Champion names V of BTS as the face of its new “True Champion” campaign, marking the start of a global partnership with the South Korean singer and songwriter. The FW26 project places V at the center of Champion’s latest chapter, with a focus on individuality, creative identity and the influence that artists and athletes bring to contemporary culture.
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V, whose given name is Kim Taehyung, brings an established presence in music and fashion to the partnership. As a member of BTS, he has built an international following while developing a distinct visual identity through solo projects, performances and personal style. His first solo album, Layover, arrived in 2023, drawing from jazz and R&B influences with a more intimate musical direction.
That interest carries into the Champion campaign imagery. V appears in a series of relaxed looks that draw from varsity, collegiate and athletic dressing. Oversized jackets, quarter zip tops, sweatpants, rugby inspired pieces and retro sneakers shape the wardrobe, creating a casual visual language that fits closely with the way he approaches off duty style.
V has described choosing his clothes according to what feels right in the moment, often combining different influences without following a fixed formula. Casual pieces form an important part of that approach, especially simple T-shirts and comfortable silhouettes.
Among the pieces featured, V singles out a gray long sleeve shirt with a red Champion logo as a personal favorite. The red detail gives the otherwise simple piece a stronger visual point, matching his preference for adding touches of red to his outfits.
Champion uses V’s involvement to introduce “True Champion” as a campaign centered on people shaping culture through their own perspectives. The partnership connects the brand’s athletic identity with V’s influence in music, fashion and visual culture, giving the campaign a global lead figure with a clear personal point of view.
The wider FW26 campaign also includes Romeo Beckham, SOFI TUKKER, Kyle Kuzma, Danna Paola, Megan Keller, Bella Sims and Jaalen Best. Their involvement extends the project into sports, music and entertainment, while V leads the first visual chapter of “True Champion.”
