I begin with a simple commentary on the seven wonderful years of these two guys. Though at times I [we] may feel like [a] stalker[s], I think a little devotion doesn’t hurt much. If you haven’t fallen asleep by now, please read on. The following comment reflects my meek and simplistic views on the ‘fashion’ of the Fly boys. Most blog entries will be similar. They will vary from harsh, to blunt, vague, personal, sardonic, poetic, offensive, supportive, and adoring. We’ll see how far we get.
Over the years, Fly to the Sky has to be one of the most interesting music groups in Kpop in terms of fashion. Plus, there’s only two of them, so they’re easier to track.
Over the years, Fly to the Sky has to be one of the most interesting music groups in Kpop in terms of fashion. Plus, there’s only two of them, so they’re easier to track.
We start with 1999, their debut album Day By Day. This was about eight years ago and is what my partner Le Jun likes to call “coconut hair” days. Now, it would be considered a total fashion disaster. Crimped hair, curtain bangs, the forehead pointed forward, hands outstretched by their sides, blank, hard expressions, and clothes that hang rather loosely around legs and arms. Not to mention the length of the jacket. Must be so that when these guys bend over, it turns into a mini-skirt? In some parts of Asia, in 1999, I’d say cute. In most parts of the world, we’d think they were going through a funeral procession. I guess you can't really blame them for it though. I mean, H.O.T. was around and no one complained. :)
And then the second album The Promise is released (2001) when these guys have had a little more experience with fame and stardom – or so we hope their coordinators (whoever the hell dresses and style them) have. We have baggy pants with matching jackets, puffy hair, caps, blings, more angry expressions (though sometimes they were awfully cute without trying), blonde hair, and big close-up shots where the eye features the lights behind the camera. It’s a step up, honestly, and Hwan Hee’s flame head was truly a wonder. I rather liked Brian’s bad-boy Brooklyn style (especially because he rapped), but unfortunately, matching attires were at its peak and on its way out.
After a year of waiting, the boys return with their third album Sea of Love (2002) in jeans (no longer baggy), wifebeaters, wrist straps, short hair (very appealing), muscles, plaid, aviator stunnas, leather jackets, muscle shirts, and yoga. Well, Le Jun says they do yoga in “Sea of Love,” but she has a way of labeling things. Moving on.
Fourth album Missing You (2003) really put Fly to the Sky at their peak with the wonderful imagery of Czech Republic’s beautiful city and breathtaking sceneries – for the music video, that is. The boys chose a very desaturated look for their album jacket, which followed with the rest of their promotional activities re: ‘Missing You’. We had nice pants, nice shirts with lovely patterns, normal human hair, even bigger muscles, buttons, straps, blonde streaks, and… chain bracelets. This is my favorite pick, actually. Severe hotness, especially when k-pop was coming out of being “old-school” and into the new age ballad era where deep, sexy voices rule. This includes Brian, too.
They took a 180 degree turn when they came out with Gravity (2004). The suits, the stripes, the flowers, and overflowing hair. Oh, so wonderful, hair. With Brian’s thick and healthy hair, he doesn’t seem to do too much too drastically (except for concerts – they somehow lose their minds when it comes to concerts; I will elaborate later), but I can appreciate the nice comb through of his fine, straight hair. Along with the ties, worn properly, and turtlenecks. Hwan Hee, on the other hand, started sporting frames (which made him look super cute, reminiscent of Sung Shi Kyung), and scarves tied around the neck (very feminine feature, but worked well for him), as well as a pinch of a fat flower to his breast-pocket. Every time he sang, he reminded me of the little bird from Shrek that competed with Fiona in a singing competition– the poor thing exploded into feathers. Colors were well done (good job coordi’s!) and their approach toward “Goodbye” wasn’t that bad either – minus the yellow turkey-egg-shaped sunglasses Hwan Hee loved so much, golfing gloves, praying beads, and beanies shoved over his eyes. Well, we can forgive the beanie.
Eternity, their “hits” album (2005), was kind of shot into the air and made its own landfall with barely any appearances by the boys, but we could clearly see that they were in their “transitional” phases – Hwan Hee with the extra thick, extra long hair, and Brian the same.
Next was their drop from SM Town to their own independent record label and a new album Transition (2006). Tailored but uncomplicated suits, deep plunging necklines (when given the opportunity), and hairstyles that were probably inspired by Japanese men. “Emo” style, as my roommate refers to it. All the same, I’m glad that they didn’t stick to this strict suits-only style and moved on to warmer winter attires, such as simple sweaters, jeans, every day casual wear, etc. Very nicely done. Screw the critics who criticized their efforts to become better artists apart from SM.
Lastly, their latest album No Limitations (after a long period of MIA), they appear at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and viola! We were all floored by just how handsome, how wonderful, and how magnificent they were – on stage, off stage, in the streets, in the desert, album covers, Abercrombie & Fitch, et cetera. I thought Brian looked superb when he appeared in that sexy black jacket and ribbon tie (finished off with a pair of jeans). Wish I could show a picture of that, but I was unfortunately stuck in the back with an $80 seat. Later, he came out in a peach-colored casual dress shirt and even underwent a very wonderful fan-service of stripping off the dress shirt to only his tank top – praise the heavens! He should practice this… stripping business more often. They wear too much clothes, sometimes. Still, I love the fashion of current days (life has never been better?) though I'm sure we'll find some things to nibble in the near future.
I hope you have enjoyed my quick overview (I'm sure Le Jun and most people will have their own opinions) of the fashion these lovely young men have showcased over the years. I may come back and edit with more photos, but for now, I leave you with good cheers and a wonderful memory of Hwan Hee fixing Brian's jacket. <3
For the next installment, I will focus on this question: If you could rearrange the album titles of all Fly to the Sky's albums, what would you switch around? Don't worry, it'll be relevant.
- Le Mai
