ATEEZ’S SEONGHWA PAVES THE WAY FOR GENDERLESS FASHION
BY SARAH CAMPBELL PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Fashion has always been, and will always be, about identity, self-expression, and freedom—whether that means having the courage to define who you truly are or the determination to remain undefined. Park Seonghwa, a member of the internationally successful Korean boy group ATEEZ, is no stranger to breaking the rules and expressing himself without feeling the need for labels. Whether he’s incorporating heels and skirts into his personal style or collaborating with international womenswear labels, Seonghwa quickly became a true inspiration in the world of genderless, inclusive fashion and shows no signs of slowing down.
ATEEZ recently wrapped up its “IN YOUR FANTASY” world tour, where each of the eight members debuted a unique solo performance. Seonghwa performed “Skin,” the lyrics of which he said are about shedding a “barrier” that exists between someone’s true self or between two people. Seonghwa stunned in outfits from snakeskin-print tops to bedazzled body-harnesses, but the K-pop chameleon’s “Skin” solo stage outfits barely scratch the surface of his interpretation of inclusive fashion. The idol describes his personal style as “genderless, slender, sleek” and strives to embody that motto both on and off stage.
Within Korean culture, traditional values are still held in high regard. The K-Pop genre has acted as a landscape for self-expression and identity exploration, giving K-Pop artists and fans a platform to be true to themselves in a country where conservative ideas and views of gender roles continue to be the norm. Seonghwa used his visibility as a successful artist—and as Isabel Marant’s latest brand ambassador—to spread his belief that clothing can, and should be, up to interpretation.
During a video call with a fan, Seonghwa explained how ever since he was young, he was always drawn to more feminine clothing, clothing he felt was off-limits to him as a man. “When I was young, [shopping together] with my mom, I saw girls’, women’s [clothing]. It was so pretty, but [I thought], I’m a boy so I can’t [wear it]. I don’t know why. Why can’t I? I want to break these rules.” Now, Seonghwa is doing just that. Constantly rocking heels, dresses, flared suits, and skirts, fans have pointed out how Seonghwa seems to “light up” when he’s embracing this side of himself.
Seonghwa was appointed as Isabel Marant’s brand ambassador and recently made his runway debut at Marant’s Fall-Winter 2025 Paris Fashion Week show, making waves as he walked in the womenswear show specifically. Stunning in a black blazer-slacks combo over a silver-sequined blouse and one of his favorite accessories, high heels, Seonghwa expressed his enthusiasm at representing the brand and expressing himself on the runway. “Everyone expected me to wear men’s clothes, 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,” Seonghwa said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I especially liked the high heels. I absolutely loved the final look, and it really felt like the clothes were made just for me.” Off the runway, Seonghwa wore an Isabel Marant brown suede wrap-dress with a belt, leather leggings, and brown leather-heeled ankle boots.
“I believe that anyone, regardless of age or gender, should be able to wear the clothes that they want. I find such joy in being able to express myself through clothes and fashion,” he toldThe Hollywood Reporter. “As an artist, I’m able to embody and portray so many aspects of myself through our music, facial expressions in performances, and dance, but with fashion, I can express and showcase another completely different side of myself that fully embraces and captures my personal story.”
