A controversy erupted after ELLE UK published a group photo from the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris, notably cropping out BLACKPINK’s Rosé—despite her status as the brand’s only official global ambassador present. While the magazine has not provided a detailed explanation, critics argue this act goes beyond a mere editorial decision, raising concerns about the persistence of subtle racial bias within Western media.
Erasing the face of a brand: A problematic omission
Since 2020, Rosé has served as Saint Laurent’s global ambassador, representing both its fashion and beauty divisions. Her presence at the show was not incidental but central, symbolizing the partnership between the K-pop icon and one of the world’s most influential fashion houses. Yet, in the photo published by ELLE UK, only Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Debbie Han remained visible—Rosé was entirely excluded.
This deliberate absence has sparked debate because Rosé was not just another celebrity attendee. She was the only official ambassador in the photo, embodying the brand’s global image. To remove her is to disregard both her symbolic role and the immense cultural and economic impact of K-pop’s global reach. For many, this feels less like an accident and more like an intentional refusal to acknowledge Asian influence in fashion.
Beyond editing: The symbolism of exclusion
While cropping is common in fashion photography, the removal of a singular figure—especially an Asian global ambassador—invites serious questions. Western media have often been criticized for marginalizing Asian stars, treating them as peripheral figures despite their international influence. By erasing Rosé, ELLE UK risked reinforcing the perception that global ambassadorship is a privilege reserved primarily for Western, often white, celebrities.
Such acts go beyond oversight; they highlight how media, with its immense power to shape public perception, can also perpetuate exclusion. For a brand like Saint Laurent, which has carefully cultivated its image of inclusivity and modernity, the omission jeopardizes its credibility and alienates one of its most engaged consumer bases: the global K-pop fandom.
Ambassador marketing and media responsibility
Rosé’s partnership with Saint Laurent exemplifies the synergy of ambassador marketing. Her elegance and modern edge mirror the house’s philosophy, strengthening the brand’s global identity. Fashion media, ideally, should amplify this synergy rather than undermine it. Selective exclusion, however, signals a troubling resistance to diversity and undermines the credibility of both the publication and the brand it covers.
Diversity is no longer optional—it’s essential
K-pop and Asian cultural power are no longer peripheral; they are central to global mainstream culture. When luxury houses appoint Asian ambassadors, it is not merely a marketing move but a recognition of shifting global dynamics. By cropping Rosé out of the photo, ELLE UK inadvertently revealed how segments of Western media still struggle to fully embrace this change.
Transparency, inclusivity, and respect are now the currency of cultural relevance. Audiences demand accountability and reject narratives that downplay diversity. For media to maintain its authority, it must acknowledge global ambassadors equally—beyond borders and ethnicity.
A lesson for media and fashion alike
The incident should serve as a wake-up call. ELLE UK owes its audience a clear explanation, while Saint Laurent must reaffirm its commitment to Rosé, ensuring its ambassador is celebrated, not sidelined. For fashion media, the role is no longer about guarding Western perspectives but embracing global diversity as a driving force.
Only by doing so can the industry retain credibility in an era when cultural representation is scrutinized more closely than ever. Readers, too, play a vital role—by challenging biased portrayals and demanding accountability, we collectively safeguard cultural inclusivity in the global fashion space.