At the 2025 Met Gala, K-pop sensation Lisa Manobal, known for her role in HBO's "The White Lotus," sparked controversy with her daring fashion choice. On May 5, 2025, she graced the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City wearing a striking Louis Vuitton ensemble that included a lace bodysuit, sheer tights, and black pumps. However, it was the intricate embroidery on her bodysuit that ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media.
As attendees celebrated the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," which aimed to explore black dandyism and its historical significance, Lisa's outfit raised eyebrows for its provocative nature. The bodysuit, designed by American artist Henry Taylor, featured a collage of embroidered faces, including one that many viewers identified as resembling civil rights icon Rosa Parks, most prominently displayed in the panty area. This detail did not sit well with many social media users, who accused Lisa of disrespecting Parks and undermining the evening's theme.
According to British Vogue, the embroidered images on Lisa's bodysuit were miniature portraits created by Taylor, who has previously collaborated with Louis Vuitton and Met Gala co-chair Pharrell Williams. The backlash on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) was swift, with users expressing outrage and disbelief. One user tweeted, "LISA NEEDS TO FIRE HER WHOLE PR TEAM AT THIS POINT. WHY IS ROSE PARKS ON YOUR PUSS GIRL!!!" while another remarked, "The fact she's literally going to be inside at her table sitting on Rosa Parks face for an event unveiling a Black Style exhibition is beyond me." Such comments reflect the broader concern that the placement of Parks's image was not only distasteful but also a blatant lack of respect for her legacy and the struggles she faced during the Civil Rights Movement.
Lisa's fashion choice comes at a time when she is already under scrutiny for past controversies, including a resurfaced video that appears to show her and fellow Blackpink members using a racial slur, as reported by the Economic Times. The singer has not publicly commented on the authenticity of the video, nor has she addressed accusations of cultural appropriation related to her past hairstyles.
Despite the criticism, Lisa's outfit was not the only one that caught attention at the Met Gala. Other celebrities, including Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, also faced scrutiny for their fashion choices. Chopra's look was humorously compared to Bette Midler's costume from the 1988 film "Big Business," while Jonas's outfit drew mixed reactions for its unique styling.
The Met Gala, known for its extravagant displays of fashion, often serves as a platform for artists and designers to showcase their creativity. This year's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," was intended to celebrate the evolution of Black fashion and its impact on the industry. However, Lisa's ensemble, particularly the placement of Parks's image, raised questions about the appropriateness of using such significant historical figures in a commercialized context.
Rosa Parks, who became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement after her courageous refusal to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, played a pivotal role in the fight against racial segregation. Her act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a significant event that lasted for 381 days and ultimately led to the desegregation of public transportation in the area. Given her profound impact on American history, the juxtaposition of her image on a piece of lingerie has been deemed by many as disrespectful.
As the debate continues, Lisa's representatives have yet to provide a detailed explanation regarding the choice of imagery on her bodysuit. A spokesperson for Louis Vuitton confirmed that the print was indeed created by Henry Taylor, but did not clarify whether the faces depicted were intended to represent specific individuals.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly critical, with many users questioning the decision-making behind Lisa's outfit. One user commented, "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." This sentiment highlights the ongoing discussions about cultural appropriation and the responsibilities of public figures in representing historical narratives.
In the wake of the controversy, fans and critics alike are left pondering the implications of fashion choices that intersect with cultural and historical significance. While the Met Gala is often a space for bold expression, the line between artistic interpretation and cultural insensitivity can be perilously thin.
As the dust settles from this year's Met Gala, it remains to be seen how Lisa and her team will navigate the fallout from this incident. Will they address the criticisms directly, or will the conversation fade as new trends emerge? For now, the images of her controversial outfit will linger in the minds of many as a reminder of the complexities surrounding fashion, identity, and historical representation.
