Taeyong's date with destiny in Paris
Finally breaking the drought, Taeyong finds himself at his first fashion week in Paris as a guest for luxury brand Loewe. Now the world can see what we've all been seeing for ages!
After some rather obscure hints that pointed to Taeyong finally getting to Paris Fashion Week, the verification came with Dispatch live streaming his airport departure from Incheon. After fans speculated about which brand would be hosting him, Taeyong arrived decked in Loewe from head to toe. Dressed in a stunning olive bomber and track-pants and accesorised with Loewe’s signature puzzle bag in baby cornflour blue, Taeyong stunned reporters and fans alike with his youthful exuberance and zesty demeanor. Hair slightly fluffy and freshly coloured a cool dark blonde, Taeyong looked ready for the 13 hour flight to Charles de Gaulle.
Loewe’s most recent collaboration with Ghibli saw it bring the film Howl’s Moving Castle to life. Loewe’s puzzle bag was reimagined to capture the beauty of Sophie Hatter and Howl, as well as key character Calcifer. Taeyong has often expressed his love for Ghibli films, most recently having added the line “My mind is living in Ghibli, I believe in the charm of classics” in his duet with Suran in the track Diamonds. His favourite films include Howl’s Moving Castle, and as the defacto real life anime boy, it was hardly surprising to see Loewe gifting him some key pieces from their most recent ‘Howl’s’ collection.
Taeyong was a special guest at the Loewe womenswear showing at Paris Fashion Week and it wasn’t long before Parisians got a glimpse of his outfit. Dressed in a black tank coupled with leather black shorts, chelsea boots and a stunning fawn coloured leather jacket, Taeyong stepped out of the hotel with glistening slicked back hair ready to face the crowd. Arriving at the venue, it was clear that photographers, fashion journalists and A-listers alike, were keen to see and get to know this Kpop star from Korea. Walking confidently with his newly acquired French bodyguards (who’ve become quite famous themselves), Taeyong graced the front row keenly watching the show.
It’s clear that Taeyong has the visual aesthetic and charisma to carry out any look, any style, in any context and his exotic appearance gives him a uniquely universal appeal that makes him incredibly marketable. Posing with esteemed Suspiria director Luca Guadagnino, as well as with Jonathan Anderson creative director of Loewe himself, it’s becoming evident that Taeyong is a much sought after model and brand representative. It was so touching and inspiring seeing him in the city of lights, mingling in a crowd of fashion and entertainment professionals which included Jamie Dornan, Chloe Sevigny and Josh O’Connor. Many publications have shared his image including Elle, W Korea and Vogue and without a doubt what must be on their minds is, why has this man yet to snag a modeling and brand gig?
Taeyong with Luca Guadagnino
Taeyong with Jonathan Anderson
Without sounding too contentious, it’s becoming evident that there are rumblings inside Taeyong’s company that have become more obvious especially when it comes to poorly handling his PR and marketing- something has definitely gone awry. Now that the company is facing a barrage from several angles and an uncertain future for its artists despite Hybe’s promises, it’s more and more pertinent that Taeyong insures himself against any future setbacks. This is what this opportunity with Loewe has enabled him to get a chance to be seen by an international audience unconnected to the Kpop world. A chance to be seen for the incredibly bankable visual he is by those in an industry whose expertise centres on recognising such talent. From here on, the best is yet to come for Taeyong. An independent solo music career, modelling and brand gigs as well as possibly starting his own fashion line - all are within the realm of possibility. The world is ready for Taeyong. However, is Taeyong ready to take on the world?
Dispatch Korea
Taeyong Instagram
Taeyong Instagram
Vogue Thailand