How Blackpink's Jennie Boosted 'High Teen' Vintage Fashion Trend In South Korea

Blackpink member Jennie Kim has reportedly brought back “high teen” fashion culture in South Korea.

Derived from both Korean and English, the term “high teen” is a pastiche of the words “high school” and “teenager,” which refers to the various aspects of pop culture that relate well to the youth in today’s generation. The term has since become a commonly used jargon that refers to famed Western coming-of-age themes hyped by movies, television, and fashion.

Originating from the 1990s or early 2000s, “high teen” has become a salient style variety. The trend is more visibly predominant when it comes to fashion pieces with looks and items that translate into preppy types of clothing such as pleated skirts and tartan patterns.

The stylish vintage apparel also includes baguette-style handbags and scrunchies that have been donned by pop culture characters like Cher Horowitz played by actress Alicia Silverstone in 1995 film “Clueless.”

And as candy-colored crop tops, wide-legged jeans and pleated overalls have become a staple in every South Korean youth’s wardrobe, the trend got a massive boost from Jennie of the four-membered K-pop girl group Blackpink.

The 24-year-old singer-rapper has long been praised for her stunning fashion sense. Besides her music career, Jennie has also been considered a budding fashion icon in the country, sporting “high teen” looks that have stemmed from her fashion style, overseas upbringing, and natural charisma, South China Morning Post noted.

In 2019, eagle-eyed fans and fashion lovers spotted the songstress wearing statement pieces that highlighted the early 2000s. Outfits such as knit crop tops and wide-legged jeans matched with vintage accessories have been worn by the Blackpink member herself. Eventually, fashion retail shops all around Seoul have reportedly started stocking up on similar outfits, ushering in the wave of the chic and dapper.

On another note, Jennie Kim recently launched a fashion line last April 21 called “Jentle Home,” a collection inspired by the Blackpink member herself. Featuring chic and de rigueur items that range from eyewear collections to other stylish paraphernalia, Jennie’s new business venture is largely influenced by her childhood memories curated into a nostalgic fantasy world of dollhouses and teddy bears.

Meanwhile, with regards to Jennie’s authenticity and voguish fashion sense, the K-pop singer-rapper revealed in an interview with Elle Korea that she is normally “interested in things that aren’t from her time and age, be it fashion or other things.”