#CopaCeladon
The #CopaCeladon hashtag emerged in fall 2021 as TikTokers matched their outfits, makeup, and aesthetics to the distinctive celadon-green apartment building complex from Squid Game, celebrating Korean design sensibility and creating a viral fashion micro-trend.
What Is Copa Celadon?
The trend references:
- Apartment building where Player 456 lived in Squid Game
- Celadon green - distinctive Korean pottery color
- Brutalist architecture meets pastel aesthetic
- Visual palette of muted greens, creams, and earth tones
- K-aesthetic minimalism and color theory
The TikTok Trend
Users created looks featuring:
- Sage green and cream color combinations
- Minimal jewelry - often jade or celadon pottery-inspired
- Natural makeup with green undertones
- Vintage Korean fashion from the 90s-2000s
- Architectural appreciation of Korean design
Why It Went Viral
#CopaCeladon resonated because:
- Specific aesthetic that felt fresh and different
- Korean design gaining global appreciation
- Color palette perfect for fall 2021
- Squid Game driving every aspect of culture
- Accessible - didn’t require specific pieces
Celadon in Korean Culture
The trend educated about:
- Celadon pottery - Korean ceramics tradition from Goryeo Dynasty
- Cultural significance of the blue-green glaze
- Korean architecture and color choices
- Minimalist Korean aesthetics vs. Western maximalism
- Traditional meets modern design sensibility
Fashion and Beauty Interpretation
Creators incorporated:
- Sage green clothing and accessories
- Dewy, natural makeup with green-tinted products
- Minimal gold jewelry
- Vintage Korean fashion from thrift stores
- Architectural photography matching the vibe
The Broader K-Aesthetic Wave
#CopaCeladon was part of:
- Korean aesthetics dominating global trends
- Minimalism with warmth and character
- Color theory appreciation
- Design literacy among Gen Z
- Beyond K-pop - Korean design influence
Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation
The trend navigated:
- Genuine appreciation for Korean design
- Education about cultural context
- Korean creators leading the trend
- Respectful engagement with aesthetic traditions
- Avoiding stereotypes while celebrating specificity
Impact on Fashion
The micro-trend influenced:
- Fall color palettes in fast fashion
- Green tones in makeup releases
- Korean vintage fashion resale markets
- Appreciation for architectural aesthetics
- Pinterest boards dedicated to the look
Why This Matters
#CopaCeladon showed:
- Specific cultural aesthetics can go mainstream
- TV shows influence fashion beyond costumes
- Architecture as fashion inspiration
- Korean soft power through design
- TikTok’s role in aesthetic education
Comparison to Other Trends
Unlike typical costume trends:
- Subtle - no obvious costume pieces
- Wearable in everyday life
- Educational about design traditions
- Sophisticated color theory appreciation
- Sustainable - worked with existing wardrobes
Legacy
#CopaCeladon will be remembered as:
- Sophisticated fashion micro-trend
- Korean aesthetic appreciation going mainstream
- Squid Game’s influence beyond obvious merch
- Design literacy among younger audiences
- Proof that specific cultural aesthetics resonate globally
The trend demonstrated that global audiences were ready to engage with Korean design principles beyond surface-level trends, appreciating the cultural depth and intentionality behind Korean aesthetics.