Editor’s Note: Inclusive of the highlights, the low points and the not-so-great, ‘Look of the Week’ is a recurring feature aimed at analyzing the most discussed outfit from the past week.
CNN
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Concluding the second day of this year’s Coachella, the K-Pop girl group Blackpink achieved a historic milestone Saturday night by being the first Asian act to headline the festival. In front of a crowd reportedly exceeding 125,000 attendees, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé seized the moment to celebrate their Korean roots by appearing on stage in traditional hanboks: a classic form of attire.
Although the outfits were discarded seconds into their initial song, “Pink Venom,” each member’s personalized black and pink Dolce and Gabbana ensembles became evident. Fans around the globe had already grasped the significance. Screenshots of the moment swiftly circulated among Blackpink’s devoted followers, known as Blinks. “The way they graced the grandest western stage in hanboks… truly solidified their status at the pinnacle of the industry,” tweeted one Blink. “Blackpink are genuinely in a class of their own.”
Another praised the group as “Korea’s cultural ambassadors” on Instagram, referencing not only the hanboks but various visual elements featured in their performance, including a stage backdrop showcasing an angular tiled roof that echoed traditional Korean architecture.
In recent times, Blackpink have skyrocketed to international prominence. As per Guinness World Records, they are presently the most streamed female group on Spotify and hold the record for the most-viewed music channel on YouTube. 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 one of their music video scenes.) Their historic set this past weekend was actually a continuation of a previous achievement: In 2019, they were the first female K-Pop group to perform at Coachella or any festival in the United States.
From Madonna’s iconic Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra worn during her 1990 Blond Ambition tour to Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell’s Union Jack mini dress, the right stage costume can become eternal in the public consciousness. Especially when worn during a pivotal moment in a career. In another groundbreaking Coachella performance — Beyoncé’s 2018 headline set — the singer’s custom Balmain collegiate-style yellow hoodie was a celebratory nod to Black culture, particularly historically Black colleges and universities.
The group’s four black hanboks were uniquely designed by the South Korean design brand OUWR along with traditional dressmakers Kumdanje. Drawing inspiration from the Cheol-lik silhouette, each piece was meticulously hand-embroidered with traditional Korean motifs, such as dan-cheong patterns and peonies (a symbol of royalty in Korea). “It was a joy and an honor to showcase the beautiful values of Korea and Hanbok together,” the designers shared in a joint Instagram post. “Blackpink showcased the beauty of Korea and enchanted the world.”
In Korea, hanboks are still donned during significant events and frequently seen in TV dramas. Numerous designers in the nation have also crafted modern interpretations that can be integrated into everyday attire. At Seoul Fashion Week, JULYCOLUMN’s Fall-Winter 2023 line drew inspiration from the hanbok’s voluminous form to create shirts and structured blazers. Last September, the Korean brand BlueTamburin introduced the garment to Western audiences by utilizing traditional hanbok fabric exclusively for its Spring-Summer 2023 collection showcased at Milan Fashion Week.
Whether you’re a passionate Blink or not, the looks represented a milestone of Asian visibility, acknowledgment of traditional craftsmanship and a significant illustration of being recognized through fashion — embodying Korean culture and symbolically embracing both its historical roots and future.
Concluding their performance, and having interacted with the audience in English throughout their two-hour-long set, Blackpink wrapped up their presentation in Korean: “Until now, it has been Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé Blackpink. Thank you.”
Top image: Blackpink performing at the first weekend of Coachella 2023, shortly after removing their hanboks.
