Keep Style In Sound: Le Sserafim Talk Their Evolving Aesthetic With Latest Sony Headphone Collab

The trendsetting members of Le Sserafim know that there needs to be style backing substance. As one of the most exciting acts to watch in 2024 and beyond, they’re certainly well known for their top-notch choreography — but their chic fashion senses have garnered attention off the stage as well, and their latest collaboration with Sony Audio shows it.

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The audio giant is adding a new ‘Smoky Pink’ colorway to their award winning 1000X noise-canceling headphones that releases Oct. 14 (pre-orders are open online now ) inspired by the aesthetics of the hitmaking K-pop group, and they’re not just aiming for them to have the perfect sound — the members want it to be a stylish staple, too. “I use it often as a fashion item, because it gives a clean look and goes with any outfit,” member Sakura told Rolling Stone. Hong Eunchae adds, “It’s a rare color you don’t see everywhere, which matches well with our unique aesthetic as a team.”

The new versions of both the WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds (which are some of the best our team has ever tested ) also come with the same noise-cancellation and audio quality we love, just in a soft and sophisticated package. Le Sserafim new song “Crazy” from their same-titled fourth mini album , which released on Aug. 30th, will be the song for their campaign, one they recently got the chance to perform the track live at the 2024 VMAs — another milestone in their career.

But even for idols who’ve achieved so much in just two years since debuting , especially in an industry obsessed with visuals, they’re still constantly aiming to push their own style and sound as hard as they push themselves. They’ve switched up genres from easy-listening (an influence heard on “Impurities” from 2023’s Unforgiven ) to the fast-paced EDM on “Crazy”, and turned to Blackpink’s Coachella performance to learn a lot for their own. “Our true value lies in our fearlessness and willingness to push our boundaries that are embedded in our identity as LE SSERAFIM,” says Sakura.

The group sat down to speak with Rolling Stone about their Sony headphone collab, learning how to vogue, and how their style differs on and off the stage.

Now that you’re collaborating with Sony Audio, do you feel like audio gear needs to look stylish and fashion-forward beyond just sounding good?

Sakura: I use it often as a fashion item, because it gives a clean look and goes with any outfit.

Kim Chaewon: I love how Sony Audio can double as a stylish accessory, while still delivering impressive sound quality.

Huh Yunjin: I would definitely say audio accessories have become a fashion statement in recent years. Whether it’s a retro wired earphone or a sleek bluetooth headset, I think I definitely consider the aesthetics of audio gear as well.

Kazuha: It’s really nice to be able to enjoy music, while also using it as a fashionable accessory.

Hong Eunchae: Although sound quality is the most important of all, I think being able to incorporate it into your style is also significant, especially these days. [ The ‘Smoky Pink’ colorway ] is a rare color you don’t see everywhere, which matches well with our unique aesthetic as a team.

Sakura: I think the cute, yet sophisticated vibe is a perfect match for Le Sserafim. I love the Smoky Pink color!

How would you describe your personal style as a group versus what you wear out in everyday life?

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Chaewon: Along with music, we enjoy experimenting with new styles, so our aesthetic as a group has been continuously  evolving since our debut in a way that not only matches our sound, but also highlights our individual style. For performances, we opt for bolder outfits that match our sound, while our everyday attire is more relaxed and casual, as we love to be comfortable off stage.

Your MV for “Crazy” has been praised for paying homage to the ballroom scene — what inspired you to tap into that subculture, and what was it like learning how to vogue?

Kazuha: When our team first heard the EDM-house track “Crazy,” we all agreed voguing would be a perfect fit. We felt it was important to thoroughly study not only voguing and its movements, but also the subculture behind it to bring our interpretation to life on stage. Meeting and collaborating with voguing powerhouses the Iconic House of Juicy Couture and Dashaun Wesley was incredible, and it’s an invaluable learning experience that we will cherish for a long time.

For Huh Yunjin — What was it like being the main producer for the last track on the album, “Crazier”?

Yunjin: I was grateful and honored to debut as a main producer for the track “Crazier,” signaling the beginning of more to come! It was a little awkward at first working with the members in the studio on the other side, but I tried to do my best to bring out the best in them. The track celebrates the beauty in embracing both our crazy and unrestrained moments. I sincerely hope listeners will wholeheartedly connect with whatever their hearts are passionate about!

From sampling legendary Korean diva Kim Wan-sun’s “Pierrot Laughs At Us” to dipping into house music, how have you challenged yourself with new styles of music and performances for this mini album?

Sakura: With every album, we challenge ourselves to new styles of  music, and performances as it’s both our forte and our passion. Our 4th Mini Album Crazy encourages listeners to have fun, let loose, and go crazy together with us, and we tried our hand at EDM-house and voguing that we felt aligned with the theme of the album. Our true value lies in our fearlessness and willingness to push our boundaries that are embedded in our identity as Le Sserafim.

Think of your own personal playlists: what types of songs or artists have you been “crazy” for lately?

Chaewon: Sabrina Carpenter’s new album.

Yunjin: Chappell Roan. I love her music!

Eunchae: Le Sserafim’s 4th Mini Album Crazy !!!!!

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