Jennie Kim
Photo: @jennierubyjane/Instagram
Born: January 16th, 1996
Jennie Kim, commonly known by her stage name Jennie, born on January 16th, 1996, in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, South Korea, is not only an acclaimed singer, rapper, and actress but also a fashion icon.
She grew up in both South Korea and New Zealand, where she studied as an international student at Waikowhai Intermediate School in Auckland. During her time there, she lived with a homestay family and learnt to speak English.
Jennie successfully auditioned for YG Entertainment in 2010 and debuted as a member of the now globally acclaimed girl group BLACKPINK in August 2016. They debuted with the album Square One, featuring hits like Whistle and Boombayah. BLACKPINK’s other hits include Ice Cream, featuring American artist Selena Gomez. Jennie’s unique vocal style and charismatic stage presence made her a standout performer within the group
In November 2018, Jennie made her solo debut with the single Solo, which topped South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart and the US Billboard World Digital Songs chart. The music video for Solo became the first by a Korean female soloist to surpass one billion views on YouTube.
Jennie has continued to release successful singles, including You & Me and One of the Girls, featured in the HBO Original show The Idol, in which Jennie also stars alongside good friend and fellow fashion icon Lily-Rose Depp and Canadian singer The Weeknd.
Jennie’s influence now extends beyond music and into the world of fashion. Known for her impeccable style, she has been dubbed the “Human Chanel” by her fans and netizens. Jennie’s relationship with Chanel began in 2017 when she became the face of Chanel Beauty. In 2019, she was appointed as a global ambassador for the French luxury fashion house, where it is said she was the last Chanel muse to be chosen by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld before his passing.
Jennie’s ambassadorship with Chanel has been marked by numerous iconic moments. She has graced the red carpet in stunning Chanel ensembles, including her memorable appearance at the Met Gala in a dress from the house’s 1990 archives. Jennie’s ability to blend Chanel’s timeless elegance with her own modern twist has made her a beloved figure in the fashion world.
Her personal style, characterised by a mix of high fashion and casual chic often dubbed as ‘jenniecore,’ resonates with fans worldwide. Jennie often incorporates Chanel pieces into her everyday wardrobe, showcasing the brand’s versatility and her own fashion-forward sensibilities. Her influence in fashion is not limited to her ambassadorship; she has also collaborated with other luxury brands and frequently appears in fashion magazines
Jennie’s fashion influence extends through her partnerships with other luxury brands. Since 2019, she has been the global ambassador for Hera, a contemporary Seoul beauty brand. Jennie’s campaigns with Hera, such as the ‘More You, Effortlessly’ campaign, highlight her sophisticated yet effortless beauty. Her association with Hera has significantly contributed to the brand’s global visibility
In addition, Jennie has collaborated with the eyewear brand Gentle Monster. Their partnership has produced several successful collections, including the “Jentle Home” and “Jentle Garden” lines, which draw inspiration from Jennie’s childhood memories These collections feature whimsical and nostalgic designs, further cementing Jennie’s status as a fashion innovator.
On May 18, 2021, Jennie became the face of Calvin Kleins Spring 2021 collection In May 2023, Jennie partnered with Calvin Klein for its first capsule collection. In December 2023, Jennie starred in Jacquemus’ ‘Guirlande’ holiday campaign. On June 10, 2024, she made her debut as a runway model by closing Jacquemus’ 15th-anniversary show in Capri, Italy. In March 2024, Jennie fronted Maison Kitsuné’s Spring 2024 campaign, titled ‘Baby Fox.’
Jennie served as one of the fashion editors for Vogue Korea’s March 2021 issue. According to the magazine, she participated in photoshoots as a planner and helped decide the concept, hair and makeup drafts, and styling. All these ventures have solidified Jennie’s status as a fashion icon
Jennie’s performances with BLACKPINK at Coachella have also left a lasting impression on the fashion world. Her bold and stylish outfits, such as the iconic white bodysuit with lace detailing she wore in 2019, showcased her ability to make a statement on stage During BLACKPINKS second time at Coachella in 2023, Jennie continued to wow audiences with her Coachella looks, including a custom-made pink corset and shorts set by Dolce & Gabbana. Her Coachella style perfectly encapsulates her fearless approach to fashion and performance
Jennie’s impact on fashion extends beyond her personal style and brand partnerships. She has become a trendsetter in the K-pop industry and beyond, influencing fashion trends globally. Her appearances at major fashion events, such as Paris Fashion Week and the Met Gala, are highly anticipated, and her outfits often set new trends.
Jennie’s highly anticipated solo comeback, Mantra, released in 2024, marked a new chapter in her career. The music video featured Jennie in a series of stunning outfits that highlighted her evolving style, featuring Jennie in pieces from Acne Studios to Jean Paul Gautier; her stage outfits also captured attention.
From a sleek white latex tank top to a vintage Reebok x NFL jersey paired with an embroidered lace skirt, Jennie’s fashion choices in Mantra reflected her versatility and boldness. Her ability to blend different fashion aesthetics has solidified her status as a trendsetter and icon in the music and fashion industries.
By Samantha Amadi, a student on the BA Journalism course at London College of Communication
