Which luxury brands will sign the BTS boys next? After Jimin scored Dior and Suga signed Valentino, ARMY fans are speculating deals for Jungkook and Versace, V and Miu Miu, J-Hope and Hermès, and more
The fashion world is up and buzzing as we speak, and we have the boys of BTS to blame, or to thank.
This year’s fashion season kicked off with major announcements of the band members’ official partnerships with the biggest brands, from French fashion house Dior to Italian maison Valentino.
It’s led fans – ARMYs and the fashion-inclined alike – to predict the likely next move of several other luxury labels, should they forge official partnerships with the remaining band members. It’s tough to guess, as BTS has rocked countless designer looks since forever (in case you didn’t know, the boys partnered with Louis Vuitton in 2021), and there are other factors to take note of, too, from brands currently on a low profile following some issues, to brands with existing partnerships with other Korean stars.
Here are some predictions based on what they wore in the past and ARMY speculations:
Confirmed: Jimin for Dior, Suga for Valentino
Fashion fans broke into a frenzy on January 16, when Dior made the official announcement of naming BTS’ Jimin, or Park Ji-min, 27, its global ambassador. Adding to the buzz was W Korea’s launch of the K-pop star as its cover star, clad in multiple Dior looks.
Jimin’s attendance at the Dior show in Paris Fashion Week drew crowds of fans – in a size unusual for fashion shows – who stood waiting for hours, hoping to get a glimpse of the idol as he arrived. Alongside bandmate J-Hope who sat by him at the front row, the new Dior global ambassador was seen with other #StarsinDior, including Naomi Campbell, David Beckham and Robert Pattinson, per The Washington Post.
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The buzz hadn’t slowed down yet for BTS fans, but the following day, fashion newsrooms made headlines again – this time, with the announcement of Suga, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, 29, as the new brand ambassador for Valentino. He also attended the Italian fashion house’s haute couture show in Paris, via Koreaboo.
Next in line: J-Hope for Louis Vuitton, Hermès?
J-Hope, or Jung Ho-seok, is the fashion king to watch. In Paris for the autumn/winter 2023-2024 presentations, the 28-year-old rapper was on a roll, gracing one show after another. His first appearance was at Louis Vuitton on January 19, then he joined Jimin at Dior the next day, and on the 21st, he was spotted at the ultra-exclusive Hermès show, per Allkpop.
Talk about being fashion’s most in-demand VIP. It’s no wonder fans are speculating that the rapper-songwriter might soon be signed with a luxury brand next.
RM for Bottega Veneta?
Kim Nam-joon, 28, known as BTS’ Rap Monster or RM, is rumoured to be fronting Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta. According to Hypebeast, last December, RM performed songs from his Indigo solo album at the Dia Beacon museum in New York, wearing outfits from the brand that’s been known for its understated elegance.
A month before the performance at the museum, RM appeared on Rolling Stone magazine cover with Pharrell Williams where he also wore a full Bottega Venetta look. Per Allkpop, eagle-eyed fans have also spotted the brand’s top executives following the BTS leader on Instagram.
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V for Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Ralph Lauren?
Last October, 27-year-old Kim Tae-hyung, or V, became the first-ever BTS member to get a solo Vogue Korea cover, and per Allkpop, it was sponsored by Cartier and Ralph Lauren Purple Label. In one of the layouts, he was spotted wearing Miu Miu, which matches his experimental and creative style.
Another contender would be Alexander McQueen, also famed for its out-of-the-box repertoire, as seen in one of his Instagram posts.
Jungkook for Versace?
Jeon Jung-kook, or simply, Jungkook, as he’s fondly known, has worn dazzling Versace at two monumental events. Most recent was during his performance at the Fifa World Cup opening in Qatar, where he debuted his single “Dreamers”, via Allkpop. The 25-year-old’s fiery stage – and outfit – stole the show. Donatella Versace herself was charmed, posting Jungkook’s Versace look on Instagram.
In the past, the BTS maknae (youngest member) had also stunned in Versace in a teaser photo for the group’s album Butter in 2021. He donned the crystal-embellished double-breasted blazer from the brand, estimated to cost US$5,550, per Koreaboo.
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Jin for Thom Browne?
Kim Seok-jin or Jin, 30, BTS’s oldest member, began his military service last December, but fans aren’t leaving him out of the fashion conversation.
Post-military, Jin could front American luxury label Thom Browne, as he’s worn key pieces from the brand multiple times in the past, according to Kbizoom. He has also been spotted carrying the Samsung x Thom Browne flip phone.
As the band’s visual of the group, Jin can undeniably make any outfit look extra chic, which makes a lot of other brands likely contenders, too.
