aespa's Karina's windbreaker has unexpectedly sold out online after controversy regarding its political symbolism. Despite the speculation around the jacket's design, it has actually helped increase the brand's visibility.
Karina shared pictures from her trip to Japan on May 17, showcasing the black and red windbreaker prominently featuring a large red number 2. Some people linked this to a political party's color and a presidential candidate's number, stirring a political debate.
However, SM Entertainment clarified that Karina's post was meant for casual sharing without any hidden agenda. They promptly removed the post upon realizing the potential misunderstanding and apologized for any unintended worries caused.
The windbreaker, named "WINDBREAKER BLACK RED" from New York's Vaquera, sports a distinct red diagonal pattern on a black background with the number '2'. Priced at around 720,000 KRW (~525 USD), it's now sold out in all sizes on the official website and being resold for about 1.5 million KRW (~1,092 USD) on international fashion platforms.
Karina is often seen in Vaquera attire, a brand known for its avant-garde designs challenging traditional luxury fashion norms. Co-founded by Patric DiCaprio and Bryn Taubensee in 2013, Vaquera made a mark with unconventional runway shows and social media debut releases.
Vaquera is a favorite among celebrities, as shown when actress Han Ye Seul sported one of their creatively styled sleeveless shirts last year. The brand's popularity continues to rise, resonating with those seeking unique and edgy fashion choices.