Lisa Manobal, the K-pop sensation known as Lisa from Blackpink, has found herself at the center of controversy following her appearance at the 2025 Met Gala. The event, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, featured the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," which aimed to explore the history and impact of Black dandyism, from the 18th century to its revival during the Harlem Renaissance.
However, it was not the theme that caught the attention of social media users but rather Lisa's striking outfit, which some believed included an image of civil rights icon Rosa Parks on her lace underwear. Many viewers expressed their shock and outrage, questioning the appropriateness of such a portrayal at a fashion event celebrating Black culture.
Lisa, 28, wore a Louis Vuitton ensemble that included a lace bodysuit paired with an embroidered blazer. The outfit was part of Pharrell Williams' debut collection as Louis Vuitton's men’s creative director, and it featured intricate embroidery that sparked significant online discussion. According to a statement from Louis Vuitton, the lace design incorporates elements of artwork by American artist Henry Taylor, which depicts portraits of figures from Taylor's life.
Henry Taylor's representative clarified the situation, stating, "The figure featured in Lisa’s Louis Vuitton look is not Rosa Parks, but one of Henry’s neighbors." This statement aimed to quell the rumors that had circulated on social media, where users were quick to criticize the perceived use of Parks’ image in a manner they deemed disrespectful. Taylor's work, it turns out, draws on personal relationships rather than historical figures, and the faces in the garment are representations of his family, friends, and neighbors.
The controversy surrounding Lisa's outfit was compounded by her previous accusations of cultural appropriation. Clips resurfaced online showing her and her fellow Blackpink members singing and rapping the n-word in covers of popular songs, which led to further scrutiny of her appearance at an event dedicated to Black culture.
Despite the backlash, the Met Gala remains a platform where artists and celebrities can express their interpretations of cultural themes through fashion. This year’s gala was co-chaired by Williams, alongside Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Lewis Hamilton, and the event was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity."
As Lisa walked the red carpet, she shared her excitement about attending her first Met Gala, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to wear art. In a behind-the-scenes video, Williams remarked, "You’re wearing art," to which Lisa responded, "Yes, I’m wearing art. This is crazy."
While the intentions behind the outfit may have been artistic, the execution raised questions about the intersection of fashion, culture, and respect for historical figures. Critics on social media voiced their concerns, with one user stating, "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." Others pointed out that the portrayal could reinforce harmful racial stereotypes, undermining the progress made in combating racism.
Many users took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disbelief and anger. Comments ranged from incredulous to humorous, with one user writing, "Rosa Parks on her panties… put Pharrell in jail expeditiously!!" 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."
It’s clear that the Met Gala, while a celebration of fashion and culture, can also serve as a battleground for discussions about representation and respect. Lisa’s outfit, meant to showcase the creativity of Louis Vuitton’s collection, inadvertently sparked a debate about the appropriateness of using figures like Rosa Parks in modern fashion.
As celebrities continue to navigate the complexities of cultural representation in their fashion choices, the conversation around Lisa's Met Gala look highlights the need for sensitivity and awareness in the industry. The backlash she faced serves as a reminder that fashion does not exist in a vacuum; it is deeply intertwined with cultural narratives and historical legacies.
In the end, the Met Gala remains a spectacle of creativity and expression, but it is also a reflection of the ongoing dialogue about race, identity, and the responsibility that comes with artistic representation. As Lisa and other artists continue to push boundaries in their work, they must also be mindful of the messages they convey and the histories they engage with through their fashion choices.
