“No Pants” Fashion Takeover? Lisa and Hollywood A-Listers Set Met Gala 2025 Ablaze with Bold Looks
The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 (local time) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, once again lived up to its status as the “Oscars of fashion” — not only dazzling with jaw-dropping couture but also sparking intense debate over some of the more daring choices.
Among the most talked-about were Lisa of BLACKPINK and Sabrina Carpenter, both of whom stunned in “no pants” outfits that exposed much of their lower body. These looks, while bold and on theme, quickly ignited controversy online, especially in Korea.
“Where Are the Pants?”: Netizens Question the Trend
As Lisa, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Helen Lasichanh walked the blue carpet, many online couldn’t help but ask, “Where are their pants?” Lisa’s outfit, in particular, drew criticism for exposing nearly half of her backside.
Some Korean netizens called the look “too provocative” and “inappropriate for a K-pop idol,” arguing it crossed boundaries of taste and professionalism.
In response to the backlash, fans and media outlets quickly came to Sabrina Carpenter’s defense, highlighting a Vogue interview where she explained the reasoning behind the design.
According to Sabrina, Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s creative director, intentionally designed the outfit without pants due to her height (1.52 m). Traditional long dresses or voluminous layers, she explained, would have made her look shorter and overwhelmed on the carpet.
Instead, the “no pants” styling offered visual balance and red carpet presence — which she delivered with vintage elegance.
Lisa’s Style Evolution and Diana Ross Inspiration
While Sabrina’s outfit was born from practicality, Lisa’s choice was rooted in artistic influence and personal style evolution. Known for her daring fashion since transitioning from K-pop into the Western entertainment industry, Lisa has worn bold, body-revealing outfits at events like the Victoria’s Secret Show.
Fashion insiders believe Lisa’s Met Gala outfit was inspired by legendary performer Diana Ross, particularly her 1970s-era jumpsuit stage looks. In a tribute to Ross’s performance legacy, Lisa incorporated elements of glam, music, and vintage showbiz flair into her ensemble.
Divided Opinions: Critics and Praise Alike
While some viewers criticized Lisa for “forgetting her pants” and pushing boundaries too far, fashion authorities took a different stance.
- Vogue UK and Vogue France praised her for delivering a look that was “artistic, confident, and world-class.”
- Variety went so far as to name Lisa one of the Best Dressed Stars of Met Gala 2025, further validating her fashion-forward risk.
Though Lisa and Sabrina Carpenter faced backlash for their no-pants looks, their bold choices reflect a broader shift in red carpet storytelling — where fashion is not just about beauty but art, expression, and intention. Whether controversial or iconic, they’ve undeniably left a mark on Met Gala history.