[FLNK MAGAZINE] K-POP Artist Stylist INTERVIEW with Styled by Cheri Nara

K-POP artists perfectly pull off various styles from dazzling stage costumes to casual everyday wear. Behind them, there are stylists responsible for their styling. 

FLNK MAGAZINE asked the styling team 'Styled by Cheri Nara', who has been styling many K-POP artists including LE SSERAFIM, about their work.

Q. Hello! Please introduce the team, ‘Styled by Cheri Nara’.

[Nara Kim] Hello. I'm Nara Kim and leading the duo styling team, ‘Styled by Cheri Nara’, with stylist Cherim Yun.

[Cherim Yun] We both individually worked as a content creator and then we had a good opportunity to start working as a stylist. We formed a team to collaborate on projects together. Thanks to our experience as content creators, we not only keep up with the latest trends and brands but also have a deep understanding of content. It seems like clients appreciate us even more for that. We are also good at taking great photos of artists' content on-site. (laughs)

Q. As a styling team, what kind of work have you been involved in?

[Nara Kim] Currently, we manage the styling for LE SSERAFIM casual outfits and content-related styling. We occasionally do styling for their live performances and fan meeting stages. Also, we have been working with rapper Ash-B for a long time. Apart from that, through magazines and various content styling, we have collaborated with various K-POP artists such as ATEEZ, CL, KARD, and LOONA.

Photo Credit to MPD Official X @M2MPD

Photo Credit to Rolling Stone Korea

Q. How did you come to do styling for K-POP artists?

[Cherim Yun] We didn't start directly in the entertainment industry. In the beginning, we did a lot of lookbooks, advertisements, and personal projects. Then, thanks to the director of Rolling Stone Korea magazine, with whom we worked on a music video project, we started to do photoshoot styling for various artists. As we have been building our career this way, people in this industry started to notice us and contacted us. Our style is somewhat unique, as you can check on our Instagram, and it seems like people contact us a lot when they want to do something distinctive.

Q. What point do you consider the most important in styling K-POP artists?

[Nara Kim] I always think about how to make this person look the most beautiful. I also consider eye-catching marketing points to draw attention.

[Cherim Yun] What fans want is also crucial. As the fandom of K-POP artists now exists globally, I believe it's important to have a certain understanding of fans from each country. We continuously monitor the reactions of fans and are taking their feedback. Styling in K-POP must be able to reflect the image desired by the fans. It's an undeniable aspect of the field.

Photo Credit to e.L.e Magazine

Q. You mentioned monitoring fans' reactions. What is the most impressive feedback? 

[Nara Kim] Yes, we often keep an eye on fans' reactions through X and Instagram. Thanks to that, our feed is filled with K-POP. (laughs) I remember receiving positive feedback last year about LE SSERAFIM's airport outfit. Fans commented, 'Did the stylist change? I hope they continue with this!' and 'It has become trendier'. I was happy.

[Cherim Yun] We frequently take photos and videos of the artists. Honestly, it is quite close to fangirl the artists.

[Nara Kim] That's right. I saw a fan’s post, 'The stylist knows exactly what we like!' I was personally moved because they recognized our intention.

Photo Credit to LE SSERAFIM Official X @le_sserafim

Q. Right, casual styling of LE SSERAFIM so far was a hit. Please tell us the process of styling casual outfits.

[Cherim Yun] We first determine the concept and then create outfits that align with it. Sometimes we start with trend items, but generally, we focus on how well the artist's inherent charm and styling can be harmonized. Since it's a group, we pay a lot of attention to making sure the styling looks good when they stand together as a group while preserving individual personalities.

[Nara Kim] Especially in casual outfits, we tend to consider the artists' personal opinions. Someone like HUH YUNJIN from LE SSERAFIM has a great sense of style and she often communicates directly about the styles she wants to wear. It's enjoyable because she makes excellent use of styling even when posting photos on Instagram.

Q. If you had to pick one K-POP styling project that was the most satisfying and rewarding, which one would it be?

[Nara Kim] It seems like it's not always possible for every outcome to be 100% satisfied. We're always pressed for time, there are many variables on-site, and there's always a sense of regret. Despite that, the photoshoot for ATEEZ's e.L.e magazine received lots of positive feedback from fans and stood out in my memory. I particularly enjoyed working on it because I have a strong interest in men's fashion. Also, more recently, I worked on the music video for the debut song of &TEAM, <Under the skin>. Even though we had a tight schedule, I genuinely had a great time working on it.

[Cherim Yun] The photoshoot for ATEEZ's e.L.e is memorable for me as well. The preparation period was short and it was my first time styling several male idols, so I was quite nervous. However, fans liked the styling results so much that it took me by surprise. I believe that it was a project that left our mark in the K-POP scene for the first time.

Q. What is the most memorable episode from working on-site?

[Nara Kim] During shoots with difficult levels or powerful dancing, there have been many instances where pants tore or concerns about underwear exposure arose. Thanks to that, there are memorable moments of running around and precarious situations on-site.

[Cherim Yun] I didn't realize how much innerwear would be needed. (laughs) Now, I always prepare a variety of items, even those not immediately necessary, just in case.

Q. These days, fans are interested in the artists’ legendary coordination of hair, makeup and styling. How do you communicate with the hair and makeup professionals?

[Cherim Yun] It varies depending on the situation. When we directly request a work, we might suggest a general framework or provide references. It also depends on the client. Since each professional is an expert in their field, sometimes just looking at the concept can naturally align our desired moods. There are moments when everything falls into place without explicitly coordinating.

[Nara Kim] We don't usually interfere too much with each other's areas on-site. However, as a stylist, I believe it's essential to monitor all aspects simultaneously. While respecting professional boundaries, we continuously monitor and offer assistance whenever possible.

Q. What are the future goals of 'Styled by Cheri Nara'?

[All] We aim to build the capability not only in costume styling but also in visual directing and creating a large framework in many ways. Additionally, we aspire to expand our activities not only domestically but also internationally.

Credit.

Artist : Styled by Cheri Nara @styledbycherinara (Nara Kim @naras._ / Cherim Yun @cheristyle_)

Editor : Seungmin Lee

Art & Content Director, Photographer : Jihye Kim

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