PHOTOS: Lisa Rosé Jisoo and Jennie and More Bring K-Pop Glamour to Met Gala 2026 – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
The red carpet at the Met Gala unfolded as a vibrant fusion of K-Pop charisma and high fashion on Monday evening. Stars from BLACKPINK and beyond commanded attention with outfits that blended personal heritage, innovative design, and red-carpet drama. Their appearances highlighted the growing influence of Korean artists on global style circuits.
BLACKPINK’s Signature Flair
Lisa turned heads in a striking white ensemble drawn from Robert Wun’s fall 2025 couture lineup. Designers incorporated a 3D scan of her arms to craft an intricate veiled structure, evoking the graceful poses of Thai dance traditions. The result merged technology with cultural storytelling in a fresh way.
Rosé complemented the group’s presence with a custom black Saint Laurent gown by Anthony Vaccarello. The strapless piece flowed to the floor, accented by a daring thigh-high slit and a dramatic sculptural bird embellishment. Jennie, marking her fourth straight year at the event, opted for a sleek blue gown that hugged her form and sparkled with intricate bling details. Jisoo, meanwhile, celebrated her debut in a custom Dior creation from Jonathan Anderson, featuring strapless pink and silver sequins that caught every light.
Debuts That Captured the Spotlight
Karina of AESPA stepped onto the Met Gala carpet for the first time, wearing a custom Prada ensemble. The white satin dress paired seamlessly with a flowing black cape, drawing direct inspiration from traditional Korean Hanbok and Durumagi silhouettes. Her look bridged contemporary glamour and historical roots effectively.
Jisoo’s entrance also marked a milestone for BLACKPINK, as the actress and singer embraced the occasion with poise. These debuts underscored a new wave of K-Pop talent ready to engage with fashion’s elite. Observers noted how such moments elevate the event’s diversity each year.
Cultural References and Designer Collaborations
Several outfits wove in elements of personal or national heritage, adding layers to the visual feast. Lisa’s Thai dance nods stood out alongside Karina’s Korean traditional influences, creating a tapestry of global narratives on the carpet. Robert Wun’s contributions appeared twice, first with Lisa’s innovative piece and later in a customized black-and-white ensemble for Audrey Nuna, who arrived alongside Joe Alwyn.
Audrey Nuna’s attire balanced stark contrasts in a way that felt both modern and artistic. EJAE brought her own shine in a custom silver column gown, entirely encrusted with Swarovski crystals for a glittering effect. Ahn Hyo Seop rounded out the impressions with a sharp Valentino suit that exuded confidence. These choices reflected close partnerships between emerging stars and houses like Dior, Saint Laurent, and Prada.
- Lisa: Robert Wun white ensemble with 3D arm veils and Thai dance references.
- Rosé: Saint Laurent black gown with sculptural bird and leg slit.
- Jisoo: Dior pink-silver sequin debut gown.
- Jennie: Blue body-hugging gown with bling accents.
- Karina: Prada white satin and black cape nodding to Hanbok.
A Growing Force in Fashion
The collective impact of these K-Pop figures extended beyond individual outfits. Their presence signaled deeper ties between the music industry and couture worlds, with repeat attendees like Jennie paving the way for newcomers. Events like the Met Gala increasingly serve as platforms where such crossovers thrive.
As the night progressed, conversations turned to how these stars reinterpret traditions through luxury lenses. The evening affirmed K-Pop’s role not just in entertainment, but in shaping aesthetic conversations worldwide. Future galas may well see even more such bold integrations.
