BTS’ style has gone from hip-hop to Dior to Louis Vuitton – we look at the K-pop boy band’s fashion evolution

When BTS debuted in 2013, they dressed in baggy shorts, gold chains and bandanas to match their early hip-hop identity. Now they’re more likely to be in suits

The K-pop superstars are Louis Vuitton brand ambassadors now, but have been spotted in custom Gucci and looks by Ralph Lauren, Celine and Vivienne Westwood

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BTS during their showcase in 2013. The South Korean boy band have gone from streetwear to tailored suits and Louis Vuitton. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 4:15pm, 8 Jan 2022

In June 2013, a seven-member K-pop group named Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS), which translates to Bulletproof Boy Scouts in English, made their official debut at the Ilchi Art Hall in Seoul, South Korea.

Group members V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope made their first appearance with a simple, yet streamlined look.

BTS at their showcase at Lotte Card Art Centre in Seoul, South Korea, in 2014. Photo: Getty Images

BTS identified as a hip-hop group early in their career during a 2014 interview with website K-popped! Their outfits at the time consisted of baggy shorts, gold chains, bandanas and other staples of hip-hop fashion.

In a YouTube video posted on BTS’ official page in June 2021, the group looked back at their 2013 performance at Ilchi Art Hall and laughed about how much their style and stage presence has changed.

During a February 2014 event at the Lotte Card Art Centre in Seoul, BTS leaned into a punk rock aesthetic by wearing leather jackets and trousers, casual T-shirts and sneakers. RM, J-Hope and Suga accentuated the look with skull prints and crossbones.