On the afternoon of April 17, Prada surprised fans by announcing a new Brand Ambassador, just one month after parting ways with actor Kim Soo Hyun. The person taking on the high-profile role is none other than Gawon of rookie girl group MEOVV, who made her Prada debut during Milan Fashion Week in February this year.
Gawon created a buzz at Prada’s Fall/Winter 2025 show, becoming one of the most unexpected highlights of the season. Her visuals, grace, and confidence caught the attention of the fashion world, despite it being her very first fashion week appearance. From her height and proportions to her poised elegance, Gawon carried the aura of a seasoned model.
Her rising fashion presence didn’t stop there. MEOVV recently graced the April 2025 issue of W Korea, with each of the five members receiving individual covers sponsored by different luxury brands. Among them, Gawon’s synergy with Prada stood out, cementing a strong partnership in a short span of time.
The timing of the announcement has led many to speculate whether Kim Soo Hyun’s recent scandal played a role in accelerating Gawon’s appointment. Nonetheless, Prada and Gawon are already proving to be a powerful match, complementing each other’s image in the global luxury scene.
Despite the excitement, some fans have expressed cautious optimism, especially in light of the so-called “Prada Curse.” In recent years, a few of the brand’s ambassadors have faced public controversies not long after being appointed, fueling a lighthearted but persistent superstition among netizens. With Gawon’s career still in its early stages, fans are hoping she’ll break the pattern and usher in a new, drama-free era for Prada’s brand partnerships in K-pop.
