How P-pop girl group KAIA fuses fashion and music

September 7, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Fashion and music have always had a powerful connection as a form of expression and creativity.

For P-pop girl group KAIA, melding fashion and music is a way for them to express themselves and establish their identity.

The STAR asked the girls during the media launch of KAIA x WEAR CASA Premium Collection held recently at the Gateway Mall 2 about how their style influences their sound and vice-versa.

“It’s more of creating your own identity through visuals,” began Angela, whose fashion pegs include BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Japanese influencer Monako. “Because we’re very visual, like what we see influences us. Our own identity also reflects how we dress up. It’s also included in how we package ourselves as a group and how we style ourselves.”

Their wardrobe style is also displayed every time they perform in a show, film a music video and release an album.

Angela stressed that fashion is very important because one is able to show who one is. “You were able to show kung ano yung kaya mo pang gawin and how fashion can complement music. Especially in our music video, (you could get an idea) what we would wear in our next performances and also in our live performances.”

She furthered that the group members are always involved in the process and decision-making when it comes to what they will wear during their live performances, in their music videos and on their social media posts. “It’s very us,” she added.

Charice concurred, saying: “There’s no right or wrong (fashion and music style) as long as you express yourself. That’s what’s important every time you share, what you want to tell your audience through fashion and music.”

Charice also named Jennie as one of her influences.

Alexa, who is into Japanese, gothic and punk rock vibes but also prefers casual outfits, shared that their fashion flair is based on the music that they release. “You can see that we change our styling depending on the song that we release or the dance. Because it really helps us to enhance the feels and the message of the songs and the (dance) movements,” she said.

Charlotte, who draws inspiration from Japanese casual looks, announced during the press launch the upcoming release of their single Walang Biruan on Sept. 13. “Alexa said earlier that this collection is very cutesy, very demure. Actually, this is a hint at our next single Walang Biruan,” she said.

Sophia, on the other hand, is more into the “off-duty model kind of thing.” But she looks up to Hailey Bieber, BINI’s Aiah, among others, as her fashion idols.

KAIA is the girl group behind the songs such as Kaya, Blah Blah and You Did It.

The quintet thanked WEAR CASA designer Chynna Mamawal for the collaboration opportunity where they were able to unleash their creativity through fashion.

According to the media release, the collaboration of P-pop and the clothing brand is more than just a merging of fashion and music.

“It represents a cultural shift where boundaries between different forms of art are becoming increasingly blurred. It highlights the potential for creative industries to come together and create something that resonates on multiple levels with a diverse audience,” it said.

“The partnership between WEAR CASA and KAIA is a shining example of how collaborations can lead to groundbreaking results. By combining the elegance of high-casual fashion with the vibrancy of P-pop, they have created a collection that is both stylish and meaningful. This collaboration not only broadens their respective audiences but also sets a new standard for future partnerships in the fashion and music industries,” the statement added.

Known as the P-pop Kings, SB19 is also one of the clothing brand’s endorsers. “We wanted to make something styling, trendy and easy to mix and match,” offered Chynna on teaming up with KAIA. “Something that you can wear every day, pwede pang-school, date, workout or pang-family day. Something simple but stylish and madaling bagayan. All our personalities are here because this is designed by KAIA and I.”

The merchandise collection is a limited-edition line that includes tees, hoodies, custom prints and fabrics. It is available through an exclusive online store and select retail partners.