Clarifying the Confusion: K-Pop Star Lisa’s Met Gala Outfit Did Not Feature Rosa Parks
Title: Clarifying the Controversy: Lisa of Blackpink, Henry Taylor, and Representation at the 2025 Met Gala
At the 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5th under the theme “Tailored for You,” Blackpink’s Lisa made headlines—not for her fashion ensemble’s artistic significance, but for a mistaken allegation surrounding her outfit. The K-pop superstar became the unintended center of viral controversy after internet users inaccurately claimed her Louis Vuitton (LV) outfit featured an image of Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks stitched near the crotch. The reports quickly spiraled on social media platforms, spawning criticism and debate.
However, upon closer scrutiny and confirmation from Hyperallergic, the claim was proved to be unequivocally false. The portraits featured on Lisa’s ensemble—crafted from black lace and featuring a strapless bodysuit beneath a translucent jacket—were not of any historical figures. Rather, they were personal images shared by acclaimed contemporary artist Henry Taylor, whose portraiture often centers Black individuals from his own life and community.
Who Created the Portraits?
The artistic visuals on Lisa’s clothing were conceived by Henry Taylor, a widely respected artist known for portraying everyday Black individuals—including friends, neighbors, family members, and acquaintances. His work, deeply steeped in themes of intimacy, social justice, and realism, was featured prominently in a collaborative partnership with LV’s menswear creative director, Pharrell Williams.
As part of Pharrell’s debut collection for Louis Vuitton in 2023, Taylor provided a variety of portraits from his pre-existing artwork, which were then reinterpreted by the fashion house’s design team for use in clothing embellishments. These embroidered face motifs—later adapted as black outlined figures on Lisa’s outfit—first made their appearance in men’s jackets and coats, transforming visual art into wearable statements.
At the Met Gala, Taylor himself was in attendance, showcasing a white button-up shirt adorned with similar portraits, a symbolic testament to the fusion of art, identity, and high couture.
The Case of Mistaken Identity
So how did this misidentification occur? One bespectacled face on Lisa’s bodysuit appeared, at a glance, to resemble Rosa Parks, prompting a cascade of misinformed criticism online. Yet Hyperallergic’s investigation revealed that the likeness was in fact of Taylor’s neighbor, not the famed Civil Rights figure. The error highlights the pitfalls of viral misinformation, particularly in contexts where cultural sensitivity, race, and representation intersect.
Lisa’s PR representatives and BLACKPINK’s management have not issued a formal response as of this writing. But Taylor’s close creative involvement and the clear documentation of the art’s origins speak for themselves.
Art, Fashion, and Cultural Expression
Lisa’s ensemble, while caught in an unfortunate optical illusion, exemplifies the increasingly intertwined worlds of contemporary art and high fashion. Through Taylor’s portraits, the garment celebrated Black identity in a nuanced and respectful way. His participation in the Met Gala, both as an artist and as a dressed guest, underscores the industry’s ongoing shift toward inclusivity and authentic representation.
Pharrell’s styling choices—not only for Lisa but also for fellow attendees Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, and Jeremy Allen White—further cement his avant-garde approach to blending fashion and art. Each participant wore pieces with visible artistic signature, echoing the theme of tailoring one’s heritage and personal story into public self-expression.
Previous Controversies and Social Sensitivities
This incident also arrives on the heels of renewed scrutiny for Lisa and her group, BLACKPINK, following the resurfacing of Zoom-era training videos in which members allegedly sang racial slurs while lip-syncing to popular hip-hop tracks. That controversy, much like the Met Gala incident, reignited conversations around K-pop’s sometimes fraught relationship with Black cultural influence.
As K-pop continues to grow in global visibility, expectations from international audiences regarding cultural awareness and sensitivity have grown as well. The genre’s longstanding appropriation of Black music, hairstyles, and fashion adds a layer of complexity when misunderstandings—such as the misidentification at the Met Gala—arise.
Conclusion: Context Matters
In a world of instantaneous reactions, fashion moments like Lisa’s Met Gala debut can be easily misconstrued. However, context, research, and responsible reporting are essential in distinguishing intentional offense from creative collaboration. Henry Taylor’s work is deeply meaningful—not only to him but to American art history—and the incorporation of his imagery into couture deserves celebration rather than controversy.
Ultimately, Lisa’s ensemble was a tribute to artistic heritage, not a misstep in cultural representation. This episode serves as a reminder that in both fashion and social commentary, nuance and fact-checking matter as much as headlines.
As art and pop culture continue to blend, public understanding must evolve with them. The 2025 Met Gala reminds us that behind every garment is a deeper story worth exploring—and verifying—before jumping to conclusions.