Fashion In Anime: K-pop Doppelgangers
Was it a sly cosplay or on purpose?
K-pop fans and anime fans are often compared to one another. The two demographics overlap heavily and let to cross-fandom interactions. It also brings false (or true) correlations when it comes to idols appearing to emulate some of our favorite characters.
On X (formerly Twitter), there is currently of “anime” versus “real.” Here are some of my favorite examples of when K-pop idols look like our fave characters:
K-pop idol Miyeon dresses like Tsubasa Nanami from Slam Dunk. With a basketball hair clip presumably paying homage to the series, she completes the look with a Poinsetta red bow, navy blue cardigain emulating a Japanese school uniform and fresh white collared top.
Levi and Suga of BTA look like bartender-chic twins with the classic vest & dress shirt set. No notes.
Here, BlackSwan’s Fatou is compared to Michiko from Michiko & Hatchin. Fatou, with her enigmatic presence and unwavering determination, mirrors Michiko’s fierce independence and unwavering spirit. (Fun fact: I interviewed Fatou for Rolling Stone a couple years ago.)
Karina from AESPA (top image) channels here inner Nana. All it takes is Black sleek low-density hair, dark make-up look, and thin eyebrows. In terms of what to wear: a choker, leather jacket and an assortment of piercings will do the job. A combination of the six elements are NANA-core staples.
Looking like the princess of tennis, K-pop idol Haewon seemingly cosplays Ryouma Echizen of Prince of Tennis. To the trained anime watching eye, this look is an conspicuous example of bringing cosplay into everyday wear. Athletic suits paired with matching gear from the hat to equipment is always a good look.
Yuta and Rin from Free! look like a side-by-side of an anime and the character’s corresponding live action actor — down to the maroon hair and length.
