When American fashion and culture platform Complex Networks released its much-anticipated '21st Century Best Dressers' list on November 12, 2025, the global spotlight fell on a familiar name from South Korea: G-Dragon. As the only Asian artist to make the cut, G-Dragon landed at an impressive 16th place, standing shoulder to shoulder with international icons like Kanye West, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and David Beckham. This recognition isn’t just another feather in the cap for the K-pop superstar—it’s a testament to his enduring influence, not just in music but in the very fabric of global fashion.
According to Complex Networks, the 21st century has seen a seismic shift in the way style is defined and expressed. The platform described K-pop as a new cultural phenomenon, one that is “opening the global market and changing the standards of fashion.” In this context, G-Dragon’s presence on the list is not simply about his sartorial choices, but about the transformative impact he’s had on the industry. As Complex put it, G-Dragon was “setting the standards of fashion even before K-pop became a global craze.” The publication praised his knack for staying ahead of trends, noting, “Even after almost 20 years since his debut, G-Dragon continues to redefine the concept of ‘style’ in K-pop, breaking boundaries and inspiring an entire generation to view fashion as a form of self-expression.”
It’s hard to overstate G-Dragon’s role as a fashion trailblazer. Since his earliest days in the spotlight, he’s been recognized as a style icon, unafraid to experiment and push the envelope. In the mid-2000s, he was already introducing high fashion brands like Alexander McQueen and COMME des GARÇONS to a broader audience, mixing them with streetwear in a way that felt both effortless and revolutionary. His signature looks—think McQueen’s skull scarf or the Nike Air More Uptempo—became instant trends, influencing not just fans but fellow artists and designers across the globe.
G-Dragon’s approach to fashion has always been about more than just clothes. He’s blurred the lines between high fashion and streetwear, and perhaps more importantly, between traditional gender norms. His fearless adoption of genderless styles and willingness to don items considered unconventional for male artists have helped usher in a new era of inclusivity in fashion. As TV Report highlighted, G-Dragon “contributed to breaking down the boundaries of fashion by freely showcasing genderless styles and incorporating women’s items into his looks.” What was once considered daring or avant-garde has, thanks in part to G-Dragon, become part of the mainstream conversation.
One of the most remarkable aspects of G-Dragon’s influence is how he’s managed to turn even the most mundane moments into cultural phenomena. Take ‘airport fashion’—what was once just about what celebrities wore in transit is now a full-blown trend, with fans and media alike eagerly awaiting each of his public appearances. Complex Networks noted how G-Dragon’s every airport sighting “shakes up social media worldwide,” transforming simple travel attire into a global style event. For G-Dragon, every moment is an opportunity for self-expression, and fans have responded in kind, emulating his looks and fueling new trends with each outing.
His collaborations with major brands have only amplified his reach. In 2016, G-Dragon broke new ground as Chanel’s first Asian male global ambassador—a role he continues to hold to this day. His partnerships with Nike and Jacob & Co. have also made waves, with products like the PEACEMINUSONE x Nike sneakers selling out worldwide and setting new standards for what artist-brand collaborations can achieve. According to eToday, these collaborations “spread rapidly as global trends, proving his unique brand power.” In fact, the PEACEMINUSONE x Nike project is credited with not just launching a must-have sneaker, but also with fundamentally shifting global consumer culture and inspiring luxury brands to seek out K-pop artists for high-profile partnerships.
G-Dragon’s influence isn’t confined to fashion. His cultural impact, built over nearly two decades, is now being recognized officially on the world stage. As Seoul Shinmun reported, his inclusion on Complex’s list is “seen as an official acknowledgment of the influence he’s built in fashion and culture over the past 20 years.” For many, it’s a long-overdue recognition of how G-Dragon has helped open doors for Asian artists and set new standards for what it means to be a global icon.
And G-Dragon shows no signs of slowing down. Even as he’s being celebrated for his past achievements, he’s preparing for the future. His upcoming ‘G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch]’ is already generating buzz, with a series of concerts scheduled at Seoul’s Olympic Gymnastics Arena from December 12 to 14, 2025. The tour follows a string of 36 successful shows in 16 cities around the world, underscoring his continued relevance and popularity both at home and abroad.
For fans and industry watchers alike, G-Dragon’s latest accolade is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a sign of how far K-pop and Asian pop culture have come on the world stage. It’s also a reminder that fashion, like music, is a language that transcends borders, and that true style icons are those who inspire others to see the world a little differently. As Complex Networks succinctly put it, G-Dragon is “still redefining what ‘style’ means in K-pop, breaking boundaries, and inspiring an entire generation to see fashion as a form of self-expression.”
With his unique blend of creativity, confidence, and cultural savvy, G-Dragon continues to set the pace—not just for K-pop, but for the global fashion industry as a whole. As the world takes note, one thing is clear: his influence is only growing stronger, and the boundaries he’s breaking today are shaping the trends of tomorrow.
