The 2025 Met Gala was a spectacle of fashion, creativity, and unexpected moments, but one look in particular has sparked intense conversation. Lisa, the South Korean K-pop sensation from Blackpink, captivated attendees and viewers alike with her daring Louis Vuitton ensemble—only for a peculiar detail to grab more attention than her couture.
Lisa's Met Gala Look: Lace Bodysuit and Portraits
The theme of this year's Met Gala, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," inspired a host of innovative looks that blended classic tailoring with contemporary edge. Lisa, known for her bold fashion choices, did not disappoint. She wore a striking Louis Vuitton lace bodysuit paired with an embroidered jacket, Louis Vuitton logo tights, and a monogrammed handbag. The outfit’s intricate design drew admiration from many, but it was one particular detail that raised eyebrows. Upon closer inspection, the lace bodysuit revealed a pattern of faces subtly embroidered throughout the design. While some of these faces were harder to distinguish, one in particular stood out: a portrait that resembled the iconic civil rights leader Rosa Parks, positioned unmistakably near the pop star’s lower half. The image was not immediately recognized by everyone, but as viewers zoomed in on photos from the event, it quickly became a point of contention.The Rosa Parks Controversy: Accidental or Intentional?
The presence of what appeared to be Rosa Parks’ face on Lisa's bodysuit sparked a wave of online reactions. Some viewers were perplexed by the image's placement, commenting on the appropriateness of featuring a revered figure from the civil rights movement in such a context. One social media user expressed their discomfort, writing, “Maybe I just don’t wanna see Rosa Parks on LISA’s a-- cheeks and that’s my fault.†Louis Vuitton, however, has yet to clarify the intention behind the design. In a statement to The Cut, the brand acknowledged the portrait embroidery as a collaboration with artist Henry Taylor, whose work was featured on the bodice of Lisa's outfit. According to the statement, the portraits represent figures who have been significant in Taylor’s life. While the exact identity of the faces remains unclear, the resemblance to Parks has ignited debates about whether her image was deliberately included. Taylor, an artist known for his work with Pharrell Williams and his collaborations with Louis Vuitton in the past, has painted both famous and everyday people. However, Louis Vuitton did not confirm whether Rosa Parks was one of the figures he had chosen to depict.
Rosa Parks’ Legacy and the Met Gala: A Complicated Intersection
Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked the civil rights movement in 1955, is an enduring symbol of resistance and dignity. Her legacy remains a cornerstone of American history, representing the fight for racial equality and justice. Given the prominence of Parks in American history, her image appearing in such a context—on a garment worn by a global pop star at one of the world’s most high-profile fashion events—has caused an uproar. For some, it raises questions about the use of Parks’ image in commercial fashion, and whether the historical significance of her actions is being undermined or commodified. While it’s still unclear if the inclusion of Parks was intentional or accidental, the controversy highlights the intersection of fashion, art, and social consciousness. In a world where fashion often serves as a tool for self-expression and political commentary, the boundary between homage and appropriation can sometimes be difficult to navigate.Other Met Gala Moments: A Night of Surprises
Lisa’s controversial outfit wasn’t the only surprising look to hit the Met Gala red carpet this year. Celebrities like Maya Hawke, Pamela Anderson, and Heidi Klum all sported head-turning costumes, though none quite sparked as much debate as Lisa’s ensemble. Perhaps the most bizarre moment of the night came courtesy of André 3000, who arrived at the event with a baby grand piano strapped to his back, along with a black garbage bag in hand. This unusual fashion statement seemed to be part of an effort to promote his newly released collection of instrumental piano songs, which had dropped just before the event. His eccentric look left many scratching their heads, but it also embodied the avant-garde spirit of the Met Gala, where outlandishness is often celebrated.