[Youth Report] Even BLACKPINK's Jennie Wears It... The Trending 'Balletcore Look'

'Balletcore Look' Worn Like Everyday Clothes
Increase in Search Volume for Keywords Like 'Ballerina'
Blackpink Jennie Also Uses It as Stage Costume

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Recently, the 'Balletcore Look,' which involves wearing ballet attire as everyday clothing, has been rapidly gaining popularity. For example, pairing a basic top with a voluminous lace 'tutu' (ballet skirt) style skirt is common. During the COVID-19 period, the 'Gorpcore Look' (outdoor wear matched with everyday clothes) gained attention for its comfort, but this year, the elegant and lively Balletcore Look is trending among young people.

Rising Ballet as a New Hobby Drives Popularity of the 'Balletcore Look'

[Image source=Pixabay]

As interest in the Balletcore Look grows, related products are also gaining popularity. On the style commerce platform Ably, last month’s search volume for 'ballerina' increased by 255% compared to the same period last year. Searches for 'ballet' rose by 150%, and searches for 'leg warmers,' which pair well with ballet-style skirts or shoes, surged about 4 times (300%).

In particular, the popularity of footwear items ideal for starting the Balletcore Look is steadily increasing. Searches for 'ballerina shoes' skyrocketed approximately 15.5 times (1440%). Searches for 'Mary Jane shoes,' a representative ballet shoe style, also increased by about 190%.

Ballet core look. [Image source=Abley]

The rise in popularity of the Balletcore Look is analyzed to be related to the increasing number of people taking up ballet as a hobby. Mr. Lee (27), an office worker who has been attending ballet classes for four years, said, "Unlike yoga or Pilates, ballet involves moving the body to music, so it’s not boring and has good exercise effects." He added, "I started ballet impulsively thinking I should start exercising, but now it has become a hobby."

Exposure to ballet on social media has also increased. On Instagram, posts tagged with '#ballet' reach 870,000, and new ballet-related slang terms such as '#Obalwan (Today Ballet Complete)' and '#Chwimirina (a blend of hobby and ballerina)' are emerging one after another.

Luxury Brands and Celebrities Also Love the 'Balletcore Look'

BLACKPINK Jennie. [Image source=Instagram]

As ballet gained attention, the popularity of ballet items naturally increased. This is interpreted as a phenomenon similar to when the yoga and Pilates craze led to 'athleisure' becoming a fashion trend.

Domestic celebrities are also embracing the Balletcore Look. A representative figure is Jennie of BLACKPINK. Jennie wears dresses inspired by ballet costume designs and often dons knit foot covers and Mary Jane shoes that evoke ballet attire on stage.

Meanwhile, the girl group Red Velvet also showcased a ballerina concept through their mini-album released last year, 'The ReVe Festival 2022 - Feel My Rhythm.'

Luxury brand 'Miu Miu' satin ballerinas. [Image source=Miu Miu official website]

Meanwhile, luxury brands continue to show love for the Balletcore Look. Last year, the luxury brand Miu Miu introduced satin ballerina flats in their F/W collection. Due to the popularity of ballet flats and mini pleated skirts, Miu Miu topped the '2022 Fashion Report of the Year' announced by the global online fashion platform Lyst, surpassing Gucci and Balenciaga to claim the number one brand spot.