“A real icon” - Fans react as BTS’ Taehyung channels old Hollywood charm in VOGUE JAPAN’s James Dean-inspired cover for VOGUE WORLD 2025

VOGUE Japan dropped BTS Taehyung's first-ever digital cover ahead of Vogue World: Hollywood 2025. The event takes place on October 26 in Los Angeles. It is set to highlight the connection between cinema and fashion, focusing on iconic film figures. This year, V leads the Hollywood Special Edition, channeling the legendary James Dean.

Famed for Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden, and Giant, Dean defined the 1950s youth rebellion and became a symbol of spirited liberty. V stepped into this legacy, bringing a modern spin to the classic rebel image.

Sporting a leather jacket and denim, the K-pop idol was photographed on a motorcycle, a nod to Dean’s signature fashion. The images combined elements of classic Hollywood with modern styling. The shoot drew responses from fans.

"Taehyung is a real icon! Keep the beautiful photos coming!" an X user commented.

sirena5281

@sirena5281

Taehyung is a real icon! Keep the beautiful photos coming!

The shoot was made to mark the opening of Vogue World: Hollywood. V’s debut on VOGUE Japan bridged eras, linking a Korean superstar to a Hollywood legend through style and cinema.

BORAHAE ⓥ forlife 💜🫰🫶

@ZniwMil

Truly magnificent — in voice, in soul, in heart.Kim Taehyung is the definition of timeless beauty. 💜

coco | rêvé with v

@sweet_tae1230

Taehyung is so captivating in every way

GGTAE 🥤🎷

@OnlyTaeCrew

Taehyung is the embodiment of innocence and authenticity, pure, and unapologetically himself. He doesn’t fabricate answers or tailor his words for effect, everything he says feels sincere, like it comes straight from the heart.

Fans are praising Taehyung for fitting the James Dean look.

🌱AgustD⁷ || trusfrated🔍⍤⃝🍝

@wavesofinsomnia

and Taehyung is perfect for this concept cause he got that james dean daydream look in his eye 🙂‍↕️

Sarah⁷ ʙᴛꜱ ʏᴇᴀʀ ⟭⟬💜⟬⟭

@s_hobiuary

Going to be dreaming about James Dean era Taehyung tonight🫠

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@_starrykoo_

oh so taehyung in his vogue japan shoot he pays homage to the late actor James Dean 🤍​oh he has done it so well the look too its so james dean daydream ✨

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BTS' Taehyung flies to LA for Vogue World: Hollywood event

BTS' V (Image via Instagram/@thv)

On October 25, BTS' Taehyung departed South Korea via Incheon International Airport, bound for the U.S. to attend Vogue World: Hollywood. Dressed in head-to-toe CELINE, the Layover star sported a long charcoal plaid overcoat. He paired it with a brown sweater, corduroy pants, and a black leather duffel.

Before takeoff, he shared a clip on Instagram Story, captioned, “I’ll enjoy Vogue and come back.” During the CELINE show in Paris in July, he received a personal invitation from Vogue alum Anna Wintour to attend the event. Now, he’s officially on the guest list.

Notably, this year’s gala will showcase creations from acclaimed Tinseltown costume designers. They include Colleen Atwood, Milena Canonero, Ruth E. Carter, Catherine Martin, Arianne Phillips, Sandy Powell, Jacqueline West, and Shirley Kurata. Juan Costa Paz serves as creative lead, with Alex Harrington heading wardrobe and styling, and Dame Pat McGrath directing makeup design.

Vogue’s Anna Wintour, Mark Guiducci, and Lisa Love will oversee the overall production. All ticket revenue will benefit the Entertainment Community Fund, supporting costume professionals affected by the LA wildfires.

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Watch Vogue World: Hollywood on Vogue.com and its YouTube channel at 6:00 pm PT / 10:00 am KST the following day.