A single crop from a group photo at Paris Fashion Week sparked claims of racism toward Rosé—until one image from Madonna shifted how people saw the night.
What Happened at Saint Laurent SS 2026
Rosé attended the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week. The controversy began when ELLE UK’s official social post featured a group shot that appeared to exclude Rosé. Only Charli XCX, Hailey Bieber, and Zoë Kravitz were clearly visible in that frame, which led to backlash from fans.
Adding fuel to the fire, another image shared by Charli XCX showed Rosé looking noticeably darker in the scene, which some viewers read as deliberate. On social media, a portion of fans argued this was “blatant discrimination,” pushing the narrative that Rosé had been sidelined at the event.
Madonna’s Photo Changed the Mood
Then, on Oct 3 (KST), Madonna posted photos from the venue on Instagram. In those images, Rosé sits at the center with Charli XCX, Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Madonna’s family visible in the same setting. The composition contrasted sharply with the earlier narrative of “exclusion.”
Taken together, the posts illustrated how angle, cropping, and editing can lead to radically different impressions from the same moment.
ELLE UK Issues an Apology
As criticism mounted, ELLE UK’s account apologized on Oct 3, acknowledging that Rosé had been left out of the group photo in its Paris Fashion Week content and stating that there was no intent to offend. Whatever the intention, the editorial choice underscored how a major outlet’s framing can carry outsized impact.
Why This Matters
In fashion media, a single frame can amplify or erase presence. This incident is a reminder that responsible editing and a basic sense of inclusion should be the default. Context matters, and so does care. Rosé looked stunning; she also deserved to be represented accurately.
FAQs
Q. Was Rosé actually excluded from the event?
A. No. She attended and was seated with other celebrities. The controversy centered on how specific photos were framed and shared.
Q. Did ELLE UK apologize for the post?
A. Yes. ELLE UK apologized for sharing a group image that omitted Rosé, saying there was no intent to offend.
Q. Why did Madonna’s image matter?
A. It showed the same setting from a different angle, with Rosé clearly present—demonstrating how editing and composition can change a story.
Bottom Line
One photo can erase; another can restore context. Going forward, fashion media should treat inclusive framing as standard practice and double-check before posting. For more PFW coverage and K-pop crossovers with luxury houses, explore our related guides below.