Happy Hobiuary, ARMYs and yet-to-be indoctrinated style savants. It’s your resident hopeworldian™ here with a reminder that it’s high time to celebrate the birthday week of BTS’ golden hyung, Jung Hoseok.
What better way to celebrate his artistry than by streaming his songs (the “Hope World” mixtape is still an absolute banger) and looking back on the outfits that cemented his place among the fashion kings of K-Pop? In an interview with Japanese magazine Jelly, he talked about the importance of expressing himself through his personal style. “I believe fashion is the most connected to music. That’s why I’m always conscious of it, so it’s my policy to always wear what suits me best. Wearing what I want and what suits me is the best,” he said.
True to his Aquarius nature, J-hope’s signature style is playful and adventurous. He often comes up with some unexpected pairings that perhaps only he can rock. He’s fond of collecting eclectic statement pieces. Case in point are his enviable bag and shoe collections.
Here’s a list of looks that will have you swerving in his direction—that is if Jung Hoseok isn’t your ult yet. Big shoutout to BTS fashion accounts Get On Swag and J-hope’s Closet for all their hard work in identifying the pieces.
Exhibit A: The thotty “Ddaeng” practice angel of 180610
💓행복했어요☺️ 아미 덕분에👍
🍀다들페스타⭐️기대해도좋아😘 pic.twitter.com/KIpAADwzez— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) June 10, 2018
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ ARMY community, I found the look that J-hope sported during the “Ddaeng” practice video very dear to my heart. It’s kind of butch-y (largely thanks to the distressed above-the-knee jorts) and I love it.
He had on this oversized Balenciaga shirt and Air Jordan 1 x Off White Chicago sneakers. He added a clear Nana-Nana mini tote with a Fendi snap keyring. It’s not too flashy, but it really gave off mega babe energy.
Did I mention that he was goofing off and dancing with the rest of Bangtan in the video? Cute.
Exhibit B: The sexy Willy Wonka of 180514
In the world of K-Pop, airport fashion (dressing up when you’re about to board a plane) is very much a thing. It’s often part of idols’ official schedules so the press laps it up. One iconic J-hope airport look that I like is this hypebeast Willy Wonka get-up.
He paired a blue Balenciaga striped denim shirt with A-Cold-Wall blue and gray tie-dyed terry pants. He matched it with blue Puma x Fenty cleated creepers and a pair of white Supreme x Louis Vuitton downtown sunglasses (the main reason behind the comparison to the chocolatier).
But what really completed the look is the A-Cold-Wall plastic tote that only carried his Supreme x Undercover pouch and random knick-knacks like Kaikai Kiki flowers and designer pins. He really committed to the bit.
Exhibit C: The adventurous grandpa of 200611
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Last year, J-hope had a thing for Kangol hats and hunting vests. The combination had him looking like an adventurous grandpa who would go scavenging for berries or hang out with other grandpas at a local food court. It’s pretty charming, actually.
In a V Live, he wore a Readymade logo shirt with a Human Made hunting vest and a pair of loose Dickies double knee work pants. He also had on a Kangol hat and Bottega Veneta sneakers.
Again, it’s a pretty tame ensemble but it looks so good on him. I guess confidence really makes or breaks an outfit because he looks like a star.
Exhibit D: The grunge “Spy Kids” cast member of 180601
As a kid of the ’90s, I fantasized about being recruited as one of the “Spy Kids.” So when I saw J-hope’s outfit when BTS were headed to a “Music Bank” recording, I promptly lost it.
He wore a black Diesel distressed denim waistcoat with a Balenciaga logo shirt and wacky (read: Ronald McDonald-esque) LV Archlight sneakers. He also added a Vetements x Levi’s Extra-Long Belt, Chanel vintage sunglasses and another clear bag from Comme Des Garçons.
The loose grunge-y outfit shouldn’t look sexy but he somehow manages to pull that off. It’s honestly maddening.
Exhibit E: The performance and MV outfits of artist J-hope
🐔🐔재밌게 잘 들어줘서 고마워요🐔🐔 pic.twitter.com/MJrINh4D7W
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) September 28, 2019
I’ve written before how the term hobicore was created by fans who noticed how J-hope’s personal style veered mostly towards a mix of kidcore and streetwear. Since BTS is known to be pretty hands-on in their projects, it’s inevitable that the outfits that they select for their music videos and performances also reflect their own tastes.
During J-hope’s “Ego” performance during the “Map of the Soul ON:E” concert, for example, he paired a Chanel Métiers D’art wool jacket with Air Jordan 1 x Travis Scott sneakers.
But his style shines through more in his solo music videos like the one for “Chicken Noodle Soup.” In the video, he showed off customized Hurjaboy accessories: a “Hope World” beaded bracelet with tassels, candy-colored lucite rings to match his nail polish, and a bedazzled framed childhood photo necklace.
Art by Jan Cardasto
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