Honestly, if you were on Twitter—or X, or whatever we're calling it this week—during the first Monday in May 2025, you probably saw the chaos. For years, fans have been practically begging to see Lalisa Manoban Met Gala moments. We’ve watched Rosé and Jennie climb those iconic steps, but the "Rockstar" herself remained the final boss of Blackpink fashion who hadn't yet conquered the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
That changed on May 5, 2025.
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Lisa didn't just show up; she basically rewired the entire conversation surrounding the event's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." While most K-pop fans were ready to scream "mother" at every photo, the look sparked a massive, complex debate about art, heritage, and what happens when global luxury meets civil rights history.
The Look That Broke the Feed
Lisa arrived as a guest of Louis Vuitton, which wasn't a huge shocker since she officially joined the house as an ambassador in 2024. She worked directly with Pharrell Williams, the Men’s Creative Director, to craft a custom ensemble that felt like a sharp departure from her "Celine era" minimalism.
The fit was... a lot. In a good way? Well, it depends on who you ask.
She wore a structured, single-breasted black blazer with sheer lace panels that showed off a lot of skin. But the real kicker was the "pantless" choice. She rocked a sheer bodysuit and monogrammed LV tights, accessorized with a pearl-accented chain belt and a vintage-vibe updo. Pharrell told her in a behind-the-scenes Vogue video, "You’re wearing art," and he wasn't kidding. The lace wasn't just lace; it was a textile version of paintings by renowned Black artist Henry Taylor.
The Rosa Parks Controversy: What Really Happened?
Within minutes of her hitting the carpet, zoomed-in screenshots started flying. People were convinced that the face of civil rights icon Rosa Parks was embroidered directly onto the crotch and seat of Lisa’s bodysuit.
The backlash was instant. "Disrespectful" was the word of the hour. Critics argued that putting a woman who fought against systemic racism on a pair of high-fashion "panties" was the height of tone-deafness.
Setting the Record Straight
Here is the thing: It wasn't Rosa Parks.
A representative for Henry Taylor eventually had to step in and clear the air. The faces on the lace were actually portraits of Taylor’s own neighbors, friends, and family members. These were people from his personal life in California, not historical figures. The artwork was originally part of a collection Taylor did for Pharrell’s debut LV show in 2023.
Does that make the placement any less "cringe" for some people? Maybe not. But it does kill the "Lisa is wearing a civil rights leader on her butt" narrative that almost swallowed her debut whole.
The "White Lotus" Energy and the Vixi Factor
It’s worth noting that Lisa’s 2025 Met Gala appearance came right as she was pivoting into her "actress" era. With her role in The White Lotus Season 3 and her solo label LLOUD in full swing, she wasn't just representing a K-pop group. She was branding herself as a global multi-hyphenate.
She leaned into what she calls her "Vixi" alter-ego—bold, unapologetic, and slightly edgy.
- The Hair: A honey-blonde, messy-volume updo that felt very 90s supermodel.
- The Glam: Surprisingly soft. They kept the makeup neutral to let the "art" on her body do the talking.
- The Accessories: A small Louis Vuitton Nanogram bag and classic black pumps.
Why This Moment Matters for K-Pop
We’ve come a long way since 2021 when Rosé was the first female K-pop idol at the Met. Back then, it felt like a trial run. Now, with Lisa headlining her own festivals and sitting front row next to Brigitte Macron at LV shows, her presence at the Met Gala is a power move.
It also highlights the double standard idols face. While Amelia Gray reportedly wore a durag to the same event with much less scrutiny, Lisa’s outfit was dissected down to the millimeter. It’s part of the territory when you have 100 million followers, but it also shows how the Met Gala is no longer just about "pretty dresses"—it’s a battlefield of cultural discourse.
How to Follow the "Lalisa" Blueprint
If you’re looking to channel that Lalisa Manoban Met Gala confidence in your own life (without the $50,000 ticket price), here’s the takeaway:
1. Personalize the Theme
The Met theme was "Tailored for You." Lisa didn't just wear a suit; she wore a suit that integrated art she felt connected to. Always find a way to weave your own story into what you wear.
2. Own the Controversy
Lisa didn't rush to post a frantic apology. She posted her photos, thanked Anna Wintour, and let her team handle the technicalities. Sometimes, the best response to a viral storm is to just keep being a "Rockstar."
3. Mixed Textures are Everything
The contrast between the heavy wool of the blazer and the delicate, controversial lace is what made the look pop. Mixing "hard" and "soft" elements is a classic Lisa styling trick that works for anyone.
For anyone still wondering if she "missed the assignment," remember that the Met Gala is designed to provoke. By that metric, Lisa was the undisputed winner of the night. She got everyone talking, she championed a Black artist on a night dedicated to Black style, and she looked incredible doing it.
Next time you’re putting together an outfit, think about the "Vixi" energy. Is it bold? Is it a little bit risky? Does it make people look twice? If so, you're doing it right. Keep an eye on her upcoming tour dates and The White Lotus release to see how this fashion evolution continues to play out on screen.