Look of the Week: Blackpink takes the stage at Coachella wearing traditional Korean hanboks

Editor’s Note: Highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly, ‘Look of the Week’ is an ongoing series focused on dissecting the most discussed outfit from the past week.

Concluding the second day of this year’s Coachella, K-Pop girl group Blackpink made history Saturday evening by being the first Asian act to headline the festival. In front of an audience of reportedly over 125,000, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé seized the historic opportunity to honor Korean culture by taking the stage dressed in hanboks: a traditional form of attire.

Although the outfits were cast aside moments into their opening track, “Pink Venom,” unveiling each member’s tailored black and pink Dolce and Gabbana ensemble, the message had already reached fans around the globe. Screenshots of the event quickly circulated among Blackpink aficionados, commonly referred to as Blinks. “Their entrance onto this major western stage in hanboks … undeniably validated their status at the pinnacle of the industry,” tweeted one Blink. “Blackpink truly occupies a realm of their own.”

Designed by OUWR and Kumdanje, the hanboks were inspired by the Cheol-lik silhouette.

Another user referred to the ensemble as “Korea’s cultural ambassadors” on Instagram, referencing not just the hanboks but other visual elements integrated into their performance, including a backdrop featuring an angular tiled design reminiscent of traditional Korean architecture.

In recent times, Blackpink has experienced a phenomenal ascent to global prominence. Per Guinness World Records, they are currently the most streamed female group on Spotify and boast the YouTube channel with the highest number of views. Last year, they became the first female K-Pop group to top the album charts in both the UK and US, and in 2020 their song “How You Like That” set the record for the most viewed video on YouTube within 24 hours. (The group also donned modernized hanboks, crafted by Kim Danha, in a scene from one of their music videos.) Their performance over the weekend was indeed a sequel to another achievement: In 2019, they were the first female K-Pop group to take the stage at Coachella or any other festival in the US.

From the iconic Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra worn by Madonna during her 1990 Blond Ambition tour to Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell’s Union Jack mini dress, the perfect stage costume can remain in public consciousness indefinitely. Especially when showcased during a pivotal moment in a career. During another significant Coachella performance — Beyoncé’s 2018 headline act — the singer’s custom Balmain collegiate-style yellow hoodie was a delightful tribute to Black culture, specifically historically Black colleges and universities.

The group’s four black hanboks were uniquely manufactured by the South Korean pattern design brand OUWR along with traditional Korean artisans Kumdanje. Drawing inspiration from the Cheol-lik silhouette, each piece featured hand-embroidered metallic traditional Korean designs, including dan-cheong patterns and peonies (which symbolize royalty in Korea). “It was an honor and such a privilege to showcase the beautiful values of Korea and Hanbok together,” the designers remarked in a joint Instagram post. “Blackpink highlighted the magnificence of Korea and captivated the world.”

The stage design was another acknowledgement of Korean heritage.

In Korea, hanboks continue to be worn for significant events and are often featured in TV dramas. Numerous designers in the country have also fashioned modern interpretations that are blended into everyday attire. At Seoul Fashion Week, JULYCOLUMN’s Fall-Winter 2023 collection utilized the hanbok’s voluminous silhouette to design shirts and structured jackets. Last September, the Korean brand BlueTamburin introduced the garment to a western audience by exclusively employing traditional hanbok fabric to craft its Spring-Summer 2023 collection at Milan Fashion Week.

Whether you are a loyal Blink or not, these outfits marked a significant moment of Asian representation, recognition of traditional artistry, and a compelling instance of being acknowledged through fashion — embodying Korean culture and symbolically embracing both its heritage and future.

At the conclusion of their performance, having spoken to the audience in English between songs during their two-hour show, Blackpink wrapped up their set in Korean: “Thus far, it has been Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé Blackpink. Thank you.”

Top image: Blackpink performing at the first weekend of Coachella 2023, shortly after setting aside their hanboks.