BTS V Makes Fashion Statement at Celine Paris Show After Military Service
K-pop star receives personal invitation from Anna Wintour at debut of new creative director Michael Rider
BTS member V (Kim Taehyung) commanded attention at Celine's Spring 2026 fashion show in Paris on July 6, marking his return to high-profile events following his military service discharge on June 10.
The show marked Celine's first physical runway presentation since February 2023 and the debut collection of new creative director Michael Rider. V arrived at the venue by bicycle, watching other guests arrive through the window of the historic 17th-century Hôtel Colbert de Torcy before the show began.
For the event, V wore a custom grey jacket featuring intricate red and black geometric embroidery, paired with matching trousers and layered gold necklaces. The embroidered piece was specially created for him rather than being part of the show's collection, highlighting his ambassador status with the luxury brand.
The most notable moment came when V met Anna Wintour, Vogue's editor-in-chief for nearly four decades. Wintour personally invited V to an upcoming event, telling him: "Happy to meet you. Welcome to Paris. We are hoping you are coming to our event in Hollywood in October" - believed to be the 4th Annual Vogue World event.
Actress Emily Hampshire, who was seated next to Wintour, gave up her spot for V, later posting on Instagram: "There are very few ppl I'd let come between me and my new BFF, but I of course moved aside for BTS Kim Taehyung".
French fashion publications provided extensive coverage of V's Paris appearance. Vogue France praised his quick return to fashion events after military service, while Vanity Fair France noted his attention to detail in styling, writing that "the devil is in the details, and V knows it."
Over 100 fashion media outlets covered not only the fashion show but all of V's activities during his Paris visit, with fans gathering wherever he appeared. His presence generated significant digital engagement, with airport departure photos alone drawing over 17,000 views on Naver.
V's appearance reinforced his value as a Celine ambassador, a role he has held since March 2023. The luxury house welcomed him back to Paris after a two-year absence with celebration events and released his first campaign video as an ambassador, titled "CELINE Printemps 2026 with Taehyung."
The fashion show took place during Paris's car-free Sunday initiative, with attendees provided Celine-branded umbrellas as rain fell during the presentation. Other notable attendees included Naomi Watts, Kristen Wiig, Alanis Morissette, and fellow Celine ambassador Park Bo-gum.
V's successful transition from military service back to the international fashion spotlight demonstrates the sustained influence of K-pop stars in luxury fashion, with his Paris appearance generating global media attention and reinforcing his position as a cultural bridge between music and high fashion.
