Cardi B is clarifying her comments after facing backlash for an interview during the Met Gala, where she wore a striking black gown designed by Sensen Lee. The event, held on May 6th, saw Cardi command attention on the red carpet, but her remarks about the designer drew criticism.
While speaking with Vogue correspondent Emma Chamberlain, Cardi referred to Sensen Lee as “this amazing designer they’re Asian,” which prompted backlash from fashion insiders. Gilbert Chi, a former managing director at Vogue, publicly criticized Cardi on social media, stating that she should have recognized Lee by name rather than merely highlighting his ethnicity. He pointed out that the gown took two months to create and expressed disappointment that Cardi did not remember the designer’s name, calling the dress “boring” and off-theme.
In response to the criticism, Cardi shared a video that has since expired on social media, explaining that she was flustered during the interview. “When I was being interviewed, I kind of forgot to pronounce the designer’s name. My mind was just racing,” she stated. Cardi emphasized that she identified the designer as Asian because she was unsure of his specific nationality and did not want to misidentify him.
Addressing Chi’s criticism, Cardi expressed her frustration, stating, “As a person that works in fashion, I feel like the designer and my stylist worked really hard for this theme. For you to be kind of shady trying to offend me, you’re actually offending the people that work behind the scenes.” She highlighted the extensive effort that went into the design process, emphasizing the dedication of those involved.
Despite the mishap, Cardi took to Instagram following the gala to express her gratitude to Sensen Lee, recognizing his talent and the effort he put into her gown. She tagged him in her post, saying, “I have to give another thank you to Sensen. I chose you because of your amazing talent, and you came through, really making this Met Gala a night to remember,” accompanied by a heart emoji.
As the discussion continues, the incident has sparked conversations about representation and recognition in the fashion industry, bringing attention to the importance of acknowledging the creative minds behind notable designs. Cardi B’s experience serves as a reminder of the pressures and complexities of high-profile events, where every word and gesture is scrutinized.