KATSEYE singer Lara Raj has addressed the online reaction to her Paris Fashion Week look after wearing kumkum with her outfit for the Loewe SS27 show.Lara Raj attended the Oct. 2 event with fellow KATSEYE member Megan. Her styling quickly drew attention online, particularly the red vermilion powder she wore along her hair parting.Kumkum, also known as sindoor in some contexts, has cultural and religious significance in India. Its meaning and use vary across communities and traditions.But after some social media users criticized Lara Raj’s styling, saying they felt its use in a fashion look was disrespectful to Hindu customs, the Gnarly songstress took to her Instagram to explain the personal meaning behind her choice.Celebrity Sightings - Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2027 - Day 5 - Source: GettyAccording to the star, kumkum has been part of her life since childhood, and she said she received it from her family during puja and aarti.“i loved my dress so much, and wearing it with Indian jewelry and kumkum made me feel so confident and beautiful. kumkum has been part of my life since childhood, a sacred blessing i’ve grown up receiving from my family during puja and aarti.”She described kumkum as a symbol of “intuition, strength and the divine feminine energy” with which she feels connected. Lara Raj also said the look was inspired by her longtime style icon, Indian actress Rekha, as well as her mother.“for this look, i styled it in my own way while paying homage to my forever style icon, the legendary Rekha, and the woman i look up to the most, my mom.”Lara Raj felt special channeling her Indian roots at PFWLara Raj said she admired the way both women embrace Indian beauty with individuality and confidence. She also described the fashion moment as a way to celebrate her heritage while bringing elements of their style into her own look.In her lengthy post, she also thanked Loewe and gave a shout-out to her “BFF” Megan.“i had a wonderful time, what an incredible show! my first fashion week with my bff.”The Hootie Frutti hitmaker concluded her message with another appreciation for her Indian roots, and said it was “special” to convey it at the event.“i’ve always loved the way they both carry Indian beauty with such boldness, individuality and grace. it felt so special to channel a little bit of that energy while celebrating my heritage” View this post on Instagram Instagram PostLara Raj’s explanation comes as her co-member, Sophia Laforteza, took a break from the group in August to focus on her well-being.At the time, KATSEYE’s official page assured fans that the singer was recovering and receiving the support she needed."Sophia has been receiving the utmost support, and following thorough consultations with medical professionals, it has been advised that she take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery."Fellow member Manon Bannerman has also been on hiatus since February.