The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art became a global battleground for fashion critics as all four members of BLACKPINK made a historic appearance at the 2026 Met Gala. While the group’s undeniable star power paralyzed the red carpet, their diverse sartorial choices have ignited a passionate debate among the world’s leading fashion magazines, leading to a starkly divided “report card” for the global icons.
On May 4 (local time), the 2026 Met Gala hosted fashion’s elite in New York City, and BLACKPINK once again proved why they are the industry’s most influential ambassadors. However, the reception of their looks varied significantly across different publications, reflecting the bold and experimental nature of this year’s gala.
The ‘Worst’ Critique: Lisa and Rosé Face Cosmopolitan’s Sharp Review
In a surprising turn, the American magazine Cosmopolitan included both Lisa and Rosé in their “20 Best- and Worst-Dressed Celebs” list, specifically placing them under the “Worst” category. Despite acknowledging the artistic ambition of their looks, the publication offered critical feedback on the execution of their high-fashion concepts.
Regarding Lisa’s dramatic ensemble, Cosmopolitan noted that while the look was a “dramatic, eye-catching, living piece of art,” the unique arm-shaped embellishments appeared “unnatural, like mannequin arms,” which detracted from the overall silhouette. Similarly, Rosé’s styling was scrutinized for its material choice; while the outlet initially appreciated its “understated sophistication,” they ultimately critiqued the texture, stating that upon closer inspection, the embellishments resembled “glitter-covered cardboard” rather than refined Haute Couture, giving it a “handcrafted rather than high-fashion” feel.
The ‘Best’ Celebration: Vogue, People, and Elle Defend the Icons
Contrastingly, other major fashion authorities hailed the members as the night’s absolute winners. People Magazine named Lisa as one of the 18 “Best Dressed” stars, specifically praising the craftsmanship of her custom piece, which reportedly took 3,000 hours to create and featured thousands of hand-placed crystals. They lauded the very “arm-shaped” details that others critiqued as a masterpiece of original design.
Vogue also solidified BLACKPINK’s status by including both Lisa and Jisoo in their prestigious “67 Best Dressed” list. Furthermore, Jisoo received high honors from Elle, which ranked her among the top 13 Best Dressed celebrities of the night. Not to be outdone, W Magazine spotlighted Jennie, selecting her as one of the elite 18 “Best Dressed” figures, proving that her timeless and chic approach continues to resonate with top-tier critics.
Global Icons Beyond the Labels
While the “Best” and “Worst” labels fluctuate depending on the publication, the fact that major fashion magazines are racing to analyze every stitch of BLACKPINK’s attire is a testament to their unrivaled status as global fashion leaders. In 2026, BLACKPINK is no longer just attending the Met Gala—they are defining its narrative. Whether sparking controversy or receiving universal acclaim, the members continue to push the boundaries of celebrity fashion, ensuring that all eyes remain fixed on them.