When I think back to what I was doing at the age of 24, it likely involves spending most of my Saturday in Topshop Oxford Circus looking for something to wear that night. Yes, I had a pretty cool job as a fashion assistant, but other than that, I was a pretty typical twenty-something. However, almost a decade on, with a wardrobe that’s considerably chicer than it once was, I still find myself longing for the wares of another: a 24-year-old who just so happens to be an international singing sensation and Celine’s first-ever ambassador; Lisa.
“Who is Lisa?” is a question I found myself asking last week when speaking with my colleagues about the person I had seen sporting some seriously impressive outfits of late. You’ll have to give me a pass on this—music has never been my specialist subject. But after the words Blackpink were uttered, I knew exactly who we were talking about.
Lalisa Manoban, aka Lisa, just so happens to be one-fourth of the world’s biggest girl group, K-pop powerhouse Blackpink. Not only that, but she’s the most-popular K-pop star on Instagram with a cool 72.7 million followers. In 2021, she released her debut single, the self-titled Lalisa, which further catapulted her into the spotlight. And somehow, in the midst of a career that just won’t quit, Lisa has also found time to take on one of the most coveted positions in fashion—her gig as a global style ambassador for Celine.
This, in itself, is a big deal. Unlike other fashion houses, Celine hadn’t previously appointed official ambassadors to carry its sartorial messaging, but with Lisa, it feels like an intrinsic partnership. At the time of her appointment in September 2020, Lisa said, “To me, Celine is unrivalled, and Hedi Slimane has such a multifaceted talent—from clothing design to photography. He creates this rare, incredible, and desirable world through his vision. I’m always inspired by his work. It’s truly an honour and pleasure to be able to work with Hedi as Celine’s first ambassador.”
Whether she’s wearing pieces from Celine or items from unknown labels, Lisa’s style never misses the mark. Yes, there are elements of Y2K in there, but with her dressing flair, it feels more inherent than try-hard; the mark of a true trend trailblazer. Also evident is her appreciation for tailoring, texture, and an understanding of silhouette—things I certainly hadn’t mastered at her age.
So, with an access-all-areas pass to Celine’s archives and an eye for elevated looks, suffice to say I wouldn’t mind trading wardrobes with Lisa for a day. Scroll on to see some of her best ensembles to date, and you’ll soon be thinking up ways you can dress more like Lisa, just as I have been.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About
