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.
Lisa’s style is effortless but intrinsic—the mark of a true trend trailblazer.
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.”
Lisa has one of the most impressive collections of designer bags around. Case in point: This Celine shearling number.
How adorable is this heart-shaped Celine bag?
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.
The pairing of a fluffy cardigan against leather trousers is inspired.
A look I’d very much like to be wearying right now—how fabulous is that Celine tee?
I’ve fallen head-over-heels for her Celine military jacket.
This House of Sunny cardigan kept selling out—and now I know why.
If her wardrobe wasn’t enough, now I also want Lisa’s latest ‘do—a pale pink blunt bob.
The bright necktie really lifts this otherwise tonal ensemble.
I told you—she has some of the best handbags in the biz.
Layering a hoody under a tailored coat never fails to look cool.
Now I get the Dark Academia hype.
Lisa is proficient in high/low outfit styling—the combination of a polished Triomphe bag with a camouflage-print jacket is perfect.
Furry bucket hats are a trend every celebrity is tapping into.
Proof that wardrobe basics—such as a blue Oxford shirt and jeans—will always serve you well.
On her way to Celine’s front row, Lisa looks sharp in a black blazer with contrast edging.
This Celine Triomphe bag is high on my wish list.
Lisa was never going to skip the bradigan trend, was she?
Sporting darker hair with a fringe, I’m taken with the contrast of her tresses against her pastel cardigan.
She even makes tracksuits look chic.
This head-to-toe Celine look is the stuff of dreams.
Proof that everyone should consider investing in a denim jacket and silk scarf for spring. Oh, and that Triomphe bag wouldn’t go amiss either.
Of course, Lisa was wearing corsetry-inspired tops before everyone else.
Lisa not only got the baggy jean trend memo—she wrote it.
Leather trousers are trending in a big way right now—I’m bookmarking this look for spring.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About