In the early days of 2023, the realms of K-pop and fashion seemed to propel forward faster than ever. A large part of it, attributed to the luxury fashion houses sweeping up the members of one of the biggest groups in the world—BTS. Week on week, there were announcements and concurrent front row appearances for the fashion shows at the time; Jimin for Dior, Suga at Valentino, and soon after, j-hope for Louis Vuitton. Out of the septet, the latter was the only member who was continuing a relationship already previously nurtured, considering the group’s prior ambassadorship with the maison. And yet, he came in swinging still; his playful and dynamic sense of style on full display when the announcement was dropped.
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Part of the brief? Think a terrific range of eclectic outerwear options, chromatic ensembles—which always feels like a special ode to Hope World—and a strategic mix of elevated streetwear. In an instant, the moodboard was written, and the mega star solidified his sartorial smarts and experimental tendencies, one which he has consistently developed over the years, even through his time in South Korea’s mandatory military service. Yet in recent months, the style mover has been taking it one step further—with the outfits for his Hope on the Stage world tour that kicked off earlier in February.
Whilst his more casual ensembles on stage features plenty of baggy denim, varsity jackets, oversized graphic tees and one’s trusty Jordans—all hallmarks of his streetwear leanings—it’s his ardent love for kitschy accessories as well as bold, vivid designs that truly cast him in his own league amid the rest of the BTS members. And whilst there is plenty of LV mixed into the ambassador’s stage looks, it’s the chromatic joy of his opening look which really seals the deal: a modular rotation of five different crimson ensembles custom made by South Korean designer Juntae Kim.
As we gear up for j-hope’s upcoming two-night stop in Singapore, we chronicle the best style moments from his Hope on the Stage era so far.
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j-hope in custom Jiwon Choi and Bluemarble
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j-hope in custom Juntae Kim and Balenciaga
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j-hope in Louis Vuitton
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j-hope in custom Juntae Kim and Gentle Monster
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j-hope in Hope on the Stage merchandise
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j-hope in Our Legacy and Levi's
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j-hope in custom Jiwon Choi and Birth of Royal Child
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j-hope in Chin Down
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