City-hopping from one fashion event to the next, the girls of BLACKPINK have taken the world of luxury fashion by its reins. Whether it be a gala or a film festival, the quartet stuns from all angles with their style. 

This time, the girl group went a step ahead as attendees of the South Korean State Banquet at Buckingham Palace and newly appointed Honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs). The Pinks — Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa — oozed regal glamour as they mingled with world leaders and asserted their place as some of the most influential figures in Korean entertainment. 

Royalty Collides

Amid a state visit to England, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee were honored with a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. The event, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla on November 21, gathered a motley group of VIPs, from members of the royal family to members of K-pop royalty. 

State Visits happen when any foreign Head of State travels to the United Kingdom for diplomatic purposes. As tradition mandates, on the evening of the arrival day, British monarchs host a State Banquet for the guest Heads of State (prime ministers, presidents and other monarchs). The event takes place at the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace with about 150 guests “invited on the basis of their cultural, diplomatic or economic links” to the guest country.

On this occasion, BLACKPINK, the iconic K-pop group making waves in the world of fashion and music, was invited to partake in this diplomatic exchange. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa made a grandiose entrance in gowns fit for K-pop princesses. Harmonizing with each member’s personality, the looks were apt for a night where their role as advocates for sustainability was recognized. The group even received a shout-out from King Charles during his speech. 

“It is especially inspiring to see Korea’s younger generation embrace the cause. I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé, better known collectively as BLACKPINK, for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience as Ambassadors for the U.K.’s Presidency of COP 26, and later as advocates for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. “I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues.”

Breaking Down the Glam

The banquet was a night for history — King Charles’ second-ever State Banquet since his coronation and the first K-pop girl group appearance at an event of this kind. So naturally, BLACKPINK’s fashion was noteworthy.

Rosé sported an all-black ensemble. Chic and timeless, the strapless dress featured a sweetheart neckline. Her blond locks were accessorized with her signature black bow as a nod to the balletcore and hyperfeminine aesthetics thriving this season.

Meanwhile, Jennie channeled angelic elegance in a gown from the bridal brand Lihi Hod. Show-stopping yet elegant, the off-the-shoulder dress draped her figure gracefully. Jennie’s immaculately smooth hair was pushed back to keep the neckline visible.

Embodying Dior’s timeless sensibilities, Jisoo charmed fans with a chic dress from the Dior Cruise collection presented in Mexico. Puffed sleeves, ruched fabric, and a cinched A-line silhouette made for the perfect Dior look. Jisoo accessorized the dress with a top-handle CD Signature Bag and added feminine allure with pin-straight bangs framing her face. 

Last but not least, Lisa stunned in a tulle Georges Hobeika gown from the Spring 2024 collection. Metallic floral appliques cascaded down the “MONEY” singer’s dress as a matching aquamarine cape trailed over her shoulders. To top off the outfit, teardrop jewels adorned Lisa’s ears and neckline for an extra touch of sophistication. 

Honorary MBEs

On November 22, BLACKPINK made another stylish appearance at Buckingham Palace, where the group was invested as Honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire. King Charles recognized their role as COP26 Advocates for the COP26 Summit in Glasgow 2021 and as per Reuters, he even joked with the quartet. “It’s amazing you’re still talking to each other after all these years,” he reportedly told them. “I hope I shall be able to see you perform live at some point,” the King added.

BLACKPINK kept a coordinated fashion front for the ceremony. As Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent ambassadors, respectively; Jennie, Jisoo and Rosé wore total brand looks. Jennie went for a tweed midi dress paired with a classic black jacket with contrasting crystal embellishments. She also opted for an updo that nodded at traditional Korean hairstyles.

Dressed in a two-piece set featuring a midi skirt and a short-sleeve jacket, Jisoo epitomized demured elegance. The South Korean star reprised Dior for the occasion, but her look had a subtle and quirky accent, courtesy of a butterfly belt buckle. (ICYMI, butterflies became the signature motif of Dior’s Cruise 2024 collection.)

Following the same theme from the previous night, Lisa wore a lilac gray strapless dress and matching cape. The superstar chose to highlight her country’s talent and rising fashion scene with a look from the Thai brand ASAVA. Lisa paired the ensemble with Mary Jane heels and a golden watch. 

On the other hand, New Zealand native, Rosé, sported an oversized power suit matched with a sheer black blouse and a bow detail at the collar. She kept things classy with a ponytail and subtle jewelry. As different outlets reported, Rosé received an MBE recognition as a national of the Commonwealth realms.

Torchbearers of Korean culture

BLACKPINK’s presence at the South Korean State Banquet and appointment as Honorary MBEs further solidifies the group’s status as global icons and torchbearers of Korean culture. With contributions as advocates of climate action and notable attendances at diplomatic events, the girl group’s influence has surpassed the entertainment frontiers. And as they keep proving time after time, they have the wardrobe to match the role.

Interested in more fashion news? Read everything about Versace’s holiday campaign here. 

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