Editor’s Note: Each week, we discuss and analyze the most popular outfit of the past seven days in our series “Look of the Week,” covering everything from the good, the bad, and the ugly.
CNN
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K-Pop girl group Blackpink became the first Asian act to headline Coachella, closing the second day of this year’s festival. They opted to pay homage to Korean heritage by wearing hanboks, a traditional type of dress. Although the hanboks were eventually removed during their performance, the message was already sent to their fans worldwide. Screenshots of the moment quickly spread, with fans recognizing the significance of Blackpink stepping onto the western stage in hanboks.
Blackpink’s performance at Coachella was not only about the hanboks. The group incorporated visual cues that highlighted Korean culture, such as a stage backdrop resembling traditional Korean architecture. Fans praised Blackpink as “Korea’s cultural delegation” for showcasing their heritage on an international stage.
Blackpink has gained global fame in recent years, holding records such as the most streamed female group on Spotify and the most-viewed music YouTube channel. They have also achieved milestones like reaching number 1 in the UK and US album charts and having their music video become the most viewed on YouTube in 24 hours. Their Coachella performance marked another significant moment in their career, as the first female K-Pop group to ever play at the festival.
The right stage costume can make a lasting impression in public memory, as seen with iconic outfits like Madonna’s cone bra and Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell’s Union Jack dress. Beyonce’s 2018 headline performance at Coachella showcased her custom Balmain hoodie, which paid tribute to historically Black colleges and universities. Blackpink’s hanboks made a similar statement, representing Korean culture and its rich history.
The four black hanboks worn by Blackpink were custom created by South Korean pattern design brand OUWR and traditional Korean dressmakers Kumdanje. The hanboks featured metallic traditional Korean motifs such as dan-cheong patterns and peonies, symbolizing royalty. The designers expressed their honor in being able to showcase the beauty of Korea and hanboks through Blackpink’s performance at Coachella.
Hanboks continue to be worn for special occasions in Korea and are commonly seen in TV dramas. Designers in Korea have also modernized the traditional hanbok, incorporating its voluminous silhouette into everyday wear. Korean label BlueTamburin showcased a hanbok fabric collection at Milan Fashion Week, introducing the garment to a Western audience.
Blackpink’s hanbok outfits represent more than just a fashion statement. They symbolize Asian visibility, the recognition of traditional craftsmanship, and a powerful example of expressing cultural identity through fashion. Blackpink’s closing words in Korean during their performance further emphasized their pride and gratitude.
Top image: Blackpink performing at the first weekend of Coachella 2023, shortly after removing their hanboks.
