Fast fashion is outdated. Taste isn't limited to today's trends, nor does it necessarily require expensive accessories. Personal style is an extension of personality, a choice to express oneself, not blindly following the crowd. Compared to pursuing the latest designs, vintage not only preserves historical traces and contains moving stories, but also represents a choice for a quality lifestyle. Just flip through a fashion magazine, and you'll find that many trendsetting designers, idols, and models frequently draw inspiration from vintage clothing to create their unique personal styles.
From Zendaya's classic red carpet looks, G-Dragon's avant-garde androgynous aesthetic, to Blackpink's Jennie's elegant street style, these new generation style icons may have different styles, but as Coco Chanel said, "Fashion goes out of style, but style remains." Only by learning to choose items that suit you can you present an appropriate image in different occasions and cultivate an aesthetic eye.
Fast fashion is outdated; more and more consumers are turning their attention to vintage clothing. (Good On You)
Why build style through vintage clothing?
With the rise of retro trends, many vintage handbags have also successfully attracted market attention. (Harper’s Bazaar)
Creating a personal style Creating a style is a continuous process of trying, learning, and adjusting. Beginners must be willing to experiment with different styles to quickly find their own unique fashion language. The vintage handbag and clothing market is like a treasure trove, with each era represented by different materials, colors, and elements. A vintage piece from a renowned designer or a collaboration is a rare find, guaranteeing you'll avoid the chance of "wearing the same outfit as someone else" and allowing you to stand out in any situation.
Wearing the same outfit as someone else on the red carpet is a major taboo, but the uniqueness of vintage clothing allows celebrities to avoid embarrassment.Harper’s Bazaar)
Anyone who follows Hollywood will definitely know the new generation "Red Carpet Queen" Zendaya. No stranger to her. A former Disney child star, Zendaya has not only won audiences' hearts with her outstanding acting skills, but also possesses modeling experience with her tall and slender figure. Since the age of 13, she has collaborated with celebrity stylist Law Roach, the two promoting sustainable fashion through style, often using vintage clothing to highlight themes for events.
Zendaya has revealed that she has been working with Roach to build a reusable vintage wardrobe, a commendable attitude towards sustainable fashion. In a Vogue interview, she stated, "I want to wear my clothes repeatedly. I want to be able to wear that dress again when I'm 40 and say, 'This old thing?'" This long-term investment in clothing aligns perfectly with the core principles of vintage fashion, showcasing her sense of responsibility and forward-thinking as a fashion icon.
As a major screen star, Zendaya often carries her film characters onto the red carpet. During the promotion of Dune: Part Two, she appeared at the premiere in Thierry Mugler's “Fembot” robot suit from the Autumn–Winter 1995 haute couture collection. Its futuristic metallic armour matched the film's science-fiction world while paying tribute to the late designer.
The “Fembot”, created by Mugler with artist Jean-Jacques Urcun over six months, returned to the fashion spotlight when Zendaya wore it nearly three decades later. (Popbee)
) Following this, the two went even further, conceiving a series of tennis-inspired retro looks for the premiere tour of *The Challenger*, continuously surprising on the red carpet. From Louis Vuitton during the Marc Jacobs era to Vivienne Westwood in the 90s, each outfit echoed the film's theme, creating a "tenniscore" visual feast. This consistent level of execution and meticulous attention to detail is undoubtedly the best marketing for the film, ensuring every appearance generated maximum buzz.
At the 2024 London premiere, Zendaya changed into a tricolor striped suit from British designer Vivienne Westwood's Spring/Summer 1994 Café Society collection, looking playful and lively. (Vogue)
) Speaking of the "Queen of the Red Carpet's" signature look, how can we not mention the Met Gala! As co-chair of the 2024 event, Zendaya... Naturally becoming the focus that evening, one of her looks was a black vest dress from Givenchy by John Galliano's 1996 collection, paired with a classic bouquet headpiece from McQueen's Spring/Summer 2007 collection, instantly transforming her into a flower fairy from the event's theme, "The Garden of Time." The dress was a treasure discovered by the team at a vintage clothing store in California, and 1996 is also the year Zendaya was born, adding even more significance to the look.
As co-chair of the 2024 Met Gala, Zendaya also wore a vintage dress that evening, directly transforming into a flower fairy from "The Garden of Time." (Elle)
) Zendaya's retro fashion journey isn't limited to the red carpet; in her daily life, she also enjoys incorporating vintage elements. Whether it's high-waisted jeans from the 70s or LV handbags from the 90s, her high "fashion IQ" never disappoints. As a rising star actress, she and Roach... She has made significant contributions to the popularization of vintage fashion, not only by following the trend of nostalgia and retro style, but also by repeatedly reminding the public to reduce the environmental impact of fashion through her styling.
Even after officially becoming an LV ambassador in 2023, Zendaya continues to showcase her vintage style.RCFA)
G-Dragon: Avant-garde Fashion Breaking Gender Boundaries
As one of the representative figures of Korean pop culture, G-Dragon of Big Bang is known not only for his powerful songwriting abilities but also for his significant influence in the fashion world. His highly distinctive mix-and-match style and ever-changing hair colors made him the first Asian man to become a Chanel brand ambassador in 2016, signifying the rise of Asian power in the fashion industry and representing the rise of gender fluidity. While charismatic on stage, he actually prefers vintage pieces in his private life, with the Chanel Tweed Jacket being an essential element of his "Dragon style."
G-Dragon has a particular fondness for the Chanel Tweed Jacket. The classic 90s collarless jacket paired with manicures and daisy accessories is a must-have element of his "Dragon style." (Fanplus)
) For G-Dragon, fashion is not a constraint. He once said, "Fashion is just one of the mediums for me to express myself, just like music, there is no right or wrong, good or bad." It is precisely this unique and unrestrained personality that allows him to transcend conventions both on and off stage, making full use of vintage items from different eras and styles. Unrestricted by his body shape, he is a pioneer in Korean women's clothing for men, from his wardrobe full of vintage Chanel tweed jackets to manicures and dresses, all breaking down the boundaries between men and women.
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) G-Dragon boldly incorporates pink into his personal style, pairing a vintage women's tweed jacket with jeans, avoiding an overdress look, and finding a balance between masculinity and femininity. (8lo8lo8lowme)
) On stage, G-Dragon… His stage persona leans towards dramatic and exaggerated looks to enhance the stage effect; while in his personal life, he prefers comfortable and casual vintage pieces. As he says, "I usually like to wear bright and eye-catching outfits on stage, so in daily life, I usually choose loose vintage shirts, jeans, or sportswear." This contrast between his stage image and personal style perfectly demonstrates his ability to master fashion and adjust his style according to the occasion.
G-Dragon not only has a deep understanding of vintage clothing but also understands the impact of handbags on the overall look, frequently collecting accessories for different handbags. (X)
) G-Dragon, who returned in 2025 with a new album, not only ignited the fashion world again with his "grandma style," but his look at the MAMA awards ceremony also sparked discussion once more. When accepting his award, G-Dragon's pink hair was particularly eye-catching, once again showcasing Chanel. The timeless charm of vintage knit cardigans, even enhanced by layering, showcases G-Dragon's unique personal style. Even after a nine-year hiatus, this fourteen-minute performance demonstrates G-Dragon's keen fashion sense, often perfectly balancing even the most exaggerated and seemingly incomprehensible outfits.
When G-Dragon stepped onto the MAMA stage, his layered Chanel vintage knit cardigan once again became the focus.KSD)
Blackpink Jennie: The Elegant Street Style of a "Human Chanel"
As a Chanel brand ambassador, Blackpink's Jennie not only favors the latest seasonal products, but also frequently sports custom-made vintage pieces.The Femin)
During an appearance on Korean celebrity host Hong Jin-kyung's YouTube show, Jennie mentioned that her fashion sense and love for Chanel are largely influenced by her mother. Even though Jennie is now a darling of the fashion world, she still considers her mother a fashion advisor and continues to draw inspiration from her mother's collection, just as she did when she was a child. The Chanel Classic Handbag is definitely a favorite of both mother and daughter, and it frequently appeared in Jennie's outfits even before she became a brand ambassador.
Anyone who follows Jennie or Chanel will surely recognize this Classic Handbag. No surprise, the details reveal it's a treasure from her mother's wardrobe. (Lovintage)
) In an interview, Jennie stated that she's deeply attracted to the romance of the 90s, and therefore enjoys exploring retro elements in her daily life. Away from the spotlight, Jennie's off-duty airport outfit features a vintage light blue cropped logo top paired with timeless black straight-leg pants, a sophisticated yet street-style look that seems to transport her to the past. With an it girl demonstrating this style, it's no wonder vintage clothing is so popular among the MZ generation.
Even her airport outfits are impeccable; Jennie wears a vintage Chanel cropped logo top, showcasing a casual side. (Vogue)
) As Karl Lagerfeld's final muse, Jennie will be attending the "Fashion Oscars" Met Gala in early 2023, naturally receiving special attention from the Chanel team. The reinterpretation of 1990... The camellia mini dress from the Fall 2016 collection, paired with classic black and white accessories—black gloves, stockings, and a ribbon—perfectly showcased the brand's DNA. While spanning three decades, the look remained timeless, balancing the youthful elegance of the Chanel x Jennie collaboration with the evening's tribute to Karl Lagerfeld.
As Blackpink's global popularity continues to rise, Jennie's fashion charm has also attracted the attention of various fashion brands. Officially crowned Jean Paul Gaultier's "Ultimate Showgirl," she has recently been frequently seen in music videos and public appearances wearing both new and vintage designs from the French haute couture brand. Notably, at the 2025 Spring/Summer Haute Couture fashion show, Jennie wore a nude rhinestone gown from the brand's 2008 Spring/Summer collection. In contrast to her usual elegant and sophisticated style, the deep V-neckline was extremely sexy, showcasing not only the timeless appeal of the brand's designs but also Jennie's love for vintage fashion.
A flowing gold fishtail gown from JPG's 2008 Spring/Summer collection, shimmering yet understated, revealed another side of Jennie through its sexy cut. Jennie's stage fashion continues to shine. Making her solo debut at Coachella, she wore a button-down wrap dress from Manfred Thierry Mugler's 1992 Spring/Summer "Cow Boys" collection, paired with red shorts similar to those worn by supermodel Eva Herzigova. Even the red scarf detail continued the cowgirl concept from her album *Ruby*. The styling needed to be both functional for her dance performance and visually appealing; thankfully, each vintage piece carried a groundbreaking story, infusing the performance with a unique soul. Jennie, appearing in a button-down wrap dress from Manfred Thierry Mugler's 1992 Spring/Summer collection, once again continued the cowgirl theme from her album with vintage clothing. Concept. (uDN Style)
Jennie's stage wardrobe continued the story at her first solo Coachella appearance. She wore a linked wrap-coat dress from Manfred Thierry Mugler's Spring–Summer 1992 “Cow Boys” collection, paired with red shorts like those worn by Eva Herzigova. A red neckerchief extended the cowgirl concept of her album Ruby. The look balanced the practical demands of performance with visual impact, while the vintage piece brought its own era-defining history to the stage.
Wearing a linked wrap-coat dress from Manfred Thierry Mugler's Spring–Summer 1992 collection, Jennie extended the album's cowgirl concept through vintage fashion. (Elle)
How to cultivate taste?
Ultimately, taste is not an innate talent, but a skill cultivated through continuous learning, experimentation, and reflection. For fashion beginners hoping to establish their own style, understanding their body type and trying different outfits is the first step. From the youthful energy of Y2K to the classic romance of French elegance, each style has its unique charm. Why not draw inspiration from style icons in fashion magazines and find similar items in your wardrobe?
To establish a personal style, it's helpful to refer to fashion magazines and learn from style icons around the world. Draw inspiration from your own clothes. (Vogue)
The vintage clothing market is the perfect platform for exploring style. Compared to buying brand-new, expensive fashion items, vintage handbags and clothing are more affordable, easing financial pressure. Furthermore, the vintage market encompasses creations from different designers at different times; each store has different stock, resulting in vastly different looks, adding a treasure hunt element—a diversity unmatched by ordinary retail stores.
In the journey of building a personal style, social media platforms offer a wealth of fashion resources, connecting like-minded fashion enthusiasts. Diorella, a Japanese vintage specialty store, deeply believes in the magic of dressing: a suitable outfit can bring customers boundless confidence. By sharing the latest vintage treasures and styling recommendations through WhatsApp, they provide customers with a constant stream of fashion inspiration, eliminating the hassle of matching outfits.
In this era of pursuing individuality, vintage clothing is undoubtedly the future of fashion. From Zendaya... From timeless retro style and G-Dragon's avant-garde mix-and-match to Blackpink's Jennie's elegant streetwear, these style icons have proven the infinite possibilities of vintage pieces. They not only draw inspiration from the past but also infuse their own creativity to breathe new life into classic designs, creating a distinctive personal style language while respecting tradition.
As Vivienne Westwood said, "The real fashion disaster is wearing clothes that don't suit you." Fashion has never had any hard and fast rules; everyone has their own unique "voice." Vintage clothing is like classic musical works, waiting for kindred spirits to interpret it in their own way. Because ultimately, true fashion withstands the test of time, serving to highlight your confidence and composure.
