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When the world discovered that BTS will be taking a hiatus in the summer of 2022, arguments erupted on Twitter regarding what would happen to each of the group's seven members. Vogue, for one, speculated that J-Hope, also known as Hobi, would want to break into the fashion sector. "He sports the most adventurous suits in BTS, fusing everything from streetwear to luxury brands," observed journalist Taylor Glasby in June. "His influence has grown to the point where Etsy now has a bank of producers and sellers whose items are labeled 'Hobicore,' so an organic next step for him would be a cooperation with an emerging brand that compliments his eclectic and forward-thinking tastes."
Cut to this month's menswear shows in Paris, and Hobi is proving he's well on his way to joining the industry's highest echelons. On January 19, the "More" singer appeared at Louis Vuitton in an abstract suede patchwork ensemble to view guest designer Colm Dillane, stylist Ibrahim Kamara, and film director Michel Gondry's collaboration for the house, sparking a frenzy. (The print on J-jacket Hope's and trousers was later shown on the LV runway, making him one of the first to wear it.) BTS has had a lengthy association with Louis Vuitton, including donning the brand to the Grammys in 2022. but Hobi’s solo appearance cemented his status as a high fashion poster boy in his own right.
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The next day, he sat front row with bandmate Jimin - Dior's newest global ambassador - to appreciate Kim Jones's The Waste Land-inspired offering, teaming a CD Silver Choker with a grey pleated outfit. And what about Saturday? He dressed up in a Hermès shearling-lined jacket to enter the French label's "cave of wonders" for autumn/winter 2023. If Blackpink's Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé have become fixture at Paris Fashion Week, it's only right that the male designs should include some K-pop stardust as well - and who better to lead the charge than Hobi?
