Aespa Giselle’s “Porn Star” Outfit Criticized — But There Is More To The Story

Not everything is what it seems at first glance.

As a group, aespa have always pushed the boundaries of K-Pop, constantly showing their different sides. One thing the group has become known for is their fashion, as they are constantly trying new things that are not always well-received.

One such outfit Giselle wore recently attracted negative attention, but there is more to the story than appears.

The group have been teasing the release of their first Japanese single, “Hot Mess,” dropping images and other teasers to hold fans over.

On the group’s TikTok, Giselle shared a clip of herself dancing to the track while wearing one of the outfits from the concept images. While much attention was focused on Giselle’s dancing skills and the track preview…

…some fans couldn’t help but notice some of the details on Giselle’s outfit.

Around her waist were several belts with words on them, with the bottom two saying “porn star.” Some found this offensive and questioned why she was wearing the outfit.

SM you’re actually fucking done… fire this stylist immediately this ain’t even a joke..

now all the twinks really gonna keep saying weird shit about her just like @crownofcloud did, this is catastrophic

SM DO BETTER. JUSTICE FOR GISELLE AND FIRE THESE FUCKASS STYLISTS! pic.twitter.com/HxjT0JBp6V

— 𐙚 (@paelestine) June 27, 2024

The outfit is from the brand Namilia’s “pfoten weg!” collection debuted earlier this year. In one set of teaser images, each of the members of aespa are wearing an outfit from the brand.

According to Namilia, the line was created in light of the issues that queer and femme individuals can face when dressing up in public places, including judgement and physical harassment by those who deem the outfits or the people as “too much.” Many of the line’s outfits include words that have been use negatively against people, including the word “bitch” that has been censored on Ningning‘s outfit.

The collection, which means “hands off” in German, also expresses the thought that regardless of what is worn, or by whom, they should be safe to do so.

aespa’s Outfits For “Hot Mess” Hold A Special Meaning Of Support For Women And The Queer Community

Aespa’s wearing of this collection falls perfectly in line with their image of empowerment and boundary pushing, something that fans have addressed the initial concerns with.

i hope yall know that being a pornstar isnt something to be ashamed or make fun of

and the piece that shes wearing is a part of collection that symbolizes empowerment as said below https://t.co/jsKjqSB7Wp pic.twitter.com/htdP0EkCXF

— َ (@inthefIat) June 27, 2024

While it is understandable fans worry about how their favorite idols are styled, there can be deeper meaning behind what they wear.