Are You Ready for Katseye’s Next Move?
The Grammy-nominated artists and new faces of Laneige are ready for a reinvention.
In less than three years, Yoonchae Jeong, Daniela Avanzini, Manon Bannerman, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, and Megan Skiendiel went from competing on Netflix’s Dream Academy to becoming the six members of Katseye, an international girl group created by K-pop label HYBE and Geffen Records, to becoming two-time Grammy nominees for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Earlier today, they hit the stage at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles to perform their hit single “Gnarly.” Although they missed out on taking home the two trophies, they brought the house down.
Even if you haven’t heard their music, you’ve probably seen them: Last August, the group’s viral ad for Gap denim was released on the heels of another jean campaign—you know the one—throwing them into the center of nationwide discourse about inclusivity and representation. And just a few days ago, they added yet another accomplishment to their growing list of accolades: global partners and faces of Laneige.
This is a full-circle moment for them, they say, and not only because their artistry has K-pop roots. During Dream Academy’s filming, the contestants—whose fans know them by their first names—worked with Laneige on a product placement campaign. “We were all freaking out,” Sophia says while chatting to Allure US over Zoom. “That was one of our first times, as trainees, getting products from a brand.” Yoonchae, a native of Seoul, says that being able to work with the K-beauty brand was especially meaningful to her. “I’m Korean, and I use this brand a lot in real life.”
Katseye’s campaign celebrates the brand’s JuicePop Box Lip Tints, a new product that comes in eight music-inspired shades: Pop-Star Peach, Jazzy Jam, Lo-Fi Mauve, Disco Coral, Electro Berry, Red Classic, DJ Plum, and Mocha Remix. For the campaign, each member was given their own shade to wear based on the color and vibe that suited them best, says Lara, who wore DJ Plum to reflect her aspirations as a producer and songwriter. “Some were a bit more bold, some were a bit more calm and neutral,” she says. The group also wore a secret, yet-to-be-released shade that will come out in mid-February.
It’s not the first time the group has shared a beauty product. They often exchanges beauty tips and tricks with one another, like Yoonchae’s signature undereye blush or Lara’s kajal eyeliner. “We’ve all learned so much from each other, whether it’s skin care routines, how to prep your skin before makeup, or little tricks for long performance days,” Daniela says. “Being around each other every day, you naturally pick things up and start trying new things you wouldn’t have on your own.”
The Katseye girls have often said they’re a family—which makes sense, since they say they’re always stealing from each other. “I’m pretty sure I have at least one item of clothing from each of you guys in my closet, a majority from Yoonchae,” Sophia says. With all the milestones they’re hitting, they’re leaning on their close relationships in a new way. Mentally, Daniela says the girls are focusing on staying present and enjoying the moment—but physically, they’re putting in the work. “We’re rehearsing a lot, taking care of our bodies, and making sure we’re rested,” she says.
Being catapulted into fame at such a young age (Katseye has members who are between the ages of 17 and 22) isn’t exactly easy. “It honestly still feels surreal,” Daniela says. “I’ve never been so excited for anything,” Lara adds. “I can’t believe it’s happening.”
Even with all of the chaos, the six girls make an effort to focus on gratitude to stay grounded, Sophia says. “We love to sit before rehearsal and [go over] our wins, set our intentions, and celebrate little things, even if we’re like, oh my gosh, I finally woke up and didn’t snooze my alarm,” she says. “We love to celebrate and we love to update our group chat with even the tiniest little wins, and I think that really does help us so much. It’s a habit that we’ve had since we began Katseye.”
“As a group, we really support each other,” Daniele echoes. “Checking in, talking things out, and reminding each other that it’s okay to slow down when needed.” So, what’s next for the girl group? “New sounds, new music, new concepts, and definitely growth,” Daniela adds, while Lara says: “Expect a reinvention.” We’ll be waiting.
