The most awaited and in fact one of the biggest fashion events of the year – the Met Gala – took place on 13th September 2021. A fundraising benefit for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, this gala welcomed prominent celebrities, young creatives, designers, models and other paragons from the industry. After a year of hiatus due to the pandemic, this event was a much-needed refresher. Swarmed with paparazzi and renowned media outlets, the Met Gala garners considerable attention. The theme for this year was ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’, a tribute to the creativity of American style. Each celebrity wove their own interpretation of the theme into a costume, with the help of distinguished designers. Numerous celebrities even kept in mind the importance of climate change, donning the most gorgeous looks in outfits that were environmentally sustainable. Here are some iconic looks from the Met Gala that have indubitably left us spellbound:
Billie Eilish
In her mesmerizing Oscar de la Renta gown, Billie Eilish graced the carpet, winning the hearts of many. The evening’s co-host ditched her oversized clothes for a look inspired by Old Hollywood. The peach gown, complete with a full skirt and a long train, had a shoulder wrap that gave the outfit the perfect highlight. She accessorized this look with Cartier jewels and Jimmy Choo platform shoes.
An interesting fact which is truly commendable is that Billie Eilish convinced Oscar de la Renta to ditch fur across the entire brand, in exchange for wearing the garment.
Iman
Wearing Italian powerhouses Dolce & Gabbana and British-American designer Harris Reed, Iman glowed in a custom brocade jumpsuit topped with a feathered overskirt and a matching headpiece that absolutely set the outfit apart. It made her look almost like an angel as she walked the red carpet.
Rihanna
The iconic Rihanna wore a stunning all-black piece with a custom Balenciaga overcoat look by Demna Gvasalia. She paired this wrap with a black hat and Thelma West jewels.
Kaia Gerber
With a simplistic, yet absolutely gorgeous look, the supermodel nailed the strapless black gown, designed by Oscar de la Renta. She disclosed to the host Kiki Palmer on the red carpet that her dress was inspired by what Bianca Jagger wore to the storied event in 1981, by Dior.
Emma Chamberlain
This YouTuber looked brilliant in her Louis Vuitton embroidered silk organza gown, which had a mini train. She finished off the look with a pair of custom leather sandals.
Timothée Chalamet
The star wore Haider Ackermann and portrayed the perfect blend of comfort with couture. In a satin tuxedo, along with a cropped jacket and loose trousers resembling sweatpants, the actor gave off the perfect cool vibe. He paired this look with Converse All-Stars.
Yara Shahidi
Inspired by the legendary Josephine Baker, Shahidi wore a beaded strapless gown by Christian Dior. She accompanies this look with a thin copper-coloured belt, a diamond choker by Cartier, embroidered elbow-length gloves, and lastly a magnificent flowing headpiece.
Kendall Jenner
The model looked absolutely majestic in her Givenchy Haute Couture which was a custom-made look by Matthew M. Williams. Her sheer dress is made of illusion tulle, embroidered with crystals, crystal flowers and crystal tassels (fringe). She further accentuated the splendid look with matching embroidered gloves, silk tulle corset and beige leather sandals. She claimed to offer a modern take on the legendary Audrey Hepburn and channelled one of her most iconic roles from ‘My Fair Lady’ – Eliza Doolittle. Hepburn had worn a shimmering white dress by Hubert de Givenchy, to which Kendall aimed to pay tribute.
Gigi Hadid
With an aura of elegance, Gigi Hadid looked ethereal in a look that gave part Rita Hayworth, part Jessica Rabbit. She wore a strapless, fitted silk white column gown with an asymmetrical bodice which was layered over a black bodice, by Prada, accompanied by black leather gloves. To top it off, she wore a marvellous diamond necklace. Her red locks flowed gorgeously and were held in a high pony by a black barrette, completing her look.
Grimes
Take a deviation from the many retro looks that evening, Grimes adopted a futuristic ensemble inspired by the book “Dune” by Frank Herbert. This book was later adapted into a film in 1984 by David Lynch. She wore a mask from the original movie and was assumed to be reading the book on the red carpet. Her look comprised a black and white, semi-sheer “Bene Gesserit” gown by Iris van Herpen.
Jennifer Lopez
The gorgeous Jennifer Lopez wore a custom brown Ralph Lauren gown, featuring a plunging neckline and a long train. The faux fur shearling cape is embellished with a light shower of crystal beadwork, making her look stunning. Her silver DSW shoes finished the ‘All American’ look perfectly.
Kim Kardashian
The most talked about look at the Met Gala that probably came as a surprise to everyone was that of Kim Kardashian’s. Her black Balenciaga ensemble covered every inch of her body, including her face. Her hair was in a ponytail and she accessorized the look with black heels. Many say Kanye was the primary inspiration behind her look. “He gave Kim the courage to push the envelope with creativity and people’s imagination through art,” TMZ wrote.
Lil Nas X
Making a grand entrance, Lil Nas X pulled off three regal custom outfits by Versace as he walked the red carpet. In the first outfit, he wore an ornate cape with intricate gold beading with a long flowing train, adhering to the feel of royalty. The second outfit, after the removal of the cape, involved a golden suit of armour. After shedding that layer, he revealed the third outfit, which comprised a slinky bodysuit covered in crystals and Versace’s signature house print. He topped this off with a golden Versace choker.
