BLACKPINK's Rosé Cropped from Paris Fashion Week Photos Sparking Racism Allegations Against Elle UK

A controversy has erupted at Paris Fashion Week after BLACKPINK's Rosé was conspicuously edited out of official fashion coverage, prompting international accusations of racial discrimination against British publication Elle UK and raising broader questions about Asian representation in Western fashion media.

The Incident

On September 29, 2025, Rosé attended Saint Laurent's Spring/Summer 2026 show at the Trocadéro in Paris, seated front row alongside model Hailey Bieber, actress Zoë Kravitz, and singer Charli XCX. When Elle UK posted images from the event to their Instagram account the following day, one group photograph featured only the three Western celebrities-with Rosé deliberately cropped from the frame.

The exclusion proved especially contentious given Rosé's status as Saint Laurent's global ambassador since 2020, making her the only official brand representative among the four celebrities. She also serves as global ambassador for YSL Beauté as of January 2025.

Other media outlets published the complete photograph showing all four attendees, making Elle UK's editing choice appear intentional rather than accidental.

Fan Backlash Intensifies

International fans flooded Elle UK's social media with criticism in multiple languages, calling the decision "racist" and demanding explanation for why a brand ambassador was excluded while celebrities with no official Saint Laurent affiliation remained visible.

"She is global ambassador YSL why did you cut her," one commenter wrote, echoing sentiments expressed by thousands of others.

The controversy expanded when Charli XCX shared her own group photo from the event, in which Rosé appeared noticeably darker and obscured in shadows compared to the other well-lit attendees. Critics questioned why that particular image was selected when numerous clearer photographs from the event existed.

The situation felt especially disappointing to fans given the friendship between Rosé and Charli XCX-the K-pop star had previously supported Charli by attending her New York concert in May and participating in her viral "Apple Dance Challenge," while Charli had performed at Seoul's One Universe Festival just weeks earlier.

Elle UK's Inadequate Response

On October 2, Elle UK posted a solo image of Rosé with the caption calling her look "the most standout" of the evening, describing her "silky romper suit that featured a camisole top and floaty shorts."

Fans rejected this as insufficient damage control, with comments demanding a formal apology rather than what they perceived as belated recognition. "Too little, too late" and "At least issue an apology" became common refrains, with many explicitly labeling the incident as racism.

Rosé's Graceful Response

Amid the furor, Rosé maintained her professionalism, sharing photos from the fashion show on her social media with a message thanking Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello: "Thank you for inviting me to another incredible show. Your work is so beautiful. Love you."

Her dignified response, which made no reference to the controversy, drew praise from supporters for demonstrating grace under pressure.

Pattern of Discrimination

This incident represents part of a troubling pattern affecting K-pop artists at major Western fashion events. In 2024, Girls' Generation's Yoona experienced racial discrimination at the Cannes Film Festival, while Stray Kids faced similar treatment at the Met Gala. Fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie also encountered racially insensitive behavior when actress Margaret Qualley touched her blonde hair at a Chanel show in Paris and asked if it was real.

These recurring incidents have sparked industry-wide conversations about systemic bias in fashion media and the treatment of Asian artists, particularly as K-pop stars have become major global cultural influencers who drive significant engagement and revenue for luxury brands.

Industry Impact

The controversy has reignited debates about representation and accountability in international fashion. As K-pop continues its global expansion, many argue that Western fashion institutions must address discriminatory practices and ensure equal treatment for Asian artists who often serve as brand ambassadors and cultural bridges between Eastern and Western markets.

Despite the setback, BLACKPINK continues their successful "Deadline World Tour," which began in July 2025 in Goyang, South Korea, and includes stadium shows across North America, Europe, and Asia through January 2026, cementing their status as one of the world's most influential music acts.

The incident serves as a stark reminder that even as the fashion industry becomes increasingly global, meaningful progress toward inclusive representation remains incomplete.