The final installment of the Love Yourself Series is out! IDOL is amazing, personally I like it even better than Fake Love and DNA (I still love those songs though). Today, we’re going to talk about the symbolism and themes exemplified in the fashion of this video.
I did a similar thing with Fake Love and since I had a ball writing and researching for it, we’re doing it again!
As I watched this the first time, I definitely got Afro pop vibes from it, and this was shown in the suits they wore in the opening and closing shots. The slim fit, bright colors, and busy patterns scream Nigerian street style. I totally dig it since it’s something unlike what BTS has done in the past.
They cut to a scene where the members are decked out in khaki colored outfits. It reminded me of a safari…but like a high fashion safari. The monochromatic color palette contrasts starkly with the vibrant suits, possibly showing the constrains that society has put on BTS (and everyone). That scene is rather bland, showing the way being in the spotlight can water down one’s personality.
During Yoongi’s verse, he wears a sweater with Snow White on it. In the Brother’s Grimm version of Snow White, the evil queen has a mirror which she asks continually who the fairest in the land is. When the answer is Snow White she flies into a fit of rage and attempts to kill Snow White. This sweater seems to be countering that vain and jealous view of loving yourself demonstrated by the queen, by focusing on Snow White, who wasn’t threatened by the queen and lived her life despite her antagonist’s attacks.
Speaking of antagonists, J-Hope wears a yellow Bugs Bunny sweater (which I really want btw). Bugs Bunny is infamous for continually outsmarting his antagonists and winning nearly every time. This reference calls back to some earlier lyrics “you can’t stop me from loving myself”, No matter how many times the other characters try to outsmart Bugs, he wins in the end. Just like no matter how many times haters try to get BTS down, they’ll always love themselves in the end.
Next let’s talk about Tae. In much of the video he’s spotted in this look:
Does it remind you of anything?
How about this one from Dope:
Going from black plastic frames to gold wire ones, shorts to slacks, and a bow tie to necktie show growth and maturation. Even though they’re quite different, these outfits have the same core. Part of loving yourself is allowing yourself to grow yet keeping the core of who you are. Also, the colors of the IDOL look are definitely more vibrant and bright, showing that with growth comes more freedom and confidence.
Freedom and confidence are huge themes in the fashion of this video. The bold mixture of prints show a level of “I don’t really care what people say about me, I’m going do what I want.”
Finally, in one scene, the members are seen sporting long sating robes and loose-fitting ensembles. The aesthetic is quite similar to Blood Sweat & Tears with it’s luxury, and Fake Love with it’s saturation and dark hues. Where it differs in a meaningful way is the silhouette: these oversized robes give a feel of relaxation and regality, freedom and confidence. It seems as if BTS is saying: “Yeah, sometimes loving yourself is difficult and dark but guess what, we’re royalty and we’re comfortable with who we are.”
Stay fly,
~Akilah
If you like this post…then ‘like’ this post!
Let me know what you thought of IDOL in the comments.
Follow me on Instagram @theakilah_grace and check out my story for more general fangirling.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_White
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugs_Bunny#Personality_and_catchphrases
- https://genius.com/Genius-translations-bts-idol-english-translation-lyrics
