Katseye Sets a New Standard for Modern Girl Groups with Humberto Leon’s Vision
Two years ago, six young women—Sophia, Lara, Manon, Daniela, Megan, and Yoonchae—transitioned from relative anonymity to internet stardom with the debut of the Netflix reality show “Pop Star Academy.” This platform propelled them into the spotlight as the now-Grammy-nominated girl group Katseye.
During the show’s finale, the newly formed group celebrated their selection by embracing and congratulating one another amidst tears. Clad in matching gray blazer-skirt ensembles reminiscent of South Korean school uniforms, the members stood out among the 120,000 contestants they had outperformed.
The final members are revealed on stage in “Pop Star Academy: Katseye” in November 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
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Katseye is backed by influential industry leaders Hybe Corporation, known for global K-pop sensations like BTS, and Universal Music Group, renowned as the largest record company in the world. Together, these entities aim to establish the first mainstream multiracial girl group built on traditional K-pop principles, including catchy melodies, synchronized choreography, and a focus on visual appeal.
Since their debut, the group has showcased an array of striking fashion choices—from daring red leather outfits at Lollapalooza to glamorous Dolce & Gabbana dresses at the MTV VMAs. They also featured in a viral Gap campaign, displaying their youthful energy against a backdrop of nostalgia with the song “Milkshake” by Kelis. Their ensembles often include luxury pieces from esteemed designers like Prada and early 2000s Balenciaga. As they prepare for their inaugural North American tour, fans can expect even more eye-catching attire.
Katseye members Yoonchae, Daniela, Megan, Sophia, Lara, and Manon attended the Coach runway show at New York Fashion Week in September 2024.
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At the helm of Katseye’s visual identity is Humberto Leon, a former fashion designer and entrepreneur who oversees every detail from accessories to hairstyles. “There was this kind of feeling of tomboy meets rebellion,” Leon reflected in a video call. “The uniforms added a fun storytelling aspect.”
Incorporating school uniforms into their aesthetic pays homage to a recurrent theme in pop culture. Many K-pop groups have embraced this motif, presenting a youthful image, yet Katseye’s approach involves unique touches that distinguish them, such as selecting boys’ blazers for their outfits.
Bringing Cultures Together
Katseye stands apart within the K-pop realm for its diverse lineup: Sophia hails from the Philippines; Yoonchae was born in South Korea; Manon was raised in Switzerland with Swiss-Italian and Ghanaian heritage; Daniela is Venezuelan-Cuban; Lara has Indian roots, born and raised in the U.S.; and Megan is from Hawaii, with a Singaporean-Chinese mother and a Swedish-American father. Notably, their songs predominantly feature English lyrics, expanding their reach to a broader audience.
Katseye has won fans over the world for its diverse appeal.
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Following their official debut in 2024 with the EP “SIS (Soft is Strong)” and the hit single “Touch,” Katseye quickly gained recognition, showcasing their appeal to a diverse fanbase.
Leon shares a multicultural upbringing, which he attributes to his passion for fashion. Growing up in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, he was influenced by his Peruvian father and Chinese mother. “My mom worked in a cafeteria by day, but at night she would sell things like cowboy hats or fur coats,” he recounted, emphasizing her encouragement to embrace individuality.
The man behind Katseye’s image is Humberto Leon, who knows the fashion industry inside out thanks to his experiences as a founder and creative director.
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Leon’s career trajectory includes roles at Gap and Burberry before he co-founded the influential Opening Ceremony brand and served as co-designer at Kenzo. “Opening Ceremony celebrated young designers and created a community for discovery,” he recalled.
Recent years have seen an increasing number of fashion professionals transitioning into the music industry. Leon’s involvement with Katseye stems from a desire to fuse cultural narratives. “In many ways, Katseye is just a different version of that,” he noted.
A New Kind of Girl Power
Leon’s journey back to Eagle Rock, which included opening a Peruvian-Chinese restaurant during the pandemic, also paved the way for his music career. His collaboration with punk rock group The Linda Lindas caught the attention of major industry figures, leading to his role at Katseye.
“Storytelling and authenticity are crucial,” Leon emphasized. “I want to ensure that each girl’s culture is around and represented.” This focus manifests in Katseye’s music and style, with the latest EP “Beautiful Chaos” featuring themes that enhance personal identities and highlight each member’s individuality.
As Katseye embarks on their tour shortly after receiving their first Grammy nomination, Leon remains tight-lipped about their stage outfits, hinting that authenticity and relatability will continue to guide their image.
Leon believes Katseye embodies a new wave of girl power, appealing to a Gen Z audience eager for genuine connections. “I want people to see themselves in Katseye,” he expressed. “This group exists to inspire excitement in fans of all genders and ages.”
