BTS’ V wears Kartik Research - How Kim Taehyung’s effortless ..

In the endlessly scrutinised realm of celebrity fashion, rare moments occur when a simple garment resonates far beyond style. This week, Kim Taehyung, better known as BTS’ V, created one such moment. Photographed in an ivory, hand-embroidered shirt by Delhi-based label Kartik Research, he managed to fuse intimacy with international relevance, sparking a wave of admiration and national pride among Indian fans.

True to his understated approach, V styled the intricately embroidered shirt with a plain undershirt, relaxed denim and a slouchy beanie. The look was effortless, casual and yet profoundly thoughtful. It was not an orchestrated red-carpet spectacle but rather an instance of quiet luxury, a subtle statement of respect for craft above extravagance. For Indian admirers, the symbolism was immediate. This was not merely a celebrity outfit but a celebration of Indian textile heritage, worn and witnessed on a global stage.

Kartik Research, founded by designer Kartik Kumra, has built its reputation on reviving artisanal practices for contemporary menswear. The label employs heirloom techniques such as kantha and zardozi while reworking fabrics into silhouettes suited to modern lifestyles. Its philosophy bridges sustainability with storytelling, positioning Indian craftsmanship within the global conversation on mindful fashion.

What makes V’s choice especially significant is its departure from the familiar narrative of Indian couture as ornate or ceremonial. Here was Indian embroidery presented in its most approachable form, as everyday wear seamlessly integrated into international street style. The image of V, one of the most influential cultural figures of his generation, wearing a piece rooted in India’s textile tradition, felt at once global and deeply personal.

Already, the ripple effects are visible, with Kartik Research’s digital presence gaining momentum and global fashion media spotlighting the moment. For young Indian designers, such organic recognition signals the potential of authentic craft to transcend borders, and for V, it reaffirms his reputation as a style icon who values story as much as spectacle.
**This news was published on Times of India on 1st September, 2025.