BLACKPINK’s Lisa made her Met Gala debut on May 5, 2025, but her bold outfit choice has sparked heated online discussions. The K-pop star wore a Louis Vuitton ensemble featuring a blazer, printed tights, and a bodysuit, embracing the “exposed underwear” trend. Many praised her stunning look, while others called it disrespectful due to its design. The controversy centers on embroidered portraits, including one of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, placed on sensitive areas of the outfit.
The Met Gala’s 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated Black dandy styling and designers. The dress code, “Tailored For You,” encouraged personalized interpretations. Lisa’s outfit, designed with input from Black artist Henry Taylor, included his embroidered portraits across the bodysuit and blazer. Fans noted the design honored the theme’s focus on Black creativity.
Critics, however, found the placement of Rosa Parks’ image near the underwear area offensive. Social media posts labeled the choice “vulgar” and disrespectful to the activist’s legacy. One user wrote, “Putting Rosa Parks’ face on such a private area feels classless.” The backlash grew due to unrelated past controversies involving BLACKPINK, which some felt amplified the criticism.
Using Rosa Parks' image in this manner appears to be a blatant lack of respect and sensitivity towards her legacy and the struggles she faced during the Civil Rights Movement.Furthermore, it reinforces harmful racial stereotypes & undermines the progress made in combating racism. https://t.co/ue1Z0jniDkpic.twitter.com/niNJF7b6lO
despite saying the n-word multiple times and never apologizing, lisa doesn’t seem to care as she wears underwear with images of ROSA PARKS, a civil rights icon who fought against racial injustice. pic.twitter.com/78P1LnCros
How do you come back from this? Lisa being an ethnic minority in a country that heavily discriminates poc, having a historical figure like Rosa parks worn in a vulgar way is wilddd pic.twitter.com/YWvUQwV8Cz
Supporters argue the outfit was a respectful collaboration. They point out that Henry Taylor’s portraits were spread across the entire design, not just the underwear. A fan commented, “The design celebrates Black art, and Lisa wore it to honor the theme.” Others emphasized that the outfit was created with cultural sensitivity in mind.
Lisa’s appearance marked her first time at the Met Gala, a high-profile event attended by global celebrities. K-pop idols have become regular guests in recent years, showcasing their influence in fashion. Lisa, known for her bold style, arrived covered up, building anticipation for her blue carpet reveal. Her choice to go pantsless aligned with current fashion trends.
The debate reflects broader discussions about cultural representation in fashion. Some argue the outfit trivialized serious historical figures, while others see it as a creative expression. The controversy has gone viral, with thousands of posts on platforms like X discussing the look. Lisa has not publicly addressed the criticism.
Public reaction remains split. Critics demand more thoughtful design choices, especially for events celebrating specific cultures. Supporters praise Lisa’s confidence and the designer’s vision. One fashion commentator noted, “Fashion pushes boundaries, but it must respect cultural weight.”
The outfit’s designer, linked to Louis Vuitton, has faced scrutiny. Some online users called the brand’s approach “lazy” for not tailoring the look more carefully. Others defend the brand, citing its history of bold, artistic collaborations. The debate highlights the challenges of blending fashion with cultural tributes.
Lisa’s Met Gala moment underscores her global influence. As a member of BLACKPINK, she has millions of fans who admire her music and style. Her debut was a major moment for K-pop at the event, despite the controversy. The discussion continues to trend online, shaping views on fashion and respect.
The backlash also ties to broader issues in K-pop’s global rise. Cultural sensitivity has become a key topic as idols gain international fame. Fans and critics alike call for more awareness in styling choices. Lisa’s outfit has sparked a larger conversation about responsibility in fashion.
Online platforms buzz with opinions. Some users share images of Lisa’s look, praising her beauty and confidence. Others post side-by-side comparisons of the outfit’s design, fueling the debate. The controversy shows no signs of slowing down.
The Met Gala remains a stage for bold fashion statements. Lisa’s outfit, while divisive, has kept her in the spotlight. Her fans continue to support her, sharing positive comments about her overall presence. The event has cemented her status as a fashion icon, even amid criticism.
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