CONTROVERSY ON THE CARPET: LISA’S MET GALA DEBUT SPARKS HEATED DEBATE

May 6, 2025

From White Lotus to Hot Water: Lisa’s Met Gala Outfit Creates Uproar

The 2025 Met Gala, fashion’s most prestigious night, drew its usual parade of A-list celebrities to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan on Monday evening. Among the stars making their debut at the event was BLACKPINK’s Lisa (born Lalisa Manobal), who has recently expanded her career beyond K-pop superstardom with a critically acclaimed role in the third season of HBO’s “The White Lotus.”

What should have been a triumphant moment for the 28-year-old global icon quickly transformed into a controversy that has dominated social media discussions since images of her outfit began circulating online. The Thai-born performer arrived on the Met steps in a custom Louis Vuitton ensemble that has drawn both praise for its elegance and fierce criticism for elements some viewers have deemed culturally insensitive and disrespectful.

Lisa’s look—a tailored single-breasted blazer paired with a sheer lace bodysuit and monogrammed Louis Vuitton tights—initially appeared to be a sophisticated interpretation of the night’s “Tailored for You” dress code, which accompanied the Met Gala’s 2025 theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” However, closer inspection of the bodysuit’s intricate embroidery triggered a firestorm of criticism when some observers identified what they believed to be the face of civil rights icon Rosa Parks woven into the intimate garment.

“I’m sorry but like isn’t having Rosa Parks, a huge historical figure, on your panties… like you know disrespectful,” one social media user wrote in a post that has been shared thousands of times. Another commenter was even more direct: “Who the hell decided it was a good idea to put the faces of influential black women on a pair of PANTIES.”

The Artist’s Intent: Henry Taylor’s Embroidered Portraits

The controversy surrounding Lisa’s outfit centers on the lace bodysuit, which featured embroidered portraits created by American artist Henry Taylor. According to Louis Vuitton’s official statement, reported by The New York Times, the lace design “replicates elements of an artwork by the American artist Henry Taylor depicting portraits of figures who have been a part of the artist’s life.”

Taylor, known for his portraits of both famous and non-famous subjects, had previously collaborated with Pharrell Williams, who serves as Louis Vuitton’s Men’s creative director and was one of this year’s Met Gala co-chairs. The portraits were originally commissioned by Williams for Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 collection, where similar designs appeared on suits and accessories rather than undergarments.

While Louis Vuitton has not explicitly confirmed whether Rosa Parks was among the figures depicted in the embroidery, many observers remain convinced of the resemblance. The controversy has been amplified by the fact that this year’s Met Gala theme specifically celebrated Black style and cultural contributions to fashion history, making any perceived disrespect particularly problematic.

The Met Gala Theme: Celebrating Black Style and Dandyism

The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was chosen to highlight the historical and cultural significance of Black dandyism and style. The accompanying Costume Institute exhibition, set to run from May 10 to October 26, explores how clothing and personal style have been instrumental in forming Black identities in the United States and Europe over the past 300 years.

According to The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s website, the exhibition examines “the importance of style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora, particularly in the United States and Europe.” It further explains that Black dandyism emerged from “the intersection of African and European style traditions” and demonstrates how “self-presentation is a mode of distinction and resistance—within a society impacted by race, gender, class, and sexuality.”

The exhibition was inspired by Barnard professor Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” and represents the first Costume Institute show focused exclusively on menswear in more than 20 years. The gala’s dress code, “Tailored for You,” invited attendees to incorporate elements of menswear while allowing for creative interpretation.

In this context, Lisa’s outfit—designed by a luxury European fashion house in collaboration with an American artist for an Asian celebrity—has become a lightning rod for discussions about cultural sensitivity, appropriation, and the responsibilities of both celebrities and designers when engaging with historically significant cultural themes.

A History of Controversy: Previous Allegations Surface

Lisa’s Met Gala controversy has been complicated by the resurfacing of previous allegations about her and other BLACKPINK members. Some critics have pointed to accusations that Lisa, along with groupmates Rosé and Jennie, used a racial slur in a behind-the-scenes video that circulated years ago through a former YG Entertainment staff member.

These claims, which were never officially addressed by BLACKPINK or their management company, have been revived in the wake of the Met Gala incident, with some commenters suggesting a pattern of cultural insensitivity. The allegations have added fuel to the fire, turning what might have been a momentary fashion misstep into a broader conversation about accountability and awareness among global celebrities.

“So you get exposed for saying [a racial slur], don’t acknowledge it and then pop up to a black people themed event with rosa parks on your moose knuckle?” one Twitter user wrote, encapsulating the criticism from those who see the Met Gala incident as part of a larger problem.

A House Divided: Lisa’s Fans Respond

While criticism of Lisa’s outfit has dominated much of the online conversation, the performer’s substantial fanbase has rallied to her defense, arguing that the controversy has been overblown or misinterpreted.

“#LISA just stepped out looking so glamorous like the hairstyle the make up the fit like everything is so perfect and her aura is so powerful,” one supporter posted on social media. “Go girl you slayed it wow.”

Many fans have placed the blame squarely on Louis Vuitton and the styling team rather than on Lisa herself, suggesting that as a non-American, she may not have fully understood the cultural significance of the embroidered images or how they might be perceived when incorporated into an undergarment.

Others have questioned whether the faces on the bodysuit truly depict Rosa Parks or other civil rights figures at all, pointing to Louis Vuitton’s statement that the portraits represent people from artist Henry Taylor’s life rather than historical figures.

Fashion as Expression: Lisa’s Personal Philosophy

In a 2021 interview cited by supporters, Lisa spoke about the importance of fashion in her self-expression: “Fashion and I are inseparable. It’s important to me because fashion—along with music—is my way of expressing myself.”

This perspective adds another layer to the controversy, raising questions about the line between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity, particularly for global celebrities whose fashion choices are scrutinized on an international stage. As a representative of Louis Vuitton and an international brand ambassador, Lisa’s fashion choices carry additional weight and visibility.

For Lisa, who has built her career at the intersection of Eastern and Western cultural influences, navigating these complex waters presents unique challenges. As K-pop stars increasingly break into Western entertainment markets—Lisa’s BLACKPINK bandmates Jennie and Rosé also attended the Met Gala—questions about cultural appropriation and sensitivity will likely continue to arise.

Red Carpet Companions: BLACKPINK at the Met Gala

Lisa wasn’t the only BLACKPINK member to grace the Met Gala red carpet. Fellow members Jennie and Rosé also attended the event, with Jennie channeling classic Chanel elegance and Rosé opting for a dramatic Anthony Vaccarello tuxedo with a cape. The group’s fourth member, Jisoo, was notably absent, leading to speculation among fans.

During a red carpet interview, Jennie briefly touched on BLACKPINK’s upcoming reunion tour, which is set to begin in July. “It’s BLACKPINK in your area, back again!” she told host La La Anthony. “It’s gonna be good, and we all can’t wait to meet our fans.”

The tour will mark the group’s first collective performances since their 2023 Born Pink world tour, and comes as all four members have been pursuing individual projects. Lisa, in particular, has had a breakthrough year with her acting debut in “The White Lotus” and the release of her debut solo album “Alter Ego,” which reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart.

A Night of Stars: The Broader Met Gala Context

Beyond the controversy surrounding Lisa’s outfit, the 2025 Met Gala featured its usual array of spectacular fashion moments and celebrity sightings. Co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams presided over the event alongside longtime Met Gala chair Anna Wintour.

The night saw “Euphoria” stars Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney in attendance, as well as Rihanna, whose appearance was particularly notable as her partner A$AP Rocky confirmed they are expecting their third child. Other Louis Vuitton-clad celebrities included Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, Helen Lasichanh, Callum Turner, and Jeremy Allen White.

The gala, which serves as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, reportedly raised a record-breaking $31 million this year. While the festivities inside the museum remain largely private due to a strict no-phones policy, the red carpet arrivals provide the general public with a glimpse into fashion’s most exclusive night.

The Silent Center: No Response from Lisa or Louis Vuitton

As of this writing, neither Lisa nor Louis Vuitton has issued a formal statement addressing the controversy surrounding her Met Gala outfit. This silence has allowed speculation to continue and opinions to harden on both sides of the debate.

Fashion industry observers note that such controversies are not uncommon at the Met Gala, where the pressure to create memorable, theme-appropriate looks sometimes results in choices that spark criticism or misinterpretation. Previous Met Galas have seen controversies over cultural appropriation, religious insensitivity, and political statements.

In this case, the debate touches on particularly sensitive issues of race, representation, and respect, occurring at a time when conversations about these topics have become increasingly prominent in both the fashion industry and wider society.

Looking Forward: Implications for Lisa and Louis Vuitton

As the controversy continues to unfold, questions remain about how it might affect Lisa’s career and her relationship with Louis Vuitton. The performer, who has lucrative brand ambassador deals with Louis Vuitton and Bulgari, has cultivated a sophisticated public image that blends her K-pop roots with high fashion sensibilities.

With BLACKPINK preparing for their reunion tour and Lisa continuing to build her solo career, the timing of this controversy is particularly challenging. How she chooses to address it—or whether she addresses it at all—could have implications for her standing among international audiences, particularly in the American market she has been working to conquer through her acting and solo music ventures.

For Louis Vuitton and creative director Pharrell Williams, the incident raises questions about the approval process for designs, particularly those incorporating potentially sensitive cultural elements. As fashion houses increasingly engage with social and cultural themes, the need for diverse perspectives in the design and approval process becomes ever more apparent.

The controversy surrounding Lisa’s Met Gala debut demonstrates the complex intersection of fashion, celebrity, and cultural politics in today’s interconnected world. What might once have been a simple fashion choice is now subject to global scrutiny and debate, highlighting the increased responsibilities that come with international fame and influence.

As the conversation continues, it serves as a reminder of the power of fashion to both celebrate and potentially misappropriate cultural heritage, and the care that must be taken when navigating these waters, especially on fashion’s most visible stage.