BTS’s Jungkook stole the spotlight at New York Fashion Week with his debut appearance at Calvin Klein’s Spring/Summer 2026 show on September 12.
This was his first time attending a fashion week runway for the brand since becoming its global ambassador in 2023, and fans had been waiting for the moment.
The 28-year-old singer showed up in a sharp grey suit styled with a necklace that gave his look a modern edge. Observers also noted his choice of footwear; he rocked heels, which added a bold, fashion-forward twist. He greeted fans outside the venue with peace signs, and photos and videos of him quickly went viral online.
Jungkook turned heads at the show with a look that perfectly reflected Calvin Klein’s minimalist style. He wore a relaxed taupe-grey jacket with matching wide-leg pants pulled high at the waist, layered over a fitted grey vest.
A simple chain necklace with a silver pendant and black leather boots added polish to the outfit. His slightly tousled hair and striking piercings—seven in his ears and three on his lips—gave it a bold edge. The muted earth tones and loose tailoring captured the brand’s mix of comfort and high fashion.
The Calvin Klein SS26 show, held at Rockefeller Center, was the second collection by creative director Veronica Leoni. The runway featured clean lines, long coats, and neutral tones, a perfect match with Jungkook’s sleek outfit. Stars like Tu Tontawan, Emily Ratajkowski, Naomi Watts, Christopher Briney, Rosalía, Lilly Collins, and Milk Lent also attended, but it was Jungkook who drew the biggest reactions.
The Spring/Summer 2026 presentation marked Creative Director Veronica Leoni’s sophomore collection for Calvin Klein, following her debut in February, which served as a “reset” for the brand. For this collection, Leoni sought to capture Calvin Klein’s cultural legacy through a stronger, more energetic lens while embracing what she describes as the brand’s “way of being and state of mind.”
On social media, his impact was immediate. He was mentioned more than 500,000 times on Twitter/X within the first hour, and numbers are expected to pass one million before the day ended. Fans called his look iconic, praising how naturally he fit the brand’s new style. Many called him ‘impossibly handsome,’ ‘Unreal,’ and a ‘Prince.
Since becoming Calvin Klein’s global face in 2023, Jungkook has starred in campaigns that broke records worldwide. Now, he will resume his role as an ambassador by featuring in more campaigns and ads. Streets are saying the brand will release his first post-military campaign soon.
On the work front, Jungkook and the BTS members are working on the group album in the US after returning to civilian life. He was in Korea for the past few days but departed for New York on September 11 for the CK Show. After completing work on the BTS album, he will engage in solo activities till spring 2026.
