A dazzling debut turned heads at the 2025 Met Gala. Lisa, the global K-pop sensation from BLACKPINK, made her first appearance at the prestigious event on May 5, 2025, and claimed the top spot in The Hollywood Reporter x Launchmetrics’ red carpet power rankings. Her bold fashion choice sparked conversations, outshining even A-list stars like Rihanna and Zendaya. What made her stand out at this star-studded gala? Her unique style and undeniable presence left a lasting mark.
Lisa stepped onto the blue carpet at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in a custom Louis Vuitton outfit. She wore a glittering black bodysuit paired with a lace jacket and monogrammed tights, embracing the no-pants trend. The look, designed by Pharrell Williams, featured intricate embroidery by artist Henry Taylor, showcasing portraits that added depth to her ensemble. Her outfit aligned with the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which celebrated Black dandyism in fashion history. Fans praised her confidence, with one X user noting, “Lisa’s look was a bold tribute to the theme, transforming fashion into art.”
The Hollywood Reporter x Launchmetrics ranked Lisa as the top female celebrity, generating a Media Impact Value (MIV) of $21.3 million. This metric measures engagement across social media, media coverage, and brand visibility. Her single Instagram post about the event gained over 3.3 million likes, showing her massive influence. Lisa’s debut outranked Thai actress Sarocha Chankimha in Valentino, who took second place with $19.5 million MIV, and her bandmate Jennie, who secured third with $17.6 million MIV.
Jennie, a Chanel ambassador, also made waves at her third Met Gala appearance. She wore a sleek black jumpsuit with pearl details and a dramatic train, paired with a black-and-white hat. Her look drew inspiration from Coco Chanel’s 1920s and 1930s runway designs. “I do my best with my research,” Jennie told Vogue, explaining her approach to the theme. Her outfit earned praise for its elegance, with fans on X calling it her “best Met Gala look yet.”
Rosé, another BLACKPINK member, attended her second Met Gala, representing Saint Laurent. She chose a tailored black tuxedo with red heels, keeping her style simple yet striking. Rosé shared her excitement about being with her bandmates, telling Vogue, “I was just with them in the studio in Korea, so it’s nice to have family here.” Her look received mixed reactions, with some fans on X feeling it was “too plain” for the occasion.
Why did Lisa’s debut make such a splash? Her fearless fashion choice broke away from traditional gowns, embracing a modern, edgy vibe. The no-pants trend, also seen on stars like Sabrina Carpenter, showed her willingness to take risks. Her role as a Louis Vuitton ambassador added weight to her appearance, as the brand led fashion rankings with $55.2 million MIV. Lisa’s ability to blend high fashion with her rockstar persona cemented her as a standout.
Controversy arose when some fans speculated that Lisa’s outfit featured an image of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Social media erupted, with one X user stating, “Why is Rosa Parks’ face on her underwear? This is disrespectful.” Louis Vuitton clarified that the embroidery, created by Henry Taylor, depicted “portraits of figures from the artist’s life,” not Rosa Parks. Lisa remained unfazed, focusing on her triumphant debut.
The Met Gala’s theme, inspired by the Costume Institute’s exhibition, invited creative takes on Black style. Lisa’s outfit, with its detailed embroidery, paid homage to this focus. Her confidence shone through, despite the backlash. Fans rallied behind her, with one X post declaring, “Lisa owned the carpet with her swagger!” Her impact extended beyond fashion, as she continues to break barriers as a K-pop star and actress.
Lisa’s busy year added context to her Met Gala success. She made her acting debut in The White Lotus season 3, earning praise for her role as Mook. Her solo album, Alter Ego, reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200, and her Coachella performance drew massive crowds. “Right now, I’m living day by day,” Lisa told V magazine, reflecting on her evolving career. Her Met Gala appearance was another milestone in a year of achievements.
BLACKPINK’s presence at the Met Gala was a group effort, with three members showcasing their individual styles. Jisoo, the fourth member, missed the event due to filming her Netflix series Boyfriend on Demand. The group is gearing up for a world tour starting in July 2025, with new music on the way. Jennie teased, “It’s BLACKPINK in your area, back again!” hinting at an exciting reunion for fans.
Lisa’s triumph at the Met Gala 2025 proves her global influence. Her bold fashion, paired with her growing career, made her the night’s ultimate power dresser. She outshone seasoned gala attendees, setting a new standard for K-pop stars on the world stage. Her debut will be remembered as a moment of fearless style and undeniable impact.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter, Getty Images, Vogue