BTS's V Joins Nothing as Global Ambassador: Why Headphones Are Officially Fashion Now

Headphones have officially crossed over. At Nothing’s New Noise event in New York, the tech brand launched its Headphone (1) Pro and announced BTS’s V as its new global brand ambassador, a pairing that says as much about culture as it does about audio. The event brought music and design together in one room, with artists Kelela and Navy Blue joining the conversation about identity and what we choose to wear.

The quotes from the Nothing team tell the story. Chief brand officer Charlie Smith described headphones as being like a scarf or a necklace, while designer Philipp Von Lintel compared the Headphone 1 to a sneaker for your head. Both comparisons land because devices are becoming visually interchangeable, which pushes brands to design for self-expression instead of just specs. Music stars like V become the bridge, giving a product a personality you can actually feel.

Kelela added the crucial caveat: visual expression only works when it’s backed by substance, whether that’s craftsmanship in the design or quality in the music itself. It’s a reminder that the coolest accessory in the world still has to deliver. So we want to hear from you: when you shop for headphones, does style or sound win? Drop your answer in the comments.