Beyond the Renaissance Portrait: Jin and Gucci, Here and Now

“Primavera,” a story of love and connection—the meeting of Jin and Gucci, two who recognize each other.

No connection, no love begins before you become aware of another’s presence. Once you’ve learned a face and a name, and you find yourself wanting to know more, that’s where a relationship begins. The partnership between Jin and Gucci, too, expands along that same curiosity. Gucci has unveiled “Primavera,” a campaign that speaks of love and connection.

Demna’s Gucci, which marked a new beginning with its Milan runway show this past February, moves playfully across the House’s classical heritage and the contemporary moment. For this campaign, Gucci joined hands with photographer Michal Chelbin to place Jin within the still compositions of a Renaissance portrait.

Though it borrows the frame of classical painting, the Jin within it reveals the most at-ease, most vivid face of today. Whether before the camera or across the interview table, Jin stays focused on what’s in front of him, as always—and we sat down to talk about “the moment of recognizing one another.”

Are there times when people recognize you even with your name and face completely hidden?

Hmm, since it’s just the face I see every day, I can’t really tell myself—but ARMY recognize me so well it’s almost uncanny. Even when I’ve got a cap and a mask on, with a hoodie pulled all the way up over it, they’ll see nothing but my back and go, “Oh, that’s Jin!” I think they remember even my build and the way I walk.

Are there moments when Gucci comes to mind for you without any name or logo?

These days, when I see something beautiful, “That’s Gucci” is just the first thing out of my mouth. Because I’m always drawing new inspiration through Gucci, whenever I come across something that strikes me as appealing, I reflexively connect it to Gucci.

This campaign is about the moment of falling in love. Are you the type to sense at first sight that you’re “going to like” something?

I’m the type who knows at first glance. Rather than glancing around at this and that, once I’ve made up my mind, I try to focus only on that and let the feeling grow.

On your solo album, you sang of a journey toward happiness. Your partnership with Gucci must be part of that journey—is there a lyric of yours that matches this feeling?

“A voice softly whispering by your side.” It’s a line from “Journey with the Clouds,” a track on my second solo album, Echo. Gucci is a partner that’s always by my side, wrapping me in comfort and softness. And it’s part of my journey.

Jin and BTS, Demna and Gucci—all of you have passed through a new chapter. How do you manage your condition ahead of something important?

The most basic and most important thing is sleep. Given the nature of the job my schedule is irregular, but I try my best to keep to the hours of sleep I’ve set for myself. Your body has to be strong and your condition has to hold up for you to carry anything through without wavering.

Do you still enjoy quiet rest at home? And on the other hand, are there moments when you recharge outside?

Spending an ordinary day at home is still my biggest recharge. Lying down to rest, taking the time to eat properly. The rare moments I draw energy from outside are when I go to work — that is, the times I go to meet ARMY. Those are the most precious moments to me.

You once said, “I began to grow from the moment I realized others could find happiness because of me.” What’s the biggest change since that realization?

I came to understand that words I’d tossed out meaning to make people laugh could end up hurting someone. After that I became much more careful about what I say, and I talk less, too. That doesn’t mean I try to just hide away or stay quiet. If it’s something we can all laugh at comfortably together, I’ll still be the first to lighten the mood, anytime.

This article was originally published on Vogue Korea.