Photo: Getty Images

Late last night in Arles, the small coastal town in the South of France, Gucci graciously hosted 400 friends of the house, who took their seats just past 10 o’clock to witness a spectacular Resort show set in an ancient Roman necropolis. Yet despite the fantastic setting (and a surprise set by Elton John), the night belonged to a single presence (at least so far as social media was concerned): Jongin Kim, better known as K-pop star Kai of EXO, who made his first major front row appearance in head-to-toe Gucci, pulled off with aplomb.

Photo: Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Kai is commonly known as the “face of the group,” due not only to his striking good looks, but his role as EXO’s main dancer—his magnetic stage presence was memorably showcased with a solo set at the Pyeongchang Olympics closing ceremony. He arrived in a crimson wool checked suit and leather slides from Gucci’s Fall 2018 men’s collection, paired with a long red V-neck knit that hit mid-thigh. On his head, Kai added a playful nod to designer Alessandro Michele’s trademark whimsy: a nude headband dotted with crystals and strung with crystal fringe that fell down his chest and hung in front of his eyes. Once inside, however, he removed the piece to better enjoy the show—and the profusion of selfie requests—a glass of red wine pressed firmly in hand.

Photo: Courtesy of SM Entertainment

It was a particularly delightful follow-up to his bandmate Sehun, who made a similarly show-stopping appearance this week at Louis Vuitton’s Resort show in the French Riviera, as well as Chanyeol, who attended Tommy Hilfiger last fall. An EXO sighting in the front row is always welcome—here’s to the ones that lie ahead.