All The Best Looks from Jennie's Visually Stunning Music Video, 'Zen'
Directed by Cho Gi-seok, the music video is a spectacle of striking aesthetics, featuring eight meticulously curated looks styled by Park Min-hee.
With unwavering confidence and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, Asian fashion brands (especially Vietnamese labels) continue to carve their mark on the global stage. The past year has been particularly remarkable, as homegrown designers have repeatedly found themselves in the spotlight, dressing some of the world's most influential stars. While established names like Cong Tri and Le Thanh Hoa have long been recognized for their artistry, a new wave of designers is now making its presence felt. Rising brands like La Lune, Fancì, LSoul, and Feng System are showcasing their visionary creativity—and Jennie’s latest music video, "Zen," is proof of that.
Part of her highly anticipated solo album 'Ruby,' set to release in March, "Zen" offers fans a rare glimpse into what awaits. Until now, aside from the 2024 release of "Mantra," the album’s tracks have remained a mystery. This surprise drop is a gift to fans eagerly awaiting Jennie’s artistic evolution.
Lyrically and visually, "Zen" is an introspective journey of self-discovery and resilience. The imagery of fire, waves, and rain represents external chaos, while the pursuit of peace and balance anchors the narrative. Directed by Cho Gi-seok, the music video is a spectacle of striking aesthetics, featuring eight meticulously curated looks styled by Park Min-hee. Each ensemble reflects a different side of Jennie’s persona, reinforcing the powerful statement: "I ain’t what you think about me."
The MV opens with a commanding presence as Jennie dons a regal ensemble from LEJE, inspired by the ancient Silla dynasty of Korea. The intricately designed top takes cues from the mythical phoenix "Jujak," boasting over 1,000 handcrafted embellishments. Paired with boldly cut, gold-accented pants rooted in traditional Korean dress, this look is a seamless blend of history and modernity, embodying the spirit of a warrior queen.
Look two shifts the tone, introducing a softer yet equally captivating aesthetic. Designed by Tanaka Daisuke, the outfit combines stone and pearl artistry with butterfly-inspired layering. A structured, high-neck, sleeveless top hugs Jennie’s form, flowing into relaxed white cargo pants. This transition from commanding authority to ethereal elegance demonstrates the multifaceted nature of both Jennie and the video’s visual storytelling.
As the MV reaches its climactic moment, Jennie transforms once more, embodying avian strength with an ensemble featuring wings and feathers cascading from her shoulders to her skirt. Thigh-high boots amplify the boldness of the look, channeling the sharp intelligence and mystique of an owl. The choreography further elevates this imagery, as masked dancers create the illusion of an expansive bird in flight, framing Jennie as its fearless center.
The next striking moment unfolds through a floral motif, as "rain, midnight bloom" accompanies a mesmerizing lotus-inspired outfit. Layers of delicate pink petals form a sculpted top, gracefully paired with a flowing green pleated skirt. This symbolizes purity, resilience, and transcendence, reinforcing the album’s themes of rebirth and self-realization.
Jennie’s second winged look offers a softer take on this motif. Crafted from sheer chiffon in neutral tones, the ensemble embraces fluidity and grace. A high-necked, lace-adorned blouse with cascading chiffon flowers pairs with asymmetrical, ultra-short pants that extend dramatically to the floor, accentuating movement and delicacy.
The ensemble features a structured, padded-shoulder top inspired by hockey, seamlessly paired with a pleated mini skirt adorned with a bold bow. The deep blue hue and architectural design add an unmistakable edge. Feng System expressed their admiration for stylist Park Min-hee, praising her ability to merge their signature aesthetic with Jennie’s unique visual identity.
The MV concludes with a sleek, futuristic edge. Jennie’s silver bob cut glistens under the lights as she layers multiple necklaces over a minimalist white tube top and a mini skirt styled as a top. The simplicity of this final look contrasts with the elaborate previous ensembles, serving as a powerful punctuation mark to her visual narrative.
Jennie’s surprise release has already made waves. Beyond the visual spectacle, the track cements itself as a deeply personal piece, signaling Jennie’s continued evolution as both an artist and storyteller. Adding to the excitement, OA Entertainment recently announced "The Ruby Experience," a series of exclusive performances in Los Angeles, New York, and Seoul. Jennie will take the stage at the Peacock Theater (Los Angeles) on March 6, the Radio City Music Hall (New York) on March 10, and Inspire Stadium (Seoul) on March 15. These events mark a significant milestone in her solo career, celebrating the launch of her first full-length studio album.
"Ruby" also boasts a stellar lineup of international collaborations, featuring Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dominic Fike, FKJ, and Kali Uchis. With such a dynamic mix of talent, the album promises to deliver an unforgettable sonic experience, solidifying Jennie’s place as a global music icon.
From the intricate fusion of fashion and storytelling in "Zen" to the broader artistic vision behind "Ruby," Jennie continues to push boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide. Her ability to seamlessly blend music, fashion, and personal narrative proves that she isn’t just following trends—she’s setting them.
