Interview with JISOO

HB: You have been appointed as a Dior Fashion & Beauty Global Ambassador. What are your honest impressions?

JISOO: Dior has always been both my love in fashion and beauty, so I think it is more significant to be an ambassador for both at the same time. I feel that I have become an ambassador of the Dior brand by representing both fashion and beauty, not just one or the other. I am also more enthusiastic going into today’s shoot because I wore Dior from head to toe, from fashion to make-up, everything.

HB: What is it about the Dior brand that appeals to you?

JISOO: I think that Dior is the most powerful brand because it looks simple and elegant, and at the same time, it looks charismatic. I like it because it fits well with my usual style, which is to draw attention without being flashy in design or style.

HB: What did you think of the Dior Spring/Summer collection that you actually saw in Paris?

JISOO: I was impressed with the colourful show venue and the looks with point colours. The atmosphere of the venue and the clothes were in perfect harmony, and I felt that every detail, starting with the clothes, had been meticulously considered. Even the models’ walks were different from other shows, it was like watching a piece of entertainment! The invitations were in the shape of (the board game) Monopoly, so I wondered, “What kind of show is this?” and I was very curious about the show (laughs). I really enjoyed myself while watching it.

HB: What is your impression of Dior’s Women’s Artistic Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri?

JISOO: The day before the show, we met to shoot a video and do a costume fitting, and I got the impression that she is a person with her own distinct colour. I also spoke with Peter Phillips, Dior Makeup & Creative Image Director, and he said that Maria Grazia is a very passionate woman who gives careful and detailed opinions on make-up as well. While showing me the glamorous and dramatic outfits, she made many suggestions, saying, “You should wear it on stage” (laughs). She was very open to challenges, and I thought she was a very lovely person who successfully created an innovative and diverse image that is unique to Dior.

HB: How did you feel about this shoot?

JISOO: The concept was to shoot in harmony with warm natural light, so I wanted to make it look clear and clean. The outfits were minimalist and to the point, so I wanted to create a natural and beautiful impression with the hair and make-up to match.

HB: What is your favourite item you wore for this shoot?

JISOO: The long white dress (laughs). I don’t usually have a chance to wear it. It was a dress that I could wear only for this kind of shoot, so it was fresh.

HB: What are the main points that you pay attention to in your daily fashion?

JISOO: What I pay most attention to in styling is very similar to the atmosphere of this Dior collection. Rather than being colourful overall, I like a clean style that highlights a single point of focus. If I have an outfit or a bag that I want to wear, I make it the key element and work around it.

HB: Which of the four couture cases of the new Dior Addict Lipstick is your favourite? What style would you like to match it with?

JISOO: The denim case! I actually did a shoot for this lipstick last year, and I was surprised and amazed that they could make a case out of denim. If you want your style to match with the denim lip case, put it in a micro bag and ta-da! I think it would be even more eye-catching and cute if a denim lipstick like this appeared while everyone was wondering, “What’s in that little bag? HB: What do you do when you change your make-up to match your fashion?

JISOO: Mainly colour. For example, if I wear a purple item, my make-up will be purple, and if I wear pink, I’ll wear pink make-up to match. I match my make-up to the colour of the style of the day. For an everyday look, I use a natural base make-up and lip gloss. It should be natural and not overdone. HB: What are you into these days?

JISOO: Lately, I’ve been studying languages. There is a YouTube content that I always have playing that teaches grammar and vocabulary for an hour. They have both English and Japanese. I used to study Japanese for a while and I felt like I forgot it because I never used it, but when I watch the content, I think to myself, “I still remember! (laughs).” HB: What were your methods of stress relief during the COVID-19 pandemic?

JISOO: I was stressed and in pain, but I tried not to waste time by learning and exercising, thinking that I must do everything I could in this situation. As frustrating as this situation is, if I just slack off, I know that later when I look back on this time, I will regret it very much. I’m trying to learn as much as I can, because it’s a stress reliever if I can feel that I’m learning something in this difficult time.

HB: What do you feel is the beauty of human beings?

JISOO: I always feel that beauty comes from the inside. “Beauty” depends on how you think about it, doesn’t it? There is no right answer like in mathematics, and it is impossible to say what is right and what is wrong. I think you have to be comfortable looking at yourself as much as possible and find the beauty that is inside of you. If you keep looking at someone else comparing yourself to them or looking for beauty, you will end up feeling rather down and tired. You have to admit to yourself that you are fine as long as you are happy, and it’s not good to constantly compare yourself to someone else. And of course, it’s not good for your health too. Above all, it is important to remember to face yourself and admit that you are better, that you have grown so much, and that true beauty comes from within.

HB: What would you like to try or start this year?

JISOO: I don’t know if I will be able to start anything this year, but something I have always wanted to learn is swimming. I want to go to the pool with the other BLACKPINK members and learn. I would love to swim and race for fun, but I felt sad everytime I couldn’t. I can’t swim, so when I go on a tour or go out somewhere for fun, I always say, “Have fun!” and see them off from a distance and mainly be a photographer for them. There are so many nice swimming pools and I don’t know where I can learn to swim, but maybe someday I can try?

HB: A message to our readers.

JISOO: I am so happy to be able to greet my fans for the first time in a long time. I hope the fans can see the photos and say “I’m so pleased!” I would be happy if you think so. It’s a difficult situation right now with COVID-19, but I hope to see you as soon as possible while taking care of our own health.