Photo Credits: Marie Claire Chanel SM Entertainment
Karina of aespa graces the Marie Claire Korea February 2026 Digital Issue cover in a stunning Chanel Beauty collaboration, blending K-pop charisma with luxury edge. This denim-fueled pictorial marks a pivotal milestone in her ambassadorship, channeling “The Language of Youth Out of Rule” for a bold, scroll-stopping vibe.
From aespa Leader to Chanel Muse
Karina, aespa’s leader and visual powerhouse, has evolved from K-pop stages to global luxury icon since her Chanel Beauty appointment in late 2025. Her journey kicked off with W Korea’s November 2025 pictorial, where she embodied “authentic beauty” through natural radiance and serene elegance—Les Beiges cushion for glow, Rouge Coco Baume for subtle shine.
That feature set the stage for deeper collaborations, positioning Karina as a bridge between aespa’s futuristic concepts and Chanel’s timeless sophistication. Fans hailed it as a “quiet power move,” amplifying her solo brand amid aespa’s 2026 world tour buzz. By February 2026, she’s not just posing—she’s redefining youth luxury.
“Karina doesn’t wear Chanel. Chanel orbits Karina’s glow.” – Fandom verdict on her rising era
Creative Direction: Denim as Youth Anthem
The Marie Claire digital cover pivots to denim as rebellion wrapped in refinement, themed “The Language of Youth Out of Rule.” Chanel’s signature fabric inspires a makeup collection that screams freedom: cool blues, confident layers, and everyday ritual elevated to art.
Photographed in stark, high-contrast frames, Karina’s poses mix poised intensity with playful defiance—think sharp gazes under denim-blue lids, lips shimmering like urban nightlife. This isn’t stiff editorial; it’s algorithm bait, optimized for TikTok recreations and Instagram Reels. Creative leads at Marie Claire Korea x Chanel Beauty crafted a digital-first package: vertical crops, swipeable galleries, and behind-the-scenes clips for maximum fandom engagement.
Fun tidbit: Denim pouches house key products, turning makeup bags into statement accessories—perfect for MYs (aespa fans) restyling on the go.
Makeup Breakdown: Blueprint for Fan Dupes
Karina’s looks dissect Chanel’s Denim Makeup Collection into wearable rebellion. Eyes pop with Les 4 Ombres #19 Denim Dream and #29 Coco Jeans—smoky blues for that “cool girl” clarity without overpowering her features.
Lips steal the show: Rouge Coco Flash #284 Baby Blue base layered with top coat for pearl-shimmer glow, a micro-trend already exploding in K-beauty forums. Coco Denim Highlighter adds lit-from-within luminosity, while La Crème Main Limited Edition in its denim pouch grounds the vibe in tactile luxury.
Pro Tip: Blend the blue shadows wet for intensified drama—Karina’s MUA secret for editorial-to-street versatility. This palette empowers fans to “Karina-fy” their routines, blending K-pop fantasy with real-world edge.