The Met Gala Controversy Surrounding Lisa from Blackpink
The recent Met Gala, renowned for its lavish displays of fashion and celebrity, took an unexpected turn when K-pop sensation Lisa from Blackpink made her debut. The 28-year-old star stepped onto the red carpet draped in a custom Louis Vuitton ensemble that was meant to pay homage to the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which celebrates the uniquely sophisticated style within Black culture, particularly black dandyism. However, her bold fashion choice quickly became a focal point not only for its audaciousness but for the firestorm of controversy it sparked across social media.
Lisa’s outfit featured an embroidered black blazer paired with logo tights and a sheer lacy bodysuit, leaving scant to the imagination, especially in its lower regions. The audacity of going "pantsless" was not the only reason the ensemble drew attention. Upon closer inspection, the intricate lace pattern on her underwear appeared to include graphic depictions of faces, leading many to speculate that one of them bore a striking resemblance to civil rights icon Rosa Parks. This correlation ignited a wave of criticism, with social media users questioning the appropriateness of featuring such a significant historical figure in a potentially trivializing context.
The backlash was further inflamed by the resurfacing of past clips showing Lisa and her Blackpink bandmates allegedly using a racial slur during a performance. With this context, many fans and critics felt the combination of the resurfacing auditions and Lisa’s choice of attire to be particularly egregious. Remarks on social media called into question the judgment behind selecting a garment that could be interpreted as disrespectful, especially so soon after the controversial clips made headlines. Critics voiced their concerns over what they saw as a lack of sensitivity towards figures who symbolize the fight for racial justice.
Despite the mounting outrage, Lisa remained silent, amplifying the discourse surrounding her Met Gala appearance. Many users expressed their displeasure not only at the outfit choice but also at the perceived insensitivity towards Rosa Parks. Comments ranged from disbelief to outright condemnation, with users labeling her wearing the motif as one of the worst looks of the night. The phrase “Rosa Parks underwear” gained traction on social media, encapsulating the heated discussions around the incident and revealing a growing dissatisfaction with how cultural icons are sometimes co-opted in fashion.
Responding to the outcry, a representative from Louis Vuitton clarified that the design was conceived by American artist Henry Taylor, who was commissioned by Pharrell Williams for the spring 2024 collection. The statement emphasized that the portraits on the garment featured images of figures significant to Taylor’s personal life. However, this assertion raised further questions about whether Rosa Parks was indeed among those depicted, leaving a haze of uncertainty around the intentions behind the design and its message.
As the controversy continued to unfold, it brought to light broader conversations about cultural appropriation and the role of celebrities in navigating complex social histories. The juxtaposition of luxury fashion and poignant historical narratives has raised ethical concerns that demand more critical examination, particularly in the context of influential figures like Lisa who wield significant power and visibility in today’s interconnected social media landscape. This incident serves as a reminder of the fine line that exists between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity, compelling the public to reevaluate the responsibilities that come with influence in the digital age.
