This year’s Met Gala was highly anticipated by fashion lovers everywhere! This year’s theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” to celebrate American designers and the political, cultural, and social events that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. Looks ranged from the trusted black tuxes, nods to the American flag, political statements, and glamorous old Hollywood. The guestlist included various social media influencers, like Emma Chamberlain who hosted the Vogue red carpet interviews, performers, supermodels, and politicians, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (widely known as AOC) whose Met Gala look caused a lot of discourse.
Naomi Osaka wore a custom Louis Vuitton dress which featured a koi fish pattern designed by her sister as a nod to their Japanese heritage. Her sister, Mari, states that the design “celebrates the past, present, and future of American fashion.” Beauty entrepreneur, Jackie Aina, debuted at the Met Gala wearing a bright pink, Black Barbie inspired, gown designed by Fe Noel. Aina described her look to be “90s Black Barbie meets Pamela Anderson.” Aina was not the only one inspired by the American classic, Barbie. Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish was inspired by Holiday Barbie. The Oscar Delarenta nude, tule, ballgown with a train that covered the steps of the carpet was showstopping. Fans speculated that Eilish was also inspired by American icon Marilyn Monroe when she was seen rocking Monroe’s signature hairdo on the Met’s red carpet.
Keeping with the theme of “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” Carolyn B. Maloney wore an outfit that included panels that read “Equal Rights for Women” and a clutch with the words “Era Yes,” referencing the Equal Rights Amendment. Aurora James worked with AOC to make a statement for her first Met Gala appearance. The white dress with the words “Tax the Rich” written in red on the back was borrowed from James’ design company Brother Vellies. Both Maloney’s and AOC’s looks were both politically charged, allowing the women to look fashionable and open about their activism. Elliot Page opted for a simple, yet powerful, statement with his first Met Gala appearance. The actor wore a simple black, tailored suit with a green carnation pinned to his jacket. This statement was a nod to American writer Oscar Wilde who was incarcerated for homosexuality in 1895. The green carnation has been a symbol for queer men since.
While everyone looked amazing on the carpet, there were definitely some standout looks. Popstar Lil Nas X stunned the world with his three looks in one ensemble which all featured Versace gold as their common denominator. He arrived wearing a gold, ornate cape with a long train that already had people’s heads turning. When he removed the cape, a gold suit armor was revealed. Beneath the armor, Lil Nas X came out wearing a gold and black body suit which featured Versace’s signature print. Iman looked incredible in a gold Dolce & Gabbana look. She wore a feathered, gilded cage on top of a bustier and trousers. She wore a matching headpiece designed by Harris Reed to complete the look. Iman revealed that this high-fashion look took over 400 hours to make in her Vogue interview with Emma Chamberlain later that night. Another cult favorite look of the night was model Alton Mason’s all white ensemble. The Theophilo suit was accented with tasteful silver fringe and paired with a pearl studded chelsea boot.
But Refinery 29’s proclaimed “breakout star,” 19-year old, Indegenous model, Quannah Chasinghorse, stole the show. Her look was praised on social media for understanding this year’s Met assignment by showcasing her Native heritage. Her gold cut-out gown by Peter Dundas was accessorized with traditional, turquoise, Navajo jewelry. Her makeup by Guccie Westman focused on a simple and glowy look, which allowed her outfit to shine. She was praised by Vogue for her ascent to stardom, starting with her feature in Calvin Klein’s 2020 voting campaign. She was dubbed as “one of the freshest new faces.” Chasinghorse is taking the fashion world by storm!
What did you think of this year’s Met Gala? Which look was your favorite? Let us know!
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