Photo Credits: HIGHSNOBIETY Japan Valentino Belift Lab

ILLIT’s appearance on the cover of HIGHSNOBIETY Japan’s Issue 15 Holiday Edition, in collaboration with Valentino, marks a pivotal moment where K-pop’s rising stars intersect with haute couture. This editorial shoot captures ILLIT’s fearless spirit and youthful elegance, reimagining Valentino’s timeless sophistication through a Gen Z lens.​

The Vision Behind the Shoot

Shot by HIGHSNOBIETY’s Tokyo creative team, the pictorial blends luminous pastels, fluid fabrics, and minimalist color palettes, creating a cinematic dialogue between artistry and attitude. The direction aimed for “light in motion—fresh, fearless, and unfiltered,” resulting in a series of images that balance polished tailoring with impulsive, rule-breaking energy. This synergy between ILLIT’s kinetic presence and Valentino’s refined heritage speaks to a new chapter in pop-fashion fusion.​

Styling and Aesthetic Details

ILLIT’s styling in the shoot is defined by Valentino’s holiday collection, featuring structured silhouettes, soft draping, and a palette dominated by Valentino red, ivory, and blush tones. The looks range from tailored coats and fluid dresses to modern reinterpretations of classic Valentino motifs. Each member’s ensemble is carefully curated to highlight their individuality while maintaining the collective elegance that defines the group.​

Hair and Makeup Breakdown

  • Look 1: Soft, romantic waves paired with a natural, glowing makeup look. Eyes are defined with subtle shimmer, and lips are a soft nude, echoing Valentino’s understated glamour.​
  • Look 2: Sleek, center-parted hair with a bold red lip, emphasizing confidence and modern femininity. The makeup is polished yet fresh, with a focus on skin texture and luminosity.​
  • Look 3: Loose, textured curls and a smoky eye, offering a more dramatic, editorial edge. The styling balances romanticism with a touch of rebelliousness, mirroring ILLIT’s signature blend of sincerity and creative risk.​

Backstory and Cultural Impact

ILLIT’s collaboration with HIGHSNOBIETY Japan and Valentino is more than a fashion moment—it’s a cultural milestone. The group’s ascent from viral performances to global brand ambassadorships reflects the evolving role of K-pop idols as modern muses, bridging music, digital culture, and high fashion. This editorial cements their status as icons of a new generation, where confidence, sincerity, and creative risk are the defining traits of modern femininity.

ILLIT’s career milestones before this cover

Before their cover for HIGHSNOBIETY Japan x Valentino, ILLIT rapidly established themselves as a dynamic force in the fifth generation of K-pop. The group debuted with the single “Magnetic,” a genre-blending track that fused plug-gnb and dance pop, setting them apart from typical idol groups and earning immediate attention for their bold musical choices. Their early discography, including tracks like “Cherish” and “Tick-Tack,” showcased their versatility and commitment to a unique sonic identity, with “Tick-Tack” returning to their signature plug-gnb style.​

ILLIT quickly gained a strong domestic and international fanbase, with six songs charting simultaneously on Apple Music South Korea’s real-time chart—a rare feat for a new group. Their choreography is noted for being intense, quirky, and highly memorable, reflecting their playful yet sophisticated image. The group’s covers of classic TWICE songs, such as “What’s Love,” further demonstrated their ability to reinterpret popular tracks while maintaining their own distinctive style.​

Throughout their early career, ILLIT was praised for their fresh, dreamy, and quirky concept, which set them apart from other groups by blending youthful energy with a touch of rebelliousness. Their ascent has been marked by viral performances, rapid chart success, and a growing reputation as innovators in K-pop’s evolving landscape.

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