Summary:
- Stray Kids member Bang Chan released Roman Empire, a single produced for FENDI where he serves as brand ambassador
- The track blends R&B and Miami Bass elements, drawing parallels between love and Rome's historical legacy
- The music video premiered November 3rd at FENDI's Rome headquarters, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana
FENDI and Stray Kids member Bang Chan released the music video for Roman Empire on November 3rd. The single marks another chapter in the K-pop artist's role as brand ambassador for the Italian fashion house.
Bang Chan wrote, composed, and produced the track himself. The song draws connections between romantic themes and the scale of ancient Rome. The artist incorporates FENDI design elements into the lyrics, including references to the Peekaboo bag and the house's F logo.
The music video was shot at the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome, which serves as FENDI's headquarters. The location ties the visual narrative to the brand's origins and Roman identity. The building's architecture provides the backdrop for Bang Chan's performance throughout the video.
"A song about FENDI. It compares love to the eternity and grandeur of the Roman Empire, weaving symbols of the Maison into the lyrics to reinterpret Rome's heritage in a modern way", Bang Chan explained. He described the musical approach as combining smooth vocals with synthesizer layers over a kick-driven rhythm structure. The result sits within R&B and Miami Bass genres.
The project represents the ongoing relationship between Bang Chan and FENDI. As brand ambassador, the Stray Kids leader has appeared in campaigns and attended events for the fashion house. This musical collaboration extends his involvement beyond traditional ambassador duties.
The premiere took place at 6:00 p.m. on November 3rd. FENDI and Bang Chan held a special screening at K-pop Square's mega screen in COEX, a major entertainment and shopping complex in Seoul. The location choice reflects the intersection of luxury fashion and Korean pop culture that defines this partnership.
Roman Empire follows FENDI's history of working with musicians and artists. The brand has collaborated with various cultural figures to connect its design legacy with contemporary creative expression. Bang Chan's track adds a musical interpretation to FENDI's visual identity.
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana building holds significance in FENDI's story. The structure, known for its distinctive architecture featuring repeating arches, has housed the brand's headquarters and represents its Roman roots. Using this location for the music video reinforces the thematic connection between the song's title and the brand's geographic origin.
Bang Chan's production style on Roman Empire incorporates electronic elements alongside traditional R&B vocal delivery. The Miami Bass influence brings a rhythmic foundation that differs from his work with Stray Kids. The track demonstrates his range as a producer beyond the group's typical sound.
The collaboration positions FENDI within the global K-pop marketplace. South Korean pop culture maintains a strong presence in luxury fashion, with numerous K-pop artists serving as brand ambassadors for European houses. Bang Chan's musical contribution offers a different approach to these partnerships.
The Peekaboo bag and F logo references in the lyrics transform product design into lyrical content. This method of incorporating brand elements into music creates a narrative that connects consumer goods with artistic expression. The approach differs from standard endorsement practices.
FENDI's choice to support an original music production by a brand ambassador reflects shifting strategies in luxury marketing. Rather than simply featuring Bang Chan in advertisements, the house enabled him to create original content that merges his musical identity with the brand's aesthetic values.
The November 3rd release date coincides with the start of the holiday shopping season in many markets. FENDI and Bang Chan timed the premiere to align with increased consumer attention toward luxury goods during this period.
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Maya Torelli
Straddling the worlds of art and communication, this creative professional established People in 2009, a content agency specializing in the fusion of words and visuals. Over the years, her work has spanned a variety of projects, including magazines and documentary films. Beyond her commercial endeavors, she dedicates herself to exploring the nature of imagery, with a particular focus on its interplay with other media forms, especially music. Her passion for music not only fuels her writing but also deeply influences her work as a filmmaker, shaping both her documentaries and video installations. With a voracious appetite for knowledge across philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and various scientific disciplines, she weaves these diverse interests into a unique, interdisciplinary approach to content creation, perspective-taking, and writing.