With their huge impact, various Korean celebrities are employed as ambassadors for luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.
Luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada have become quite familiar to people, simply by hearing their names. These brands employ famous celebrities as “ambassadors” to enhance their branding and increase sales. Let’s take a look at Korean stars who are active as ambassadors for luxury brands.
Chanel (House)
1. G-Dragon (BIGBANG)
Fashion icon G-Dragon became Chanel’s house ambassador in 2016, becoming the first Asian male to do so. He has achieved notable success as a Korean celebrity. In particular, Chanel, known for its high-end luxury branding, gained a lot of attention when they sponsored G-Dragon’s music video for “One Of A Kind” by providing costumes and props. G-Dragon, who was favored by Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel’s former chief designer, became a leader and icon of genderless fashion, wearing a tweed jacket, traditionally considered women’s clothing, and carrying a Chanel bag.
2. Jennie (BLACKPINK)
Jennie, who has overwhelming influence in the fashion industry, is regarded as the most fitting Korean celebrity for Chanel’s brand image and even earns the nickname “Human Chanel”. Jennie also gained international attention when she appeared at the prestigious New York Met Gala 2023 alongside actress Song Hye Kyo and others.
3. Kim Go Eun
Kim Go Eun, known for her unique elegance, was appointed as Chanel’s house ambassador in 2019. Following in the footsteps of G-Dragon and Jennie, she became the third Korean Chanel house ambassador. Kim Go Eun also participated in the Chanel J12 Watch 20th Anniversary campaign alongside Lily-Rose Depp, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and others.
Louis Vuitton (Global)
1. Bae Doona
Bae Doona became the first Korean global advertising model for the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton in 2016. She is also famous for being the “personal favorite” of Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s women’s wear director. They formed a personal friendship after Ghesquière was deeply impressed by the movie “The Host”, and was even spotted going on vacation or spending time together. Bae Doona has also appeared in a Vogue pictorial featuring Nicola Ghesquière and his celebrity friends, including Stacy Martin and Jennifer Connelly.
2. Jung Ho Yeon
Jung Ho Yeon, who gained global attention through the Netflix series “Squid Game,” has been Louis Vuitton’s global ambassador since 2021. Before becoming an actor, Jung Ho Yeon debuted as a model, and her red-dyed hair during his modeling days became her trademark. She signed an exclusive contract with Louis Vuitton for the S/S 2017 season and a worldwide exclusive contract for the F/W 2017 season. After the success of “Squid Game”, the model-actress was promoted to the global house ambassador for Louis Vuitton’s fashion, watches, and jewelry departments. In particular, she made a grand return to the runway as the opening and finale lead of the Louis Vuitton F/W 2022 fashion show held in Paris in March last year, becoming the first Korean to do so.
3. J-Hope (BTS)
J-Hope, a member of the globally recognized Korean boy group BTS, was appointed as the global ambassador for Louis Vuitton in 2023. Just a month before his appointment as a global ambassador, during Paris Fashion Week in January, he was invited to the fashion shows of major brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Hermès for three consecutive days, showcasing his status as a global star.
Dior (Global)
1. Jisoo (BLACKPINK)
Jisoo, who received high praise from the Dior chairman, was selected as the Dior Ambassador in 2021. In particular, Dior revealed that some of the outfits from the 2021 F/W collection were inspired by Jisoo, creating a lot of buzz. This is an exceptional case where Jisoo not only became a Dior ambassador but also became an important figure who significantly influences the brand’s identity. The story of Dior’s CEO, Pietro Beccari, telling Jisoo to contact him if she departs from YG is also widely known.
2. Jimin (BTS)
BTS member Jimin took on the role of global brand ambassador for Dior in 2023. The connection between Dior and Jimin goes back to when Kim Jones, artistic director of Dior Men’s wear, designed the stage outfits for BTS’s world tour in 2019. At the time, Dior described Jimin as showcasing “Dior’s distinctive style and spirit that transcends generations with timeless modernity.”
Prada (Global)
1. Jaehyun (NCT)
NCT member Jaehyun was appointed as the global ambassador for the Italian luxury brand Prada in 2022. He showcased an overwhelming presence when he attended the men’s wear collection fashion show for the 2023 spring/summer season in Milan, Italy. In particular, Jaehyun also broadcast the Prada 2022 spring/summer season women’s clothing collection, which was held simultaneously in Milan and Shanghai in September 2021, live on his account, for the first time in Korea.
Gucci (Global)
1. Kai (EXO)
EXO member Kai became the first Asian global model for Gucci and the first Korean global ambassador in 2018. Nicknamed “Human Gucci”, Kai was selected as the main character for Gucci’s 100th-anniversary collection in 2021, and the Teddy Bear Collection was released. At that time, the collection was presented against the backdrop of a “Hanok” (traditional Korean house) incorporating Korean elements, and was launched in Korea first, making it a significant event.
2. Lee Jung Jae
The trendsetter Lee Jung Jae was appointed as Gucci’s ambassador in 2021. At the time, he gained global popularity through the drama “Squid Game”, and Gucci described him as an artist who represents Korea and is loved worldwide for his deep and wide-ranging acting skills, sophisticated fashion style, charismatic iconic style, and strong individuality that aligns with Gucci’s philosophy of embracing diversity and valuing self-expression.
3. Shin Min Ah
Shin Min Ah, who was selected as a Gucci ambassador in 2021, garnered attention for perfectly pulling off Gucci’s full outfits in the drama “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.” The Gucci dress worn by Shin Min Ah at the time became highly sought after despite its high price, causing it to become out-of-stock at offline stores nationwide. As a result, Gucci appointed her as a global ambassador.
4. IU
Singer-songwriter IU was appointed as Gucci Brand Ambassador in Korea in 2020, and was promoted to Global Ambassador two years later in 2022. As a Gucci Global Ambassador, IU participated in Milan Fashion Week and achieved significant results.
5. Hanni (NewJeans)
Hanni, a member of the rising idol group NewJeans, was selected as the global ambassador for Gucci in 2022. Her ambassador appointment was achieved just three months after debut, making Hanni the first member of NewJeans to achieve an ambassador title. She also attended the Gucci Cruise 2024 fashion show held at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, shining brightly at the event.
Source: Wikitree
