Introduction
Picture this: you’re scrolling through Met Gala coverage, admiring the glitz and glamour, when suddenly something stops you cold. That’s exactly what happened when BLACKPINK’s Lisa made her Met Gala debut at the 2025 event. Her look, a lingerie‑inspired ensemble from Louis Vuitton,
was supposed to celebrate the gala’s theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Instead, it sparked a conversation about representation, respect and the responsibility that comes with wearing our history. What started as excitement over her first appearance quickly turned into a cultural reckoning about what it means to honor Black icons.
The Context That Makes Everything More Complex
In 2025 the Met Gala theme centred on ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ an exhibition that explored Black dandyism and the way fashion has signified identity from the 18th century to the present. Curator Andrew Bolton said the exhibit examines the Black dandy as both a concept and an identity signifier. This backdrop—an event explicitly celebrating Black style—set the stage for why Lisa’s choice of ensemble drew so much scrutiny.
“Sometimes, a bold fashion statement crosses into a territory that makes us question deeper values.”
Breaking Down What Actually Happened
Speculation erupted across social media because the lace bodysuit and tights in Lisa’s look featured tiny embroidered faces. From afar the design looked like a regular collage; zooming in, some thought they saw Rosa Parks’ face on the pantie. People magazine later reported that a representative for artist Henry Taylor, who collaborated on the look with creative director Pharrell Williams, clarified that the figure “is not Rosa Parks, but one of Henry’s neighbors”. The faces on Lisa’s outfit are drawn from Taylor’s existing artworks of family, friends and neighbors—no well‑known figures from Black history appear in the pattern.
Why This Goes Beyond a Fashion Faux Pas
At first glance this might seem like a viral misunderstanding. But the very idea that Rosa Parks’ likeness could be used as lingerie decoration during a gala celebrating Black style touched a nerve. Rosa Parks is a symbol of civil rights and resistance; placing her image on underwear would trivialize her legacy and the broader struggle for Black dignity. The controversy revealed how easily fashion can cross a line between homage and disrespect, especially when the wearer is not part of the culture being referenced.
The Broader Questions About Cultural Respect
The backlash highlights a deeper question: who gets to use Black cultural symbols—and how? When celebrities and designers borrow from Black history for aesthetics, they carry a responsibility to understand and respect the people they evoke. Without that awareness, even well‑intentioned artistic choices can feel like appropriation rather than celebration. The conversation around Lisa’s look shows how audiences are demanding more accountability when Black icons are referenced in pop culture.
Artist Intent vs. Public Impact
Henry Taylor’s intention was not to provoke; his portraits are deeply personal and he often foregrounds everyday Black individuals. A spokesperson explained that the faces on Lisa’s bodysuit came from his artworks and represent his friends and neighbors. Yet, the public interpreted the design differently. This gap between intent and impact is crucial: artists and fashion houses must anticipate how their work will be perceived, particularly when dealing with sensitive cultural imagery. Even when no harm is intended, the impact on viewers can prompt hurt and confusion.
What This Means for Representation in Fashion
The 2025 Met Gala’s theme was meant to celebrate Black creatives. Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s creative director, collaborated with Taylor to include his portraits in the collection. Seeing Lisa and other non‑Black celebrities wear pieces from the collection underscores how global fashion draws from Black artistry. For representation to be meaningful, brands should centre Black models, designers and narratives rather than letting the conversation be dominated by controversy. For another story celebrating Black artistry, check out our profile on rising star Doechii’s journey from Tampa to the top of the world.
/paragraph
Abstract painting representing the misinterpretation of Lisa’s Met Gala look, capturing the fiery speculation around her outfit.
