On August 20, The Debut: Dream Academy (also known as Dream Academy), a joint venture by HYBE and GEFFEN Records, introduced its 20 contestants. In addition to the global nature of the show, its differences from the average elimination program inspired some mixed feelings from netizens.
Eventually, the group was narrowed down to six members and named KATSEYE.
KATSEYE | HYBE
While KATSEYE are not a traditional K-Pop group, many elements of their training and pre-debut activities have overlapped, leaving netizens waiting eagerly for their official debut.
Recently, this led to the group being named one of VOGUE’s acts to watch in the upcoming year, alongside other rising artists like Omar Apollo and Tyla.
Tyla | VOGUE
However, one aspect of the accolade has left a bad taste in netizens’ mouths — the styling.
In contrast to the other artists’ simpler looks, KATSEYE’s styling could be described as kitsch. Each member is wearing more than one layer of varying textures, as a color code is somewhat adhered to.
| VOGUE
Some outfits, like Manon and Daniella‘s, are not entirely hated…
Manon (left) and Daniella (right).
manon and dani being the only ones gettinf decent fits https://t.co/FUcCzPE6Gu
— ٍxaro ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚ (@kweiju) March 8, 2024
At first glance, I thought it was fake (like someone put their heads on random bodies), then I did a double-take OMFG.
Sophia:
Lara: the outfit oh lawd
Megan: –
Manon: surprisingly suits her
Daniela: suits her but the jacket???hat??
Yoonchae: ? https://t.co/nU61S4wRHe
— Lilith Minaj☆ ⁷ (@hoya_minaj) March 8, 2024
…but reception has been generally negative as netizens state the group’s visuals are the saving grace.
I AM UNWELL #KATSEYE pic.twitter.com/NQh0JMWUf8
— lem ୨୧ (@lemmiexo) March 7, 2024
i never want whoever styled katseye in this to ever touch their clothes ever again i’m sawry what is going awnnn pic.twitter.com/pUJCX4U5YI
— joy짱 (@manonitgirl) March 7, 2024
these outfits r ugly and giving different centuries https://t.co/9lWPsXy8tr
— isfp (@manyanime_) March 8, 2024
this literally cannot be the first group photoshoot. we need a redo! and fire the stylist immediately! and the photographer lara and megan look like they were caught off gaurd omg https://t.co/nsjLsT0RJU
— rey⁷ (@monosouI) March 8, 2024
What do you think about the group’s styling?
