Stray Kids Made a Case for Tailored Coordination on their Met Gala Debut
Fashion’s greatest night, also known as the Met Gala or the Costume Institute Benefit, kicked off on a high note with the attendance of global icons including Zendaya, Bad Bunny, Karol G and more. One of the most buzz-worthy moments of the night, however, came courtesy of the pop octet Stray Kids. The South Korean act wrote fashion history as the first K-pop group to attend the event — as a whole.
Pulling a page from boy band history, the group stunned with coordinated looks custom-created by the American fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger. The tailored outfits showcased the label’s signature white, red and blue color palette and preppy sensibilities.
Making History
As one of Asia’s Fashion Power Players, K-pop stars Stray Kids are in no way strangers to the spotlight. The group has attracted the attention of fashion spheres with a variety of endeavors, from ambassadorships to runway appearances.
On May 6, the group achieved a new milestone, becoming the first-ever South Korean group to attend the fundraiser event. As Tommy Hilfiger ambassadors and campaign stars, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. attended the event as guests of the namesake American designer.
The group opted for classic suits dramatically revealed on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Stray Kids arrived at the event clad in navy jackets and coats lined with floral motifs and as they walked down the red carpet, the octet unveiled coordinated ensembles. The red, navy and white suits were adorned with contrasting trimmings, gold accents and subtle floral motifs nodding to “The Garden of Time” dress code.
Talking with Emma Chamberlain about their red carpet style, rapper Felix shared, “We all dress up differently, but at the same time we match our colors together so in a sense, we have that point to show the Stray Kids’ color.”
Breaking down the looks
In a press statement, Tommy Hilfiger shared the inspiration behind the K-pop bands’ looks. Bang Chan, for example, wore a reinterpretation of the traditional three-piece suit, consisting of a single-breasted wool and silk blazer with gold flower lapel pins paired with a shirt and pants of the same fabric. The ensemble was adorned with red piping.
Changbin, on the other hand, wore a traditional three-piece suit: a single-breasted wool and silk gabardine blazer with contrasting trim and rich gold accents, wool and silk pants and a waistcoat, layered over a white shirt with Ithaca stripe and gold floral buttons.
Hyunjin, who is also recognized for his association with the Milan-based powerhouse Versace, wore a double-breasted red silk satin blazer. Featuring a constructed shoulder line, the piece flaunted varsity-style Tommy Hilfiger embroidery and gold crest buttons. The piece was paired with pleated pants made of the same fabric and a classic Ithaca stripe button-down collar with floral details that nodded at the Time Flower from The Garden of Time. During the group’s arrival at the Met, Hyunjin also wore a double-breasted Chesterfield coat with gold crest buttons.
Han, meanwhile, was styled in a custom single-breasted blazer made of red silk satin with contrasting gold piping detailing and TH embroidery. The look was completed with pearl satin pants and a sheer Ithaca striped shirt featuring a gold floral pattern. For his arrival at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Han layered the outfit with a cropped peacoat adorned with gold buttons and red buttonhole detail.
Seungmin, one of Stray Kids’ vocalists, opted for a custom double-breasted blazer made of navy pearl satin and red piping detailing on the collar, lapels and cuffs, He accessorized with a gold flower lapel pin and complemented the look with red satin trousers and a classic rugby shirt, reinterpreted in sheer cotton.
Contrasting with the rest of the team, rapper Felix made a case for total white. The adroit fashionista, whose exploits with Louis Vuitton have made him one of fashion’s most sought-after stars, wore a white suit. The jacket featured silk satin lapels, an embroidered TH monogram in satin stitch and gold floral details on the body. Wool and silk pleated pants and a button-down shirt with floral details rounded off the stylish get-up. At his arrival at the event, Felix wore a double-breasted Chesterfield coat.
Finally, I.N and Lee Know wore white and navy pinstripe ensembles. I.N’s look featured a double-breasted blazer with 24-karat gold pinstripes and white pants. Lee Know was outfitted in gold pinstripe navy trousers and a white structured jacket with a navy blue draped scarf at the collar.
Exciting news
In addition to the theatrical outfit reveal at the event, Stray Kids also dropped exciting news for their fandom — or rather, Mr. Tommy Hilfiger offered a spoiler. Talking to Ashley Graham and Gwendoline Christie on the red carpet, the designer teased an upcoming 40-city tour for the K-pop band. So exciting!
Interested in more Met Gala coverage? Check out how Felix put a spin on the monochrome trend here.
