More Than a Trend: Seonghwa’s Empowering Fashion Week Debut Marks a Cultural Shift
What happens when a K-Pop idol defies the boundaries of traditional fashion? For Seonghwa of ATEEZ, the answer lies in embracing femininity and challenging the status quo. By openly embracing femininity and rejecting conventional gender roles, Seonghwa has ignited a conversation that transcends fashion and touches the core of identity. His desire to wear women’s clothing—a bold declaration made in solidarity with his fans, ATINY—is more than just a style choice; it’s a challenge to the very rules that dictate what’s considered acceptable. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared with ATINY: "When I was young [and] I was with my mom shopping together, I saw girls' clothes and thought, ‘This is so pretty, but I’m a boy, so I can’t wear it.’ I never understood why! I want to break these rules.”
Seonghwa’s journey toward redefining fashion norms reached a full-circle moment at Paris Fashion Week. Making his highly anticipated runway debut at Isabel Marant’s Spring/Summer 2025 show, Seonghwa stepped into the global spotlight, not just as an idol but as a pioneer in his industry. His ensemble—a striking combination of a brown dress, leather pants, and chic kitten-heel boots—was more than a fashion statement. It was a deliberate act of defiance against the rigid gender norms that have long dominated the fashion industry. In that moment, Seonghwa wasn’t just wearing clothes; he was making an unapologetic declaration of his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what idols, men, and fashion can be.
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Seonghwa explained his decision to wear women’s fashion at the event. “Everyone expected me to wear men’s clothes,” he admitted. “But I saw that in one of Isabel [Marant]’s interviews, she mentioned how she is naturally drawn to women’s clothing. I feel the same way, so I decided to keep an open mind and boldly give it a try. I especially liked the high heels.” This choice was not just a fashion risk; it was a calculated move that reflected his broader vision of inclusivity and fluidity in fashion.
Though this was his debut at Fashion Week, Seonghwa has been no stranger to women’s clothing. His willingness to experiment with traditionally feminine styles—such as dresses, corsets, and high heels—has earned him admiration and sparked important discussions about gender fluidity in fashion. Whether performing on stage or attending events in a corset or heels, Seonghwa’s choices illustrate that clothing can be an unrestricted art form. This ongoing exploration fosters a deeper connection with his fans, who appreciate his authenticity and draw inspiration from his bold self-expression. Such a commitment to challenging societal norms fuels a cultural shift toward a more inclusive understanding of identity.
Seonghwa's influence transcends fashion; it encourages fans to question traditional societal labels. By taking bold steps, he inspires others to critically examine their views on identity and fashion, motivating them to break free from outdated constraints. His fearless embrace of fashion fluidity serves as a reminder that clothing is not merely a means of covering the body, but a powerful language of expression accessible to everyone, regardless of gender.
His journey represents the dawn of a new era, inspiring a wave of idols and fans to view fashion as a limitless canvas for self-expression. By breaking down barriers, he inspires others to join this movement, nurturing a culture where individuality and creativity can thrive without limits.