In the fast-paced terminals of the world’s busiest airports, the jet-setting elite have transformed mundane walkways and travelators into veritable fashion runways. Sartorially savvy K-Pop and Asian celebrities never miss a beat, especially when it comes to airport fashion. Standing at the confluence of comfort and chic, these stars serve looks that are both trendy and travel-ready, rendering them impeccably dressed to impress. Thanks to these time zone-hopping trendsetters, the departure lounge is now a personal catwalk, and we love to see it.
Airport fashion has captured the imagination of fans worldwide due to its unique blend of glamour and casualness, offering a candid peek into the personal styles of our favourite icons. From perfectly tousled hair to meticulously- selected accessories, every detail contributes to the narrative of effortlessness. These curated outfits aren’t merely clothing; they are a statement of individuality, an extension of the persona these stars embody on stage and on screen.
Let us take a look at the recent airport fashion looks as seen on our favourite K-pop and Asian celebs.
Airport fashion by K-pop and Asian celebs
Lee Min Ho
In the earliest days of 2024, amid the bustling crowds of Incheon International Airport, one figure stood out: South Korean powerhouse Lee Min Ho. Lee, who is known not just for his compelling on-screen presence but also for his off-screen style, was en route to grace Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2024 menswear show in Milan. As Fendi Korea’s ambassador, he embodied the luxury brand’s ethos while on the go, merging comfort with high fashion.
Comfortably tucked in a pristine ivory fur jacket, Lee’s silhouette spoke of indulgent textures that are as eye-catching as they are cosy. He paired it with sleek leather trousers that injected a dose of rebelliousness into the otherwise monotone ensemble. Swinging by his side, the iconic Fendi baguette bag in a monogrammed print was not just a fashion statement, but also a nod to his ambassadorial role. It’s a look that harmonises opulence with practicality.
Haerin
As the winter air nipped at the bustling crowds of Incheon International Airport, Haerin of NewJeans emerged as a vision in monochrome with a generous dose of pop pink. The Dior ambassador was spotted en route to the brand’s flagship store event in Hong Kong in November last year, cutting a fine and fashionable figure.
The idol balanced comfort and couture with a classic striped knit cardigan, the oversized fit perfect for a snug journey. The black and white striped top may have been an easy pick for the airport, but it was her statement pink Lady Dior bag that had us in raptures. As her choice of accessory, the quilted pink side bag hung from its candy-coloured strap, providing a delightful contrast to her otherwise monochromatic look. A pair of high-waisted black leather shorts added an edge to her feminine top, further accentuated by chunky black boots that allowed her to strut confidently ahead.
Song Joongki
As November’s chill descended upon Seoul, actor Song Joongki returned home, his airport attire mirroring the easy elegance of his on-screen personas. At the Incheon International Airport, the star’s laid-back style showcased how airport fashion for K-pop and Asian celebs can be the embodiment of all things stylish. His outfit was a masterclass in blending utility with a cool aesthetic — together, his crisp varsity jacket, understated grey hoodie, and relaxed-fit trousers crafted a narrative of quiet luxury. Additionally, Song’s choice of a timeless Louis Vuitton duffle bag in the brand’s signature monogram was not merely a travel essential; it made an intentional style statement. The look was completed with classic cream sneakers, proving that long terminal walks don’t need to compromise style. Whether he’s heading to a script reading or returning from a global tour, Song Joongki’s airport style is definitely an inspiring sight.
Xodiac
The members of Xodiac, Lex, Sing, and Leo, made a striking trio as they bid farewell to Seoul and jetted off to Milan for the Emporio Armani Fall/Winter 2024 womenswear show. Each member brought their own brand of airport fashion while creating a harmonised display of individual styles that reflected their musical prowess. Lex’s minimalist black sweatshirt with white floral outlines screamed understated chic, while his classic trousers added an air of casual sophistication. In stark contrast, Sing opted for an off-white hoodie, its front graced with a traditional illustration blends contemporary fashion with cultural roots. The look was complemented by loose-fitting black trousers.
Meanwhile, Leo’s textured black and white sweater was both eye-catching and on-brand for the group’s edgy, yet approachable image. Their sartorial choices were not merely about personal expression, but also about creating a visual narrative that speaks to their fans and fashion watchers alike. As Xodiac navigated the concourse, it was clear that the band is as synchronised in style as they are in their music, setting a high bar for airport fashion among K-pop Asian celebs.
Mina
The winter sun cast a golden glow on Mina from Twice as she strode through Incheon International Airport earlier in January this year. The songstress was Milan-bound, set to attend Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2024 couture show, and her airport attire spoke of her status as both a K-pop icon and a fashion influencer. Mina’s layered look was a tactical choice for the demands of air travel, with a warm, turtle-necked sweater underpinning a luxuriously padded Fendi jacket.
The fur-lined hood added a touch of wintertime chic, while the dark denim jeans provided a classic, comfortable base. Her silver and white sneakers were as bright as her career — brilliant and attention-grabbing — while the subtle elegance of her grey leather handbag perfectly emulated the quality of airport fashion one has come to expect from K-pop and Asian celebs. Mina’s ensemble was a harmonious blend of function and fashion, proving that one can jet-set and trend-set in the same breath.
Aespa
The members of Aespa, Ningning, Giselle, Winter, and Karina, are not just at the forefront of the K-Pop wave; they are also emerging as the new darlings of high fashion, as demonstrated by their recent airport appearances. Each member’s outfit was a curated composition of luxury brands that exemplified their unique styles, while also weaving together a cohesive group aesthetic.
Ningning’s Versace ensemble — a sleek leather jacket paired with a bouclé tweed skirt — exuded a rock-chic vibe softened by the feminine charm of the brand’s iconic Medusa ’95 small bag and Aila slingback loafers. The price tags, ranging from a USD 990 pair of shoes to a USD 3,950 jacket, scream luxury, but it’s Ningning’s confident stride that truly tags the look as priceless. Giselle opted for a more understated grunge style, donning a pair of Chrome Hearts sunglasses and a TreemingBird’s bold Mustang jacket, harmonising perfectly with Loewe’s baggy mid-rise jeans. The ensemble, with its earthy tones and textured layers, could command any stage or city street and easily position her as a fashion girlie.
Winter’s fashion-forward bravado shines in a contrasting Burberry and Bohemseo combination. The boldness of a faded denim bomber jacket juxtaposed against motorcycle leather shorts created a silhouette that is as daring as it is enviable. Her Polo Ralph Lauren bag and Burberry sunglasses, valued at USD 498 and USD 224 respectively, add a polished finish to the edgy look.
Karina’s choice of a Prada fit, from the cropped jacket to the faille mini dress, is a sartorial symphony of modern femininity and eco-conscious luxury. Her ensemble, capped off with a small padded re-nylon bag and chocolate leather loafers, encapsulates a breezy yet bold statement that aligns perfectly with the brand’s ethos. The USD 2,500 jacket and USD 2,600 dress are not mere clothing items; they are pieces of wearable art that Karina flaunted with an air of nonchalance.
Blackpink
Jisoo’s recent airport ensemble whispers quiet luxury with every thread — the R13 Sherpa denim jacket, priced at USD 1,315, paired with Reformation’s cowboy straight jeans, presents an image of approachable elegance, while her Dior glasses and Toujours bag added a layer of laid-back style. Lisa’s off-duty look was a blend of comfort and luxury, with an Issey Miyake shoulder bag worth USD 755 dangling from her arm, alongside her USD 5,825 Loro Piana cardigan, USD 3,295 Lemaire bomber jacket, and her Celine denims, likely inherited in service of her ambassadorial duties.
Rosé’s attire, on the other hand, spoke volumes of her love for laid-back luxe. The Korean idol paired Acne Studios jeans priced at USD 378 with classic sunglasses from Saint Laurent’s and Maison Margiela’s Tabi leather sandals. Meanwhile, Jennie’s fashion-forward sensibility shone through in her draped Loewe lambskin hoodie, which retails at an astounding USD 5,150. Paying homage to the understated glamour that BLACKPINK is renowned for, Jennie completed the ensemble with Jacquemus jeans.
Deepika Padukone
After dazzling on the BAFTA red carpet, Deepika Padukone returned to Mumbai International Airport with her fashion game still on point. Swapping out her bedazzled saree for sportswear, Deepika made a case for cool athleisure, decked out in an iconic Adidas Originals tracksuit. The bold blue hue of her tracksuit, paired with the classic trefoil logo was a striking choice, a nod to both comfort and timeless style. To add a key element and bridge the gap between casual and chic, the star layered her athletic look with a contrasting grey overcoat.
Her pristine white sneakers were the perfect travel companion, blending seamlessly with the sporty aesthetic. Completing the look with a pair of sleek black sunglasses, Deepika’s airport attire was a masterclass in post-red carpet travel fashion.
Shah Rukh Khan
At the airport in Mumbai, the inimitable Shah Rukh Khan was the epitome of casual chic, donning a Fendi jacket that merged luxury with laid-back style. Dressed in a black t-shirt and night blue cargos, the breezy look was inevitably a nod to Gen-Z aesthetics. The superstar’s choice of accessories — a Louis Vuitton backpack — befitted the Bollygarch’s global icon status. White sneakers completed the look, lending an air of effortless cool to his stride. With his hair pulled back and sunglasses in place, Shah Rukh Khan wasn’t just walking through Mumbai airport; he was owning it, one stylish step at a time.
(Main image: @wntrult/X (Formerly Twitter); featured image: Celebsfirst.com)
