Global Focus: CL of 2NE1

Chae-rin Lee, better known as CL, is the leader and rapper of Korean idol group 2NE1. This twenty-three-year-old not only made a name for herself as the Korean GZB (gijibae or the “baddest female”) but is also winning global recognition. With over two million followers on Instagram – including Rihanna – and multiple awards under 2NE1, CL is a force to behold. Her fierce style and stage presence has made her the Baddest Female of the South Korean music scene and current dominator of 2015 TIME 100 Reader Poll.

CL is leading South Korean and Asian fashion alongside label mate Bigbang's G-Dragon. Her style and wardrobe is to die for, dripping with Moschino, Alexander Wang, and Fendi. Her studded biker jackets and bejeweled eyewear have inspired many Blackjacks (2NE1 fans), selling out that Wang dress or those YSL boots.

A fashion week regular, she is on first-name bases with the big names. Cheek kisses with Karl? Check. Front row with Anna at Chanel? Check. Chilling with JPG? Sitting with Nicki and Iggy at Jeremy Scott? Partying with Jared and Mademoiselle Yulia? Check, check, check. If that isn’t enough proof of her influence, Jeremy Scott of Moschino and his eponymous label flew straight to South Korea after seeing 2NE1’s debut MV “Fire.”Scott has declared CL his muse and these BFFs are constantly supporting each other, with Scott designing 2NE1’s wardrobe, CL showing off his designs even before they hit stores, and CL getting the best seats at his shows.

While Psy might still be the most known K-Pop artist out there, CL is catching up (they are label mates after all). Her unapologetic style and fierce stage persona has brought her millions of followers and fans worldwide. With her US debut underway, CL is breaking into the global market under the guidance of Scooter Braun. Watch out for this GZB in 2015 because she will take the music and fashion scenes by storm.