Fashion in the K-Pop world is not just about wearing trendy clothes — it’s also about channeling unique vibes that showcase an artist’s distinct personality. A testament to this is how Red Velvet‘s Irene and aespa‘s Ningning wore the same dress but radiated entirely different auras.
| @renebaebae/Instagram | @imnotningning/Instagram
Both stars chose to wear SHUSHU/TONG‘s exquisite mini dress from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection. A glance at the dress, and you’ll understand why it carries a price tag of over $1000. This piece isn’t just a dress — it’s a statement. The intricate design, the superior quality of the material, and the brand’s reputation in the fashion industry all add to its value. Yet, as we’ll see, the dress can tell very different stories depending on who’s wearing it.
| SHUSHU/TONG
Red Velvet’s latest teaser video featuring Irene for their upcoming comeback has set the internet on fire. Released at the stroke of midnight, the teaser managed to captivate audiences instantly, making rounds on all major social media platforms and Korean community sites. While Irene’s ethereal visuals and the mysterious aura of the teaser played a significant part in the sensation, her fashion was undeniably a focal point of the discussion.
‘Chill Kill’ Mood Sampler #IRENE
【Red Velvet The 3rd Album ‘Chill Kill’】
➫ 2023.11.13 6PM KST
Pre-orderhttps://t.co/46V8XHDVQ4#RedVelvet #레드벨벳 #Chill_Kill #칠킬#RedVelvet_Chill_Kill pic.twitter.com/BedOSqCKKK
— Red Velvet (@RVsmtown) October 24, 2023
this irene will go down in history pic.twitter.com/zmNQ8QkLXg
— irene pics (@picsofirene) October 24, 2023
Elevating the dress’s look, Irene paired it with a pair of SIMONE ROCHA Pearl Earrings, which retail for about $275. The overall vibe she gave off was hauntingly beautiful: eerie, gothic, and intense. The setting, with Irene laid out on traditional Korean bedding and her penetrating gaze into the camera, added layers of depth to her portrayal.
IRENE ‘Chill Kill’ Mood Sampler
SIMONE ROCHA: Pearl Earrings ($275)
SHU SHU TONG: Mini Dress ($1,024)#REDVELVET #레드벨벳 #IRENE #아이린 #styleby_irene pic.twitter.com/vgmeVemBAP
— 레드벨벳 패션 Red Velvet Fashion (@stylebyrv5) October 24, 2023
irene wearing shushu/tong ss23 pic.twitter.com/nQidNQhTXA
— ∘˚˳°∘° (@miushot) October 24, 2023
The mature, slightly unsettling feel contrasted with her flawless and elegant visuals, making it a memorable experience for the viewers. Such was the impact that fans and even non-fans expressed a desire to see Irene in a thriller film or series. She truly has a mesmerizing way of drawing viewers in.
chill kill mood sampler pic.twitter.com/VGXTvTZ4hH
— irene clips (@reneclips) October 24, 2023
On the other end of the spectrum, Ningning’s rendition of the dress painted a completely different picture. The aespa star donned the dress during her visit to China in June, where she graced the press conference of the Chinese TV Show The Next Stage 2023. Ningning, with her youthful charm, made the dress look playful, embodying the vibe of a cute Barbie doll.
ningning in shushu/tong ss23 dress for today’s solo schedule pic.twitter.com/6vO2cGVLQE
— khai ⋆ (@venusianruby) June 15, 2023
Her choice of footwear, a pair of VIVIANO co-branded platform thick heels, further accentuated the playful and youthful charm she was channeling. The entire ensemble, combined with Ningning’s bubbly personality, made her look like she had just stepped out of a fairy tale.
ningning in shushu/tong already!! ahh pic.twitter.com/We73IkMmrL
— roo ˚.♡ (@cafewindows) June 15, 2023
#NINGNING #닝닝 #aespa #æspa #에스파 上班 pic.twitter.com/vzrmobqnnz
— NINGeneration (@NINGeneration) June 15, 2023
Fashion is as much about the wearer as it is about the outfit. The same dress can tell a myriad of stories, all depending on who’s telling it. While Irene’s portrayal was mature, intense, and slightly eerie, Ningning’s was youthful, playful, and dreamy. Both stars showcased that it’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it.
