After a long hiatus of more than two years, The Metropolitan Museum of Art a.k.a THE MET witnessed a surge of fashion once again on September 13, 2021. Hailed as fashion’s biggest night, this year’s theme was, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” This event is followed by another series, “In America: an Anthology of Fashion,” which will open next year on May 5, exploring the evolution of American fashion since the 1940s. What does it mean? Basically, all things American! With an open interpretation, it was left up to the celebrities and their designers as to how they want to take it forward. Whether its representing American culture, dressing up as an iconic celebrity or celebrating a historic trend or pop culture, one could opt for several ways of dramatics to present themselves on the pink carpet of the fashion-forward gala.
While some understood the assignment and put their stylish foot forward, there were some others who missed the mark with their confused or understated looks. Here are a few hits and misses from the soiree:
HITS
LIL NAS X IN VERSACE
Looks like Lil Nas X is having his fashion moment these days as he continues to stun us with his appearances. Pulling off a Lady Gaga from Met 2019, the singer shed layers of clothing on the carpet in the most dramatic and narrated a 3-part LGBTQ+ story. Nas showed up as a Pope concealing himself, changed into a knight with golden armor that protected him from prejudices and then embraced his inner, unguarded self in a blingy catsuit. And that’s on American representation, folks!
GIGI HADID IN PRADA
MET doesn’t mean overstated exaggeration and Gigi seemed to have understood this very well. Ditching the blings and drama, the supermodel brought the ‘90s glamour on the pink carpet, in a pristine white column dress with a black slit and latex gloves. The Ariana Grande-insipred high-ponytail surely added the finishing touches to her 90s Barbie Doll look.
KEKE PALMER IN SERIGO HUDSON
Keke, too, brought back the old-world glamour in an encrusted floor-length gown that came with a killer low-back detail.
BILLIE EILISH IN OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Billie made us reminisce about Marylin Monroe on the pink carpet with her lavish tulle ball gown along with a blonde hairdo and dramatic eyeliner. That’s all it took for her to slay the MET!
SUDHA REDDY IN FALGUNI SHANE PEACOCK
Sudha was the only Indian representative at the gala this year and she made sure she stood out with her hand-beaded gown with feathers and a long train. Going high on quintessential MET drama, she opted for studded star accessories representing the States.
AMANDA GORMAN IN VERA WANG
Poet and Met Gala’s co-chair Amanda’s strapless blue gown look was inspired by the Statue Of Liberty and nothing speaks American more than that! Not just that, the stunner carried a book-shaped clutch that featured the phrase, “Give me your tired” referencing the poem on the statue’s base, “The New Colossus.”
KIM KARDASHIAN IN BALENCIAGA
Celebrity so famous, that anonymity was her look for the day. The Keeping Up with the Kardashian star opted for a full-body cover-up completed with gloves and a scarf. Even though covered from head-to-toe, Kim still managed to turn heads at the gala. Her look was certainly open for interpretation as many debated how did her look deemed fit to the theme. Some even say she represented the iconic Kardashian clan of America where people made out that it was Kim without her even revealing her face. While it’s just a theory, we found this look interesting!
CARA DELEVIGNE IN DIOR
Cara’s PEG THE PATRIARCHY look got people talking about it and quite frankly, it does represent the American culture.
IMAN IN HARRIS x DOLCE & GABBANA
Iman was baking in the dramatic Met Glory as a Sun Goddess decked in a completely handmade gold leaf gown, jacquard bustier, flares and an iconic hat thus completing her look.
NORMANI IN VALENTINO
Normani looked every bit regal in a popping yellow gown with dramatic sleeves and a feisty neckline.
RITA ORA IN PRADA
Rita bedazzled in a crystal separates that screamed THE RETRO ERA from the top of their voice!
TROYE SIVAN IN ALTU
Representing fluidity, Troy’s chic-n-sleek black dress paid a partial homage to legendary queer photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Uncategorizable and sexy!
ELLIOT PAGE IN BALENCIAGA
Elliot graced the gala in a well-tailored black suit but what truly fitted the theme was the green flower that was backed by a queer history reference!
RIHANNA IN BALENCIAGA AND ASAP ROCKY IN ERL
Rihanna was late but worth the wait! The style goddess arrived swaddled in a puffy black coat, dripping in diamonds topped with a swanky beanie. Street-style meets high-end couture?
Beau ASAP Rocky arrived wrapped in a popping quilt made from reclaimed textiles and other vintage quilts. Quite American, no?
KENDALL JENNER IN GIVENCHY
Whith Kim opting to go all black and covered, somebody had to shoulder the responsibility of wearing the iconic naked dress! Also, Kendal’s old Hollywood glamour look was a sparkling tribute to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic dress from My Fair Lady.
TIMOTHEE CHALAMET
Timothee rocked sneaks with a suave formal coat and nothing gets more American than this!
MISSES
JENNIFER LOPEZ IN RALPH LAUREN
JLo clearly didn’t understand the assignment as she didn’t impress with her cowboy/native American look! The whole outfit was all over the place with too many elements to make it about one.
SHAWN MENDES AND CAMILA CABELLO IN MICHAEL KORS
Maybe Shawn and Camila were trying to recreate the Halloween culture but nobody seems to buy that. Be it his leather jacket with suspenders or her popping purple sequined seperates, everything about their look screamed a big NO!
IRINA SHAYK IN MOSCHINO AND LILI REINHART IN CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
Irina and Lili’s flower-power would have been apt for some other formal red carpet function but definitely NOT the MET. They lacked the drama big time and moreover didn’t go with the theme of the gala.
KRISTEN STEWART IN CHANEL
Kristen opted for a floral blouse and white pants for the dramatic gala and it looked…well, quite regular for the soiree. How we wish she could have chosen something more relatable to the theme.
LORDE IN BODE
Decked up in her heavenly fit dazzling with crystals, we assume Lorde arrived a bit late for MET 2016’s Heavenly Bodies theme.
OLIVIA RODRIGO
Lacy catsuit with feathers...no...just NO! Also, how does this go with the theme? This look is indeed confusing!
What's your verdict?
(Source-Instagram@MET)
