BLACKPINK’s Rosé has always been a global spotlight queen. As a singer, performer, and fashion icon, she constantly proves why she’s one of the most influential figures in both music and luxury fashion today. But at the Saint Laurent 2026 Spring/Summer show in Paris, her appearance unexpectedly became the center of controversy, sparking conversations about representation, inclusivity, and professionalism in the fashion world.
So, what exactly happened? On September 29, 2025, Rosé attended the Saint Laurent show in Paris, where she wore a pale-blue lace romper that was feminine yet chic. She took photos with some well-known socialites of our time: Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Charli XCX. The glamorous event included beautiful models, beautiful designs, and plenty of flash photography by the media. One photo sparked outrage online.
The post from Elle UK originally shared what was referred to as the “Group Picture” posted during the event. But in their version, Rosé – who had been front and center in version from other sites – was absent. Fans got upset and began accusing Elle UK of racist behavior, cropping Rosé out of any close-up photos. Why was Rosé omitted? Was this an oversight due to editing, or just simply ignoring an Asian artist? These were some of the questions flooding social media.
How did Rosé respond? Interestingly, she didn’t confront the controversy directly. Instead, she chose grace and professionalism. On her personal social media accounts, she shared multiple photos and videos from the show, highlighting the Saint Laurent runway and expressing her appreciation to the creative director, Anthony Vaccarello. She wrote, “Thank you for inviting me to another incredible show. Your work is so beautiful. Love you.” With just a few words, Rosé shifted the focus from drama to art and fashion.
Fans and observers praised her response. While many public figures might have used the moment to call out injustice directly, Rosé’s subtle approach was seen as a demonstration of maturity, dignity, and professionalism. Could this be a model for other artists facing similar challenges? Many believe so. She proved that even in the face of unfair treatment, it’s possible to stay composed and let your work speak for itself.
Public reaction was immediate and intense. Social media platforms were flooded with hashtags supporting Rosé, including #RespectRosé and #RoséAtSaintLaurent. Fans expressed disappointment and frustration, pointing out that fair representation in fashion media is crucial. This incident was not just about a cropped photo—it was about systemic issues in the global fashion industry and the importance of inclusion.
Elle UK later issued an apology, claiming the crop was unintentional and done to fit the platform’s format. While some accepted the explanation, many fans and critics felt it was insufficient. Can a simple apology really address deeper issues? Is this a wake-up call for magazines and brands to rethink how they approach representation? These questions sparked broader conversations online, with fans, industry insiders, and journalists weighing in.
Rosé, however, kept her focus positive. She highlighted the beauty of the Saint Laurent show, expressed admiration for the designs, and showed excitement to be part of such a prestigious event. This reinforced her role not only as a fashion icon but also as a professional who prioritizes her craft and maintains composure under pressure.
In addition to fashion, Rosé continues to shine in music. Last year, her collaboration with Bruno Mars on the track “APT.” won “Song of the Year” at the MTV Video Music Awards, making her the first K-pop artist to achieve this honor. This shows that Rosé is more than just a style icon—she is a multi-talented global artist whose talent crosses music, fashion, and culture.
This incident also raises important questions about representation in the fashion industry. How often are Asian artists overlooked or erased in major Western fashion publications? Rosé’s experience brings these issues to light and reminds the industry of the need for inclusivity. Fans and observers hope such controversies lead to meaningful change, encouraging brands, magazines, and media outlets to celebrate the contributions of artists from all backgrounds.
Although Rosé has faced controversy, her reputation has not taken a hit. Her composed demeanor, continued presence at global fashion events, and musical accomplishments contributed to her influence. The situation did not diminish her status. If anything, it emphasized her strength and adaptability for being able to turn an unfortunate circumstance into a professional lesson in grace.
Fans, who showed their support for Rosé in unique and imaginative ways like fan created art, social media posts and videos from Paris Fashion Week, were impressed that Rosé did not go defensive and instead, focused her thoughts on doing her job and perfecting her craft. This again was a sign of her maturity and responsibility as a role model for fans globally.
Looking beyond this particular representation, Rosé’s career continues to soar. With several upcoming fashion campaigns, musical projects, and international collaborations, her influence is sure to expand. The incident at Paris Fashion Week was a reminder of the nuances of being in the public eye while reinforcing her ability to deal with it with grace.
So, what can one extract from Rosé’s experience? First, being calm under pressure can speak louder than confrontation. Second, remaining positive and professional goes a long way in reputation management. Third, representation and inclusion in media and fashion are necessary because it is everyone’s responsibility to see it and strive towards it. Russé handled the situation gracefully and in turn, started some very important conversations about equity and visibility in fashion.
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In conclusion, BLACKPINK’s Rosé remains a shining example of a global icon, both in music and fashion. Rosé’s poised and professional response to the Elle UK incident reinforced her maturity and commitment to her craft. While the event raised important questions as it relates to representation, it is Rosé’s grace that provides a compelling example for fans and artists across the globe. Talent, poise, and resilience are what define success, and Rosé has all three elements.
This article from The Korea Times is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by kdramaupdates
