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KATSEYE's members Lara Raj and Megan Skiendiel made their Paris Fashion Week debut this week, as they attended the Loewe show in Paris.
And while the moment marked a major fashion milestone for the members, who debuted in the global girl group in 2024, Lara found herself in a bit of trouble due to her "accessory" choice.
What did Lara Raj wear at the Loewe show in Paris?
At Loewe's spring 2027 show, the pop stars were in perfect contrast with each other, with Lara wearing a canary-yellow halter dress with a thick knot around her neck.
The 20-year-old, who always pay homage to her South Asian heritage with her style, accessorised her look with a bindi made of ruby and white gemstone and stack of gold anklets.
However, what caught the internet attention was the red powder at Lara's hair parting.
Sindoor, the red powder work along the hair part, is most often tied to marriage in Hindu tradition, though its meaning varies across communities and occasions.
The internet reacts to Lara Raj wearing 'Sindoor'
Netizens have called out Lara for "using" hindu culture for "clout and white validation".
One X post read, "Non-Indians trying to educate us Indians in our own culture to defend that girl lara."
Another user described Lara's Paris look as "a whitewashed, Westernized take on Indian culture that feel tacky and forced".
Lara Raj says she is using Kumkum
During an interview at the show, Lara clarified that the red powder she used was Kumkum, which is used for blessings and worship.
When asked about her ultimate style icon, Lara named Bollywood actress Rekha, adding, "She is fabulous. She inspired my red Kumkum on my head today, my tikka. Everything. She's the best."
Sindoor vs Kumkum: What's the difference?
Sindoor and Kumkum differ in their application and cultural meaning. Sindoor serves as a sacred marital symbol for women, while kumkum is used by all for worship and blessings.
Sindoor is applied strictly along the central parting of women's hair, while kumkum is applied as a dot on the forehead between the eyebrows during prayers and rituals.
Lara, who is of Tamil origin, has often incorporated details in her look links to her roots.
KATSEYE on their world tour
This summer, two KATSEYE members, Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman, went on hiatus, citing mental health as the reason for the self-imposed break.
The remaining members, including Lara, Megan, Daniela Avanzini, and Yoonchae Jeung, are currently in the midst of their Wildworld tour, having wrapped the European leg in mid-September.
After a few weeks' break, they'll kick off the North American leg on October 13 in Miami.
