“We sincerely apologize for Rosé being cropped out due to size constraints. It was not our intention to offend.” — ELLE UK
What started as a routine fashion week post has ignited a firestorm of criticism across the globe. From accusations of racial discrimination involving BLACKPINK’s Rosé to W Korea‘s controversial handling of a breast cancer awareness event, the fashion industry’s lack of sensitivity and accountability is being fiercely condemned by global netizens.
The controversy began when ELLE UK shared images from the Saint Laurent fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. The photos featured Hailey Bieber, Charli XCX, and Zoë Kravitz. However, Rosé—Saint Laurent’s only global ambassador present—was completely cropped out , despite appearing in Charli XCX’s original post.
Instead of recognizing the issue, ELLE UK doubled down, later issuing a 24-hour Instagram Story “apology” blaming the omission on ”image size constraints” . The gesture felt hollow to many, particularly given Rosé’s pivotal role at the event. The apology, lacking permanence or sincerity, has only intensified criticism, with many branding the magazine as racially insensitive and professionally negligent.
Simultaneously, W Korea, one of South Korea’s most prominent fashion magazines, is under fire for its annual “Love Your W” campaign—meant to raise awareness for breast cancer. This year, the event has been slammed as a “celebrity booze party” , trivializing a serious health cause. The most controversial moment came when the magazine referred to the event as a “breast cancer party” , igniting fury for mocking a disease that affects millions globally.
Despite widespread criticism, W Korea’s response was similarly tone-deaf. Their belated apology avoided addressing crucial concerns—like where the 11 billion KRW in donations over 20 years were actually directed—and they disabled Instagram comments, further damaging public trust. Even more damning is the silence of Editor-in-Chief Lee Hye-joo , who also sits on the board of the Korea Breast Health Foundation , a supposed beneficiary of the campaign.
These incidents, both from ELLE UK and W Korea, have spotlighted a deeper issue: the immaturity and lack of accountability within the fashion industry when handling sensitive social matters. As public outcry continues to mount, these events serve as a glaring reminder that prestige and platform come with responsibility—one both magazines have failed to uphold.
The question remains: Can the fashion world evolve past performative activism and truly embrace the social causes it claims to champion?
Sources: Star News,ELLE UK,W Korea,Instagram
You must be logged in to post a comment.