Introduction

In a recent turn of events at the 2024 Paris Fashion Week on October 2, Liu Yifei, one of China's biggest stars and the global ambassador for Louis Vuitton, has come under fire from fans who felt the luxury brand did not adequately recognize her presence at the event.

Liu Yifei's Appearance

Liu made a striking appearance in a chic black ensemble featuring a stylish vest and a ruffled skirt, complemented by stylish boots. Many fans were quick to point out, however, that the vest Liu donned had previously been worn by BLACKPINK's Lisa during the highly-publicized August event for the "Born Pink" World Tour in Cinema. This led to speculation about whether the brand had intentionally decided to downplay Liu’s moment in favor of the K-pop idol.

Seating Arrangements Controversy

Adding fuel to the fire, the seating arrangement during the fashion show raised eyebrows. While Liu was seated among the other guests, Lisa was afforded a prime spot in the front row alongside renowned personalities like actress Zendaya and influential figures such as the First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron, and LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. Given Liu's stature as a celebrated actress and global ambassador, many fans were outraged, arguing that she deserved equal recognition and treatment at the high-profile event.

Historical Context and Criticism

Historically, Louis Vuitton seats its ambassadors and prominent friends in the first rows, which makes this moment even more conspicuous. In May, Liu was seen enjoying a similar status during the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 show in Barcelona, seated front and center with stars like Sophie Turner and Stray Kids’ Felix. Therefore, the departure from this precedent at Paris Fashion Week has attracted criticism and led to accusations of favoritism towards Lisa.

Conclusion and Future Implications

Despite the controversy, the divide seems to foster a shared joy among fans of both artists, as they celebrate the growing influence of Asian women in the luxury fashion scene. As fashion continues to evolve, the scrutiny on how brands treat their ambassadors will only intensify. What does this mean for celebrity culture and brand relationships in the future? Only time will tell!