The much-anticipated event on the fashion calendar, the Met Gala (the annual fundraiser for New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute) finally arrived yesterday May 1st, with the theme "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty." Guests, from all walks of life, were attired in imaginative looks paying tribute to the legendary designer.
From extravagant ball gowns to sleek tailored suits, the dress code "In Honor of Karl" was embodied in unique ways that piqued the imagination. It’s always interesting to see how everyone interprets the theme for the evening. Among the sea of beautiful ensembles, some designers, like Thom Browne, truly stood out, showcasing their incredible creativity and innovative designs.
Although many guests stayed true to the theme while incorporating their individual flair, a select few truly stole the show. Here are my 21 unforgettable looks from the night.
Anok Yai was adorned in an exquisite custom Atelier Prabal Gurung dress that paid homage to vintage Chanel, particularly to a design worn at the Chanel Spring 1993 couture show by Cindy Crawford.
Met Gala Co-Chair Michaela Coel in a spectacular custom Schiaparelli gown by Daniel Roseberry and styled by Georgia Medley. The chain, loops, and pearls intricately woven into the gown were a beautiful homage to Lagerfeld's iconic design.
Model Sora Choi made a striking tribute to Karl Lagerfeld with her ensemble of a custom Thom Browne tweed skirt suit and cape.
Teyana Taylor paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld in a stunning custom tweed suit featuring a low-rise skirt, blazer-inspired bodysuit, and veil designed by Thom Browne.
Cardi B honored Karl with three unique looks, starting with a gorgeous pink chiffon gown adorned with florals designed by Miss Sohee, then a sleek tuxedo gown by Chenpeng Studio, complete with massive black roses … both looks reminiscent of Chanel's Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017 show featuring Lily Rose Depp. Her final look was a custom Richard Quinn dress that highlighted Chanel’s signature tweed, all styled to perfection by the talented Kollin Carter.
Jenna Ortega's distinctive interpretation of the theme was yet another standout moment at the Met Gala. She put her own unique spin on the dress code with a striking gothic look in classic Chanel twed, designed by Thom Browne.
Rihanna graced the red carpet in a custom Valentino Haute Couture dress. The white silk faille creation boasted a beautiful train and an eye-catching cape adorned with giant camellia appliquès made of petals, evoking the essence of a Chanel bride. A$AP Rocky paid tribute to Karl’s outfit from the 2004 Chanel runway show in Tokyo with his Gucci-designed ensemble.
Our forever princess Anne Hathaway graced the Met Gala red carpet in a custom Versace dress, designed by none other than Donatella Versace and styled by Erin Walsh. The dress incorporates some of Karl’s signature elements, such as tweed, pearl accents, and camellia flower details.
Renowned supermodel Gisele Bündchen made an impressive comeback to the red carpet in a striking 2007 Chanel couture archival gown, which was famously worn by Freja Beha Erichsen.
NBA star & fashion icon Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a stylish statement in a breathtaking suit and overcoat designed by Thom Browne. The impeccable execution of the layered and tailored ensemble, combined with an overall stylish flair, made it one of the highlights of the night.
Balmain was another fashion house that shone brightly at fashion's most anticipated event. Conan Gray graced the red carpet in a stunning, custom-made Balmain suit that was nothing short of exquisite. The suit featured a tweed redingote jacket with hand-embroidered pearls, elegantly designed to be off-the-shoulder. Completing the look were diamond-quilted high-heel pants made of leather and a black pearl-embroidered fan that added a touch of glamour to the ensemble. Designed by Olivier Rousteing, with styling by Katie Qian.
Met Gala Co-Chair Dua Lipa was adorned in the iconic Fall/Winter 1992 "Chanel Bride" tweed gown worn by 90s supermodel Claudia Schiffer and designed by none other than Karl Lagerfeld himself. The gown was accessorized with a 200+ carat Tiffany diamond necklace and matching rings, elegantly styled by Lorenzo Posocco.
Bad Bunny's fashion statement at the Met Gala 2021 was nothing short of impressive, particularly his backless tweed suit, which was a favorite among menswear enthusiasts. The ensemble, designed by Jacquemus, featured a stunning long floral cape, adding a touch of uniqueness to an already standout look of the night.
Halle Bailey exuded royalty as she graced the Met Gala in a custom-made Gucci sheer gown embellished with sparkling sequins and intricate embroidery, complete with a dramatic ruffled coat.
Kim Kardashian made a bold fashion statement with a custom Schiaparelli gown crafted entirely from pearls and complemented by a nude corset and an ivory cape train.
She’s always ready to make a statement and we love her for it! Doja Cat fully embraced the theme by dressing up as Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat, Choupette. She had on a custom Oscar de la Renta dress, designed by Fernando J Garcia and Laura Kim and styled by Brett Alan Nelson, complete with a prosthetic cat-like mask.
Jeremy Pope made a grand entrance at the Met Gala, commanding attention with his stunning 30-ft cape adorned with a striking hand-drawn illustration of Karl Lagerfeld's face, designed by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain and styled by Ugo Mozie.
Tems wore a custom-made gown by Robert Wun complemented by a striking headpiece and a beautifully crafted corset adorned with feathers, styled by Duns Wright.
Ashley Graham exuded sophistication in a custom-designed Barbie pink and black satin and velvet gown designed by Harris Reed. The dress was a nod to the iconic Chanel couture Fall 1987 dress, which was famously worn on the runway by Patrizia Reggiani.
Burna Boy made a statement at the event in a custom-designed royal blue and black Burberry outfit by Daniel Lee, complete with a cape.
