Hello readers, today I wanted to talk about some of the most iconic fashions of K-pop over the years and how it has changed since the earlier days of K-pop. K-pop fashion is definitely important not only in music video concepts but in constructing a character of the idol’s role and showing off what makes them different from other groups or artists. So, let’s dive in, shall we?
The first generation of K-pop that originated in the early 1990s and 2000s really focused a lot on hip-hop and pop culture fashions from America. Some of the staple pieces you would see often are colorful and baggy clothing, denim, and casual, girl-next-door types of looks. The outfits were pretty typical and all groups would have very natural-looking makeup looks. In addition to these outfits, common accessories would be hats, sunglasses, and hair clips. Idols during this era were told to portray an approachable and friendly kind of like a neighbor’s best friend.
The second generation of K-pop that originated in 2003-2012 focused a lot on experimentation and exploration of different styles. Idols were constantly changing their looks with every comeback. Unlike the first generation, groups during this time had a lot more eccentric and dramatic fashion staples in their outfits. Some of the outfits were similar to the first generation but incorporated elements based on the album or song concept being released. Since K-pop was starting to gain international popularity at this time, companies tried to make their groups and artists stand out with very eccentric fashion like futuristic looks which included metallics and also bright neon colors incorporated that also was included in hairstyles as well.
The third generation started in 2011-2019 and focused a lot on its time perfecting the fashion that the group’s concept or image portrayed. It always evolved over time with how the group or artist would grow in their career, a lot of the outfits would portray a very defiant, young teenage look in the earlier stages of this generation’s style but then as they grow up and the concept changed to a more sophisticated look. This is also where a lot of high fashion was integrated into K-pop and going into the next generation.
The fourth Generation which started in 2019-present has really focused a lot on high fashion shown through music videos, concerts, and other performances. A lot of Idols work with luxury brands and are often their ambassadors for their products. Some examples are: BTS are the ambassadors for Louis Vuitton, Jennie from Blackpink is the ambassador for Chanel, and ITZY is currently collaborating with Fendi. The fashion trends of this generation are following a lot of worldwide fashion trends versus focusing on the fashion trends that are only in South Korea and are often influenced by pop culture. Since the evolution of the first Hallyu wave of idols, groups and artists often have more unique and intricate outfits that show off more of the personality of the individual or group than in previous generations.
I hope you had fun learning about how K-pop fashion has changed over the generations. Comment below, with your favorite era of K-pop fashion and why!
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