Outfits and event coverage from the annual Met Gala in New York City prompted widespread online discussion this week, focusing on attendee attire and the visibility of certain international stars. One notable point of reaction involved speculation about a look worn by Blackpink singer Lisa.
Reports circulated online suggesting the entertainer's Louis Vuitton ensemble at the Metropolitan Museum of Art featured the likeness of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. However, a representative for artist Henry Taylor, who collaborated on the design with Pharrell Williams, refuted this claim.
"The figure featured in Lisa’s Louis Vuitton look is not Rosa Parks, but one of Henry’s neighbors," the representative stated, clarifying the faces depicted were drawn from the artist's personal life and existing artworks provided to LVMH for a collection in 2023.
The theme for this year's event was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrating Black dandyism. Discussions around Lisa's outfit also touched upon past controversies regarding her engagement with Black culture. Vulture reported that online criticisms of her Met Gala look were sometimes connected to prior allegations of using a racial slur and an apology regarding a hairstyle.
Beyond attire, coverage of the Red Carpet arrivals also drew commentary. Fans of South Asian stars Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh expressed disappointment regarding their appearances on the official Vogue livestream. The New York Times detailed reactions to the livestream co-hosts, Teyana Taylor and Ego Nwodim, appearing unfamiliar with Shah Rukh Khan, a prominent Bollywood figure who attended with designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
Despite Shah Rukh Khan's global recognition, including being named among Time magazine's most influential people, the interview segment was noted by some online observers for its brevity and perceived lack of familiarity from the hosts. Diljit Dosanjh, known for topping global music charts, also received limited screen time on the livestream, leading some fans to comment on the swift camera cutaways.
A representative for Vogue stated that one host did reference Shah Rukh Khan's status as the first male Bollywood star at the event and that cutting away from Diljit Dosanjh was not intentional.
Lisa Manobal, who made her Met Gala debut this year, wore a sheer lace bodysuit embroidered with portraits, a black blazer, and accompanying undergarments and tights. People reported the confirmation that the portraits were of Taylor's neighbors.
The event serves as a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute, overseen by Curator in Charge Andrew Bolton. The exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book on Black dandyism, examines Black style historically and culturally. Content produced by outlets like People adhere to standards such as People Editorial Guidelines and reader comments are subject to Community Guidelines.
