Korean stars make a splash as the faces of the world's top luxury brands
Jul 17, 2023
As a breakout pop culture, K-pop has set most of the current trends and the fashion world has welcomed Korean celebrities as faces for their brands. Zhao Gaofei Claire looks at some of the favourites in fashion
Jisoo of Blackpink
As the oldest member of Blackpink, one of the most influential girl K-pop groups in the world today, Jisoo already holds ambassadorships for two of the top international luxury brands, Dior and Cartier. In March 2021, Dior announced Jisoo as an ambassador via Instagram. The luxury house said Jisoo “perfectly embodies the contemporary femininity of the brand” and said she was the main inspiration for its Fall/Winter 2021 collection.
Then in May 2022, Cartier announced that Jisoo joined the Panthère community as its ambassador. “While envisioning the mood of Panthère, I instinctively thought of Jisoo,” said Arnaud Carrez, senior vice president and chief at Cartier. “She is full of confidence and talent and is not afraid to show her capabilities to the world, and she acts as the voice of the new generation.”
Jennie of Blackpink
Jennie, an influential member of the girl K-pop group Blackpink, has been an ambassador for Chanel since 2017. First for the brand’s fragrance and beauty lines and then for its fashion and accessories collections. Jennie often sits in the front row of fashion shows wearing looks from the brand, which no doubt confirms the “Chanel on earth” name her fans have given her. In 2019, during a photo shoot for Elle magazine, the artistic director nicknamed her “Coco Jennie” because she embodies Virginie Viard’s (French fashion designer and creative director of Chanel since 2019) creations for Chanel in a stylish and powerful way. This ability eventually made her a global brand ambassador for the French luxury brand.
In addition, Calvin Klein added Jennie as its brand ambassador in 2021. The singer is the first Korean to be featured on the iconic Houston Street Calvin Klein billboard in New York City.
Rosé of Blackpink
As a member of Blackpink, Rosé’s persona combines the charm of a girl group idol with that of an independent musician. It was no surprise that her unique qualities caught the eye of Yves Saint Laurent. Her partnership with YSL was established in 2020 – after they had been without an ambassador for almost 60 years. Through YSL, Rosé joined rapper CL as the first Korean icons to attend the 2021 Met Gala in New York.
In April 2021, Tiffany & Co announced Rosé as its new global ambassador. “I have always loved wearing Tiffany jewellery. Being a part of an iconic brand that has been a part of my life for a long time has become even more special to me,” said Rosé. “I’m honoured and excited to be a part of the HardWear campaign and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.” The singer’s bold personality and contemporary stylistic influences have become a reflection of the brand’s identity.
Lisa of Blackpink
The youngest of the group and its only non-Korean member – Lisa possesses a myriad of charming qualities that make her the most followed Blackpink member on Instagram. Her fashion image, both on and off stage, is always sporty and energetic, making her a perfect match for the French fashion house, Celine. She became the brand’s global ambassador in 2020. She has appeared in many events and on the covers of various magazines and attended the brand’s fashion shows during Paris Fashion Week.
Another brand with which Lisa established a friendly relationship is the Italian jewellery brand, Bulgari. In 2020, she became one of its ambassadors. Most recently, Lisa attended the Bulgari 2022 gala with Anne Hathaway and Priyanka Chopra. Her presence has infused Bulgari with some fresh energy.
J-Hope of BTS
As one of the lead dancers of BTS, one of the most influential K-pop boy groups in the world today, J-Hope is loved by fans around the world for his optimistic energy, precise choreography and creative music. Both on and off stage, he continues to push the boundaries of his art, bringing new surprises to those who love him. Along with the other BTS band members, he was a Louis Vuitton ambassador in 2021. But even after his tenure ended, it became clear that Louis Vuitton had developed a close and friendly long-term relationship with J-Hope. In February 2023, Louis Vuitton announced J-Hope as the luxury brand’s newest ambassador.
