There was a time when his name had the power to shake the world. From Asia to America; from music to fashion. And just like he never left, Kwon Ji-yong has decidedly returned to the public eye in full force, officially returning to the industry circuit with new music after seven years. The K-pop superstar; the forever style icon; the G-Dragon.
For those unfamiliar with his musical artistry, the last time we heard a fresh tune from the mega name was back in 2017, when he released his second EP Kwon Ji Yong and embarked on Act III: M.O.T.T.E World Tour, months before he had to begin his mandatory military service in South Korea. Whilst BigBang did release ‘Still Life’ in 2022, the rapper-producer had chosen to remain relatively quiet over the past few years, nursing other projects like the ever-popular collaborations between his cult fashion label Peaceminusone and Nike.
But the whispers of an impending comeback could finally hold fast and true when he released Guirella Desk: G_Division last year, a public confirmation of new music that was to come. Nonetheless, it’s been a tricky waiting game since—at least all the way up till now. For over the past two weeks, we’ve been basking in the afterglow of ‘Power’, GD’s pre-single release. There’s no question that the tune drop has had the industry in a chokehold, and Kwon himself has been promoting it relentlessly, with appearances on variety shows and the like.
Yet beyond the continued anticipation of more tunes (by way of a potential full album) soon, it’s been a nostalgic trip back to the days of yore for fashion fiends everywhere. After all, what truly completes G-Dragon’s longstanding appeal is his eternal hold on the fashion set with his capricious sartorial swings. We knew it from when he wore that iconic Vivienne Westwood ensemble in ‘Crooked’. Or how Chrome Hearts used to (and still does) make up a significant part of Kwon’s on and off-stage style. Or simply when he became the first Asian to clinch that Chanel ambassadorship, and worked the maison’s womenswear pieces into his everyday looks with unfettered ease.
As far as outfit formulas go, Kwon’s always found a way to keep things interesting throughout his career. Nothing’s changed on that front; his recent airport appearance on his way to Chanel’s cruise 2025 re-see in Hong Kong proof enough. The codes were all in place, from a graffiti-splayed Chanel bag, to his trusty tinted sunnies from the maison (whilst that Tesla Cybertruck was a paid actor). But it’s his scarf-wearing methods that have truly caught the eye of the zeitgeist, with the way he’s been pairing it with his various headwear, be it under that horned beanie in the ‘Power’ MV to that very grandma-coded scarf tie. There’s never really been a one-track approach to G-Dragon’s style, but what’s a fan to do? Look to our returning style muse and only hope to cap it off with that unrivalled confidence, of course.
