Exclusive: Blackpink's Lisa steps down as Celine global ambassador

Blackpink’s Lisa has stepped down as Celine’s global brand ambassador, ending a three-year relationship with the LVMH-owned fashion brand.

From left, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Blackpink's Lisa and Kevin Parker at Celine's Spring Summer 2023 Menswear Collection in Paris in 2022 [CELINE]

Blackpink’s Lisa has stepped down as Celine’s global brand ambassador, ending a relationship with the LVMH-owned fashion brand that began in 2020.

“It is true that Lisa of Blackpink parted ways with Celine,” a source with knowledge of the commercial contract told the Korea JoongAng Daily. Rumors about Lisa's departure first surfaced when the 27-year-old K-pop artist appeared at Louis Vuitton's show this March.

Celine announced a new global ambassador, Danielle of NewJeans, this March.

The French designer has not responded to a request for comment on the current status of its contract with Lisa.

Lisa took the position of global ambassador in September 2020. She has participated in many of its global promotional activities over the years and joined its fashion shows in 2022 and 2023.

Lisa has been rumored to be in a relationship with LVMH heir Frédéric Arnault since last July. Frédéric is currently the CEO of LVMH Watches.

Lisa will drop her solo single “Rockstar,” in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, at 9 a.m. on Friday. The singer founded her own label, Lloud, in February and signed a partnership deal with U.S. record label RCA Records, under Sony Music Entertainment, for her global solo career in April. The four Blackpink members — Lisa, Rosé, Jennie and Jisoo — elected to sever their solo activities from YG Entertainment last December, though their group work remains the property of their original agency.

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]