It’s May and you know what that means: Met Gala time! Held on the first Monday of May, the annual gala is a fundraiser for The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum and is themed to celebrate that year’s exhibition on display. Yet the symbolism of the Met Gala, often referred to as “fashion’s biggest night,” has arguably surpassed the fundraiser itself.
This year’s theme is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” a memorial to the designer who died in 2019 and a homage to his work at Balmain, Chloé, Fendi, Chanel, and his own namesake label. A noted force in fashion, Lagerfeld was also a misogynistic, fatphobic, homophobic, general asshole. I disagree with the choice to celebrate him in such a way, as the uplifting of him as a person also serves to support his horrendous beliefs. But I am no stranger to disagreeing with Anna Wintour’s choices so I shall proceed with my red carpet opinions.
I will be giving a rudimentary analysis of theme coherence, with the major focus being the much more difficult goal of pleasing me. I am not a big Chanel fan to begin with so my fashion history knowledge in this theme is limited; if you want accurate details I highly recommend Mandy Lee, aka oldloserinbrooklyn. This is a long one so buckle up!
(This post may get cut off in your email so if you want to read the whole thing head to the website version.)
ASAP Rocky and Rihanna in Valentino
Obviously, they look great as they always do. Rocky did a great job of evoking Lagerfeld’s personal style while still making it his own and not too costumey. Rihanna’s beautiful, hope her fetus enjoyed the event.
Lil Nas X
One of numerous notable guests dressed in reference to Choupette, Lagerfeld’s cat who he stole from a model and to whom he left a large chunk of his money. Lil Nas X’s interpretation was less literal than others (Jared Leto genuinely scared me, love that Nick Jonas called him a furry lol), instead going in a more avant-garde with the help of Pat McGrath, a cat mask, thong, body paint, and lots of crystals. Not my favorite look but I appreciate that it upset the old-fashioned fashion people.
Florence Pugh in Valentino
Hmm. I mean the head feathers are fun and she looks great with a buzzcut but I feel like the dress doesn’t look as good as it should. What’s going on with the bust?
Cara Delevingne in Karl Lagerfeld
A more literal interpretation of Lagerfeld’s style than I was expecting from her, especially considering she was one of Lagerfeld’s muses. I would have liked to see her in a Chanel bride look (the famous finale looks for each Chanel couture show under Lagerfeld) but I suppose she has done her time.
Anne Hathaway in Versace
This is a good example of something that works well for the theme but isn’t to my personal taste. I have been a big fan of Hathaway’s styling lately but this feels like when those TikTok girlies botch a “thrift flip.”
Bad Bunny in Jacquemus
He looks amazing and the top was BACKLESS. Consistently one of the best-dressed men (and general people) at every event he attends.
Amanda Seyfried in Oscar de la Renta
The dress is not for me but her hair is beautiful.
Kim Kardashian in Schiaparelli
Is this supposed to be a Skims ad? Not a fan.
Ke Huy Quan in Dior
He looks good! It’s very literal but cool.
Michaela Coel in Schiaparelli.
Now this is cool! One of my favorites for sure.
Doja Cat in Oscar de la Renta
Cats (2019). I enjoyed her meowing at Emma Chamberlain.
Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne
Very cool, very Janelle. They know how to work a carpet!
Pedro Pascal in Valentino
Inner thigh tattoo not pictured but important to note. Love the red, this carpet was too black and white.
Naomi Campbell in Chanel
She looks good, it’s Chanel, easy fit. Not thrilling but hits the mark.
Penélope Cruz in Chanel
Allegedly, this is mint green but very much giving Chanel bride. It’s good, solid choice for a co-chair of the gala.
Olivia Rodrigo in Thom Browne
I like this a lot! Not the most youthful but still very fun. The bangs give her a nice old Hollywood glamour.
Alexandra Daddario in Dior
I haven fallen asleep at the computer zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Alton Mason in Chanel
That’s a Chanel bride, baby!!!
Elle Fanning in Vivienne Westwood
Pretty! Nice touch to wear Vivienne Westwood, a designer who is more deserving of such a memorial in my opinion.
Emma Chamberlain in Miu Miu
I am confused by this. The color is nice but that’s about all I like.
Olivia Wilde in Chloé
She’s been going through it lately and this dress certainly isn’t helping! Although Margaret Zhang wore it in black and actually looked good so I guess I can’t blame the dress.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban in Chanel
Wearing the dress from her 2004 Chanel No. 5 campaign, she’s an icon and she knows it!
Jeremy Strong and Emma Wall in Prada
Someone on TikTok said the color palette is giving Squidward and I cannot unsee it. I do like it though! The necklace is apparently from Frank Ocean’s jewelry brand, but I am not bothering to fact-check that. “Fuck the patriarchy!”
Margot Robbie in Chanel
This is proof that beautiful people still have problems. There has to be some sort of curse on Margot Robbie because I don’t know why else she would show up in a cling film corset.
Kristen Stewart in Chanel
Chicest waiter around! I kid, I kid. She looks great and I am glad she is finally getting a good Chanel suit after years of tweed atrocities.
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson in Fendi and Dior
Obscenely hot couple. No relevance to the theme which I would like to think is out of protest but more likely this is just a normal date night for them.
Anna Wintour and Bill Nighy in Chanel
Did you guys know they were dating??? I am certainly not president of the Anna Wintour fan club but I have to respect a good relationship hard launch. Anna, if you want to invite me next year I can clear my schedule!
That’s all for this year! xoxo
Need Janelle's shoes asap. Olivia Wilde looks like she's gonna whip out a sword and scream "For the Honor of Grayskull!!!" any second