G-DRAGON has once again proven his global fashion influence; this time by becoming the only Asian artist to be included in American media outlet Complex’s list of the “Best Dressed of the 21st Century.”
Complex announced the list on November 12 (local time), placing G-DRAGON at No. 16 among major style icons such as Kanye West, Rihanna, Pharrell, and David Beckham. The ranking highlights artists who have shaped fashion, rewritten dress codes, and influenced cultural trends worldwide.
“He set the standard before K-pop went global”
Complex praised G-DRAGON as an artist who “set the fashion standard even before K-pop became a global wave” and someone “consistently ahead of every trend.”
The outlet also emphasized that even after nearly 20 years since debut, he continues to redefine the idea of “style” in K-pop and has inspired an entire generation to view fashion as a form of self-expression.
A long-standing fashion icon
G-DRAGON has been recognized for his bold creative styling since debut, later becoming Chanel’s first Asian male global ambassador in 2016. His collaborations with global brands including Nike and Jacob & Co. routinely ignite worldwide trends and sell-out moments.
Acknowledgment of two decades of influence
This recognition marks another milestone in G-DRAGON’s long-running impact across music, fashion, and culture. As one of the most influential Asian figures in global fashion, the selection reaffirms his continuing relevance and expanding reach beyond K-pop.
Preparing for his world tour encore
Meanwhile, G-DRAGON is set to hold the Seoul encore of his 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch], following 36 successful shows across 16 major cities around the world.
Editor’s Insight
What makes G-DRAGON’s inclusion in Complex’s “Best Dressed of the 21st Century” so significant isn’t just the ranking—it’s the acknowledgment of longevity. In an industry that often prioritizes fleeting viral “moments,” G-DRAGON has maintained a seat at the table alongside icons like Rihanna and Kanye West for over two decades. Long before luxury houses courted K-pop stars, G-DRAGON was dismantling gender barriers in fashion and proving that a Seoul-born artist could dictate the global aesthetic of brands like Chanel and Nike. As he prepares for his Übermensch encore in 2026, this recognition serves as a reminder that while many idols are styled, G-DRAGON remains the architect of his own visual legacy.