Here are our picks for the top 10 most iconic fashion moments from the world of K-Pop in 2021! Note: This list is in no particular order of ranking.
1. All About Hair
2021 in K-Pop fashion was all about hair. From Y2K-inspired split hair dye to highlights, 3 tiered layers and dip dye to space buns, and oh so many different types of bangs, the world took major inspiration from the K-Pop industry this year when it comes to hairstyling.
MINO’s blonde buzz cut with dyed lines/leopard spots, JooHoney’s red space buns, BTS Suga’s fiery red-orange mullet, STAYC Yoon’s dip-dyed layers, BLACKPINK Lisa switching up her style of bangs and even doing away with them altogether, Girls’ Generation TaeYeon’s hime (princess) cut hair, and more were some of the most iconic looks.
2. Accessorizing
Accessories can make or break an outfit and in that respect, K-Pop stylists found just the perfect sweet spot this year. TXT’s YeonJun had a killer look for his Elle photoshoot, the ATEEZ and SF9 members had some amazing styling this year, Stray Kids Felix’s safety pin brow piercing, and all of EVERGLOW’s looks for “Last melody” were some of the best examples of perfect accessorizing this year.
Scarves, hats, and other head accessories were also a popular trend in 2021.
3. Cha EunWoo: The Icon
Cha EunWoo was a style icon and an entire category himself this year. From rocking genderless fashion to being the face of Burberry, we were stunned with each look he served. It will truly be exciting to see how his fashion evolves in the future.
4. The 2021 MET Gala
Perhaps the biggest fashion moment, not just in K-Pop but in the world at large was the attendance of BLACKPINK’s Rosé and CL at the 2021 MET Gala. Rosé made her MET Gala debut as the ambassador of Saint Laurent, wearing an iconic little black coupled with exquisite diamond jewelry. CL, on the other hand, wore a custom-made Alexander Wang piece which featured a free-flowing denim coat turned gown with a Korean-style bow and white briefs to represent the theme of the event: “American Fashion”. Both looks were stunning, to say the least, and it was wonderful to see two generations of K-Pop royalty at such an impactful event.
5. The Valentino Black Mesh Top
An item of clothing that simply took over the K-Entertainment industry this year was the Valentino black mesh top which was a part of the Valentino Act Collection for Fall/Winter of 2021-22. Among idols, BTS’ V, KARD’s BM, and TXT’s YeonJun wore the mesh top and among actors, Kim SeonHo was seen wearing it on his drama “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”. Needless to say, they all looked incredible and even more so because they imbued the same outfit with their varying charms. Mesh is definitely a trend that we want to take with us to 2022.
6. Men In Corsets
One of the best fashion trends in the K-Pop industry this year was men in corsets/corsetry-inspired tops. More and more male idols incorporated the corset in their stage outfits and we couldn’t help but be obsessed. Some of the most well-done corset looks were on ATEEZ’s SeongHwa, SEVENTEEN’s THE8, TXT’s YeonJun, SF9’s Yoo TaeYang, and Kang Daniel.
7. Body Art
Body art has not been a go-to styling choice in the Korean entertainment industry owing to a stigma surrounding tattoos but in 2021, it became more and more popular with idols such as BTS’ JungKook, VICTON’s HanSe, and NCT’s Ten flaunting their gorgeous body art.
Body art created through makeup was also hugely popular this year, as seen on SHINee’s TaeMin, BTS’ V, RM, Stray Kids’ Felix and ChangBin (in the group’s iconic performance of ‘Side Effects’ and ‘God’s Menu’ on “KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR”) and more.
Not only is body art attractive but more importantly, it is an incredibly effective means of expression, which makes it all the more special. Hopefully, the taboo around tattoos and body art in South Korea will soon die down and more idols / public figures will be able to freely express themselves through the same if they so wish.
8. New York Fashion Week
TXT’s YeonJun, NCT/WAYV’s YangYang, and singer-songwriter BIBI participated in the 2021 New York Fashion Week as a part of its “Concept Korea” digital runway. It was an incredible moment for K-Pop fans as well as fashion lovers around the world.
9. BTS & BLACKPINK: The Face of K-Pop
In 2021, BTS and BLACKPINK truly became the face of K-Pop in the fashion world. BTS was appointed the global brand ambassador of Louis Vuitton; BLACKPINK’s Rosé received an ambassadorship with Tiffany & Co. and continued acting as the global ambassador of Saint Laurent; Lisa acted as the brand ambassador of Celine, Jennie of Chanel, and JiSoo of Dior (besides several other endorsements). Their personal sense of fashion also influenced millions.
10. MAMA 2021
MAMA 2021 was a sight to behold with all of the brightest stars of the Korean entertainment industry showing up, looking their best. While everyone looked amazing, two artists who truly stole the show were Girls’ Generation’s SooYoung and Tiffany Young. The lovely ladies of “Street Woman Fighter”, especially PROWDMON’s Monika, Hook’s Aiki, and WAYB’s Noze, were absolute stunners on the red carpet. Who was your biggest fashion inspiration from the world of K-Pop in 2021? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!
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