How BTS Became Music's Most Fashion-Forward Crew
Last night the supergroup showed more fashion clout than ever
Last night the supergroup showed more fashion clout than ever
Text: SAMUEL ANDERSON
At the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, the K-Pop group known as BTS snagged the Top Social Artist award, beating out homegrown acts Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes—no contest when you consider the half-billion likes that they clocked on Twitter in 2017. But in addition to generating clicks, the group has become iconic for making impressions with their fashion choices IRL; last night, the seven-piece supergroup graced the ceremony in head-to-toe Gucci—a sign that they are becoming crossover stars both on the American charts and of the red carpet circuit.
The BBMAs are a fitting venue for BTS to deliver their most fashion-forward moment yet. The ceremony last year marked the band’s first major appearance in front of an American audience. On that carpet, the band mates opted for classical boy band-chic, pairing skinny jeans with tuxedo jackets and glam rock boots. This year the distinct Gucci looks put an emphasis on individuality; while Jin, V and Jungkook opted for variously styled navy suits, the other four (Suga, RM, Jimin, and J-Hope) rocked a ready-to-wear hodgepodge, from the floral button down worn by RM to the silk neckerchief rocked by Jimin.
The band’s obsession with fashion was on full display last night; following the red carpet, they changed outfits for a performance of the song “Fake Love,” with frequent fashion risk-taker Jin donning a leather harness. Backstage and in the audience, the group gravitated toward fellow fashion icons, posing with streetwear godfather Pharrell and smizing with Tyra Banks.
Meeting @BTS_twt is...
Better
Than
Smizing pic.twitter.com/hbn30kspyt
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) May 21, 2018
Eschewing the color coordination and typecasting of 90s pop groups, BTS’s fashion savvy distinguishes them as a new kind of boy band. Which is not to say that their tastes haven’t evolved over time; At their debut showcase in 2013, the band paired hip-hop-meets-Baroque graphic tees and gym socks, while in 2015 distinguished themselves through hair dyes. See below for how the band’s look has evolved over time.
