Bringing the second day of this yr’s Coachella to a detailed, Ok-pop lady group Blackpink made historical past on Saturday evening once they grew to become the primary Asian artists to headline the pageant. Reportedly, for a crowd of over 125,000 individuals, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé used the ground-breaking second to pay homage to Korean heritage by arriving on stage in hanbok: a conventional sort of gown.
Designed by OUWR and Kumdanje, the hanboks had been impressed by cheol-like silhouettes. Credit score: dance/oww
One other referred to as the group “the cultural delegation of Korea” on Instagram, in reference not solely to the hanbok however to different visible cues integrated into their reveals, such because the stage backdrop that includes an angular tiled roof paying homage to conventional Korean structure. One.
From the enduring Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra worn by Madonna for her 1990 Blond Ambition Tour to Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell’s Union Jack mini gown, the proper stage outfit can stay perpetually within the public reminiscence. Particularly when worn to a career-defining second. Throughout one other watershed Coachella efficiency — Beyoncé’s 2018 headline set — the singer’s customized Balmain collegiate-style yellow hoodie was a joyous nod to Black tradition, particularly traditionally Black colleagues and universities.

The stage design was one other acknowledgment of Korean heritage. Credit score: Fraser Harrison/Getty Photos
In Korea, hanbok are nonetheless worn on particular events and are sometimes seen TV Drama. Quite a few designers within the nation have additionally created modern takes which are integrated into on a regular basis put on. At Seoul Vogue Week, JULYCOLUMN’s Fall-Winter 2023 assortment drew on the voluminous silhouette of the hanbok to create shirts and structured jackets. Final September, Korean label Blue Tambourine launched the garment to Western audiences at Milan Vogue Week to create its spring-summer 2023 assortment completely utilizing conventional hanbok material.
Whether or not you are a devoted Blink or not, the look is a robust instance of Asian visibility, the hallmark of conventional craftsmanship and spirit seen by way of style – representing Korean tradition and symbolically embracing each its previous and future. Places
On the finish of their efficiency, and after addressing the viewers in English between numbers throughout their two-hour-long efficiency, Blackpink ended their set in Korean: “To this point, it has been Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rose Blackpink. . Thanks.”
Prime picture: Blackpink performing on the first weekend of Coachella 2023, shortly after eradicating their hanbok.