Cover 2NE1 is known for its avant-garde fashion (Photo: Instagram / @chaelincl)
2NE1 is known for its avant-garde fashion (Photo: Instagram / @chaelincl)
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2NE1 just announced it will be reuniting in October. We celebrate by looking back at their style statements, which consciously or otherwise, seem to be a precursor of the fashion choices made by later K-pop girl groups such as Blackpink, Aespa, Itzy, (G)-Idle and more
Around 15 years ago, the mainstream second-generation K-pop female idols were known for their cute or sexy aesthetics. For example, Girls Generation tended to have a feminine look, often favouring bright, bubbly outfits with lots of pink, frills and cutesy elements. Their styling highlighted their youthful, girl-next-door appeal.
But when YG Entertainment’s first girl group 2NE1 debuted in 2009, their avant-garde fashion choices and statement-making music quickly set them apart from the dominant girl group scene. The quartet composing CL (Lee Chae-rin), Dara (Sandara Park), Bom (Park Bom), and Minzy (Gong Min-ji) became the pioneer of “girl crush”, a style that showcases female fierceness and confidence.
To celebrate 2NE1’s reunion in October, Tatler explores the five trend-making styles of 2NE1 and closely looks at similar aesthetics shared by the later generations of K-pop stars.
In case you miss it: YG Entertainment announces 2NE1’s reunion and comeback tour
Hip-hop street style
In 2NE1’s debut song Fire (2009), the hip-hop-inspired streetwear gave the audience a glimpse into their unique personal styles. From CL’s colourful kaleidoscopic jacket and Dara’s bright pink baggy pants to Bom’s gold winged sneakers and Minzy’s graphic t-shirt, each evokes a distinct urban concept that adds a playful and energetic vibe to the group.
2NE1’s eye-catching street-style outfits can be seen as being reflected in K-pop girl group (G)-Idle’s latest release Klaxon (2024). (G)-Idle’s stage outfits, combining a mix of bold colours and patterns crop-tops, along with baggy denim pants and caps, create a visually striking image and emphasise each’s individuality.
Experimental hairstyles
2NE1 at the MTV World Stage VMAJ 2010 (Photo: Getty Image)
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2NE1 is also known for its members’ innovative hairstyles. Dara’s high ponytail in the anthem Lollipop (2009)—for which she collaborated with Bigbang—and her blue asymmetric cuts in the catchy Come Back Home (2014) undoubtedly push the boundaries of K-pop fashion. The band’s bold use of hair colours, such as Bom’s iconic red hair, reflects the band’s confident and rebellious image.
Above Itzy’s Yeji (Photo: Instagram / @itzy.all.in.us)
Above Itzy’s Yena (Photo: Instagram / @itzy.all.in.us)
Itzy’s Yeji (Photo: Instagram / @itzy.all.in.us)
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Even more than a decade later, the impact left by 2NE1’s fashion statements seems to resonate within the Korean music scene. For example, popular girl group Itzy has incorporated various creative hairstyles since its debut in 2019. From Yeji’s platinum blonde rainbow ombre to Yuna’s modern maroon wavy hair, their hairstyles have become a distinctive part of their distinctive youthful visual identity.
Military-inspired looks
Above 2NE1 at 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) (Photo: Getty Image)
2NE1 at 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) (Photo: Getty Image)
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2NE1’s military-inspired uniforms during the surprise performance at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards (Mama) in Hong Kong remain among their most iconic outfits. Their bold blue and gold-accented structured jackets in shiny fabric, with matching accessories, added a touch of glamour to their overall ensemble.
YG Entertainment’s second girl group, Blackpink, shares a similar style aesthetic as 2NE1. In their powerful anthem Kill This Love (2019), the members wear various military-inspired outfits, with elements like belts and metallic embellishments in the dark red textiles. The pieces create a luxurious and edgy style for the group.
Futuristic fashion style
2NE1’s award-winning I Am the Best (2011) showcased an array of futuristic outfits. The design uses unconventional elements like metallics, holographic fabrics and monochromatic colours like whole silver ensembles to create a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
We’re seeing a resurgence in metallic ensembles in fashion, which has come to be called Y3K style. Several K-pop groups have embraced this aesthetic, such as Aespa, whose fashion has been marked by bold, futuristic aesthetics. Their outfits feature cyberpunk elements such as shiny latex and glossy leather to reflect the digital feel of virtual reality.
Furry stage look
In the ballad Missing You (2013), 2NE1’s faux fur stage outfits create a cosy yet quirky look. CL’s long, dramatic yellow fur coat with animal prints makes a bold statement on stage, while Bom’s fur miniskirt adds a tactile, luxurious element.
Three years later, in 2016, Blackpink’s Jennie also wore a fur stage outfit at the Melon Music Awards. While we can’t say for sure if 2NE1’s aesthetics directly influenced her choice it’s safe to say that Jennie’s white fluffy shawl and sparkling earrings give us a similar cosy yet chic vibe.
