a character who is a renowned soprano singer, Kim So-yeon donned a teal off-shoulder gown from Korean label Phoebe Dress when she performed.
Season 2 saw the rise of Kim So-yeon as the head of Hera Palace. At her wedding, she wore a puff sleeve dress from Pronovias.
A double-breasted blazer dress is absolutely essential in any powerful woman’s wardrobe. Combine with exquisite jewellery and you have a winning look.
This burgundy Lehho dress features a V-neckline and pleats, and combined with a black belt, accentuated Kim So-yeon’s figure.
Despite being held captive by the main male character, Kim So-yeon remained sharp in her dressing. This Bau By Bride and You brown long-sleeved dress with its unique lapel neckline and chunky belt exemplified her impeccable fashion sense.
Puff sleeves remain one of the most trendy elements from the past few seasons. Here, Kim So-yeon donned a red long-sleeve high-neck top from Dint to show off the character’s polished steeliness.
Eugene plays Oh Yoon-hee who was once a formidable soprano singer in school until an accident left her unable to sing. After her daughter was born, Eugene worked hard to provide her daughter with the best possible life, and finally got the family into the 45th floor of Hera Palace.
In the show, we also witnessed Oh Yeon-hee’s change into being part of the social elite. Her styling also saw a consequent evolution that showed her in sharp, imposing suits in a range of colours such as black, wine red and nude.
Off to attend an evening banquet, Eugene sported a shimmery deep V-neckline dress matched with Bvlgari jewels. We reckon she looked equally polished alongside the two other female leads.
Oh Yeon-hee’s appearance and aura saw a great boost from season 1 to season 2. After entering Hera Palace, her character definitely didn’t pale in comparison to the other two female leads.
To stand out in a black outfit, you need to pay attention to the details. This Mojo.s.phine dress has lace trimmings along the high-neckline and adds a touch of delicateness.
Pastel purple is one of the season’s trending colour. Wear it and you’ll instantly feel a mood boost.
Despite the scene, Eugene looks elegant with a nude double-breasted blazer dress matched with a high-collar pleated white shirt underneath.
In season two, Eugene got married to Yoon Jong-hoon, and here's a wedding shot they took.
Text by: Hayley Zhang/ICON Magazine