Met Gala, fashion’s biggest night and starriest event in the world, returned and rolled out its red carpet in New York on Monday night after a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Held to raise funds for Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the Gala which typically held on the first Monday in May was postponed due to COVID-19. Coincidentally or not, the new date falls right in the middle of fashion month, meaning the stakes for stellar looks on the red carpet are extremely high now.
Kicking off on Monday night, one of fashion’s biggest night held at its usual location: the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
The gala was in celebration of Met’s Costume Institute’s newest exhibition, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” which will open to the public in Anna Wintour Costume Center on September 18th.
The curator of Met’s Costume Institute, Andrew Bolton, told Vogue that he felt it was time to reexamine American identity through the lens of recent social justice movements.
He expressed;
I’ve been really impressed by American designers’ responses to the social and political climate, particularly around issues of body inclusivity and gender fluidity, and I’m just finding their work very, very self-reflective. I really do believe that American fashion is undergoing a renaissance.
Therefore, the theme gave attendees a wide scope of ideas to play with from founding fathers in powdered wigs and star-spangled gowns, to cosplay and, of course, all things red, white, and blue, just like American flag.
Some fashionistas and A-list celebrities embodied the theme of American style, whether through flashy, ensembles, going bold and somewhat bizarre – as expected on Met Gala red carpet where no holds are barred.
Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Lil Nas X, Kendall Jenner, Megan Fox, Rihanna, Billie Eilish were among stars that got heads turning their way as the event got underway.
The ball was co-hosted by pop star Billie Eilish, tennis player Naomi Osaka, actor Timothée Chalamet and poet Amanda Gorman.
Honorary chairs for the evening were designer Tom Ford, sponsor Instagram’s Adam Mosseri, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
Met Met Gala’s red carpet has a history of creating memorable outfits and here are some looks you are sure to remember.
Lil Nas X pulled a ‘Lady Gaga’ on everyone. The rapper didn’t only steal the show once, not twice, but three times as he revealed 3 different looks.
In 2019, Lady Gaga wore four outfits, one beneath the other and she revealed each in quick succession live at the fashion gala. Lil Nas X has now done something similar.
Lil Nas X’s interpretation of the theme arrived in the form of these outfits – all designed by Donatella Versace. For his first outfit reveal, Lil Nas X wore an ornate cape that was covered in intricate gold beading. This came with a long train.
The rapper removed it to reveal a golden suit of armor underneath it.
Beneath that was a bodysuit, the bodycon design covered in crystals and Versace’s signature house print.
Kim Kardashian wore head to toe black in a gown and face mask by Balenciaga, a striking difference from her 2019 look.
While, the TV personality’s half-sister Kendall Jenner glittered in a sheer gown with a nude bodysuit underneath; the stunning frock had a statement silver choker-style neckline; she wore custom Givenchy, with the look inspired by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady.
Singer, Billie Eilish took a detour from her typical love of baggy sweatsuits, bold prints, and loud accessories by rocking a custom Oscar de la Renta tulle corset gown with Marilyn Monroe inspired locks.
Another head turning look for the night was by JLo. Jennifer Lopez showcased her toned legs in Ralph Lauren plunging brown embroidered gown with a faux fur shearling coat and a hat, giving a cowboy vibe.
The 52-year-old singer/actress/dancer arrived back to United States after a trip to Venice Film Festival with boyfriend Ben Affleck, who skipped the red carpet of Met Gala.
Elsewhere Megan Fox wowed in a striking crimson custom Dundas embellished gown that featured lace up details along the chest and sides.
The actress, who did not attend with boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly, paired the thigh-revealing dress with red Jimmy Choo heels, a fringe, and red lipstick.
Rihanna donned a dramatic black Balenciaga overcoat with a crystal and black style beanie, adding a statement diamond necklace.
The singer/entrepreneur arrived with her boyfriend, rapper ASAP Rocky, wore wore a specially made, quilt-inspired look by ERL.
Read Also: Rapper, A$AP Rocky Finally Confirms He’s Dating Rihanna, Says She’s “The Love Of My Life”
Iman attended the fashion event in an incredible design by Harris Reed – which included a large gold headpiece.
The 66-year-old’s headpiece, which was adorned with gold-painted feathers, was complemented with a matching hoop skirt cage. The hollow skirt was layered over a strapless metallic gold jumpsuit, which she accessorized with matching chandelier earrings, bracelets and rings.
Elsewhere, Erykah Badu hit the carpet in a Thom Browne outfit. The50-year-old singer-songwriter donned a black silk duchess satin down stole with white satin buttons, sportcoat and suspender skirt in black cavalry twill, satin lapels and drawstring details and black patent lace-up boots for the big event.
Hailey Bieber, 24, donned a sleek black strapless Saint Laurent gown with crystal detailing along the bustline, joined by her husband Justin Bieber on the red carpet.
The pop star, who won two VMA awards the night prior, wore La Maison Drew, which is an extension of his brand Drew House.
See other 2021 Met Gala red carpet looks below;
