Words by Rosalind Thacker
The Met Gala is one big fashion event where stars of the stage, screen and erm…TikTok(?) get together – and to help you sift through the endless tweets, we’ve narrowed down the best and worst looks.
Think of the Met Gala as fashion’s big night, the G20 of style, if you will. If you’re invited, you’re a big deal. In attendance are the biggest stars (apparently, Tiktokers, too??) on the planet, with money to burn and clothes to show-off. At $30,000, tickets aren’t cheap. But then, it’s Anna Wintour – and she doesn’t exactly do ‘cheap.’ With a year out (the last event was cancelled because of you know what), you’d think the designers, fashionistas and stars would have had enough time to consider their outfits and nail the theme: celebrating all things American Independence (whatever that means). But in true celebrity fashion, themes don’t really mean anything (just ask A$AP Rocky).
With 500 people in attendance, you need to know who hit and who missed. Here are the best and worst looks from this year’s Met Gala.
Iman
Let’s start with the best of the best. I have few words to describe this look, other than, wow. More than a look, it’s a piece of artwork. Like, I am speechless, which doesn’t exactly bode well for me to continue the rest of this list. But then again, I didn’t really expect anything else. It’s Iman.
The ensemble was all red carpet gold. From the strapless bodice and palazzo trousers to the tiered, metallic-brushed overskirt, she nailed it. The drama of the silhouette and the jaw-dropping embellishments all add to it. It’s difficult to stand out in a crowd of celebrities trying to do the same thing. Not for Iman, apparently.
Kim Kardashian
Right, in case you can’t tell, this is Kim Kardashian – not Voldemort’s assistant, or a random person off the street. Firstly, I have a few questions. One, how does she see? Two, is it not a million degrees in there? Three, did she get ID’d when she arrived? If so, how did they know it was her? And finally, Kim, what were you thinking?
Zoë Kravitz
Yes, yes, and for the millionth time, yes. Zoë’s Saint Laurent mesh gown with bedazzled matching underwear was, quite frankly, nothing short of iconic. It was risque, empowering, and got the people talking. Everything you want from a Met Gala fashion statement – and it most certainly was a statement.
Ciara
Sorry Ciara, but no. This has to be a flop for me. Credit for sticking somewhat to the ‘American Independence’ theme, but what is going on here? Ciara has transformed her husband’s Seahawks jersey into a dress, just in case you’re also confused about what the hell she’s wearing.
Timothée Chalamet
The men, as a whole, did not understand the assignment this year. Every man that turned up in a tuxedo should be ashamed. I’m naming no names *cough – Justin Bieber – cough*. Timothée, on the other hand, gave it his best shot. I think the suit is cool, a step up from the rest of the males that attended the event. However, what is with the beat-up white converse? Did the shoe shop close before the event, Timmy?
Lil Nas X
As far as he was concerned, the assignment was understood. Lil Nas X brought not one, not two, but three Versace power moves to the red carpet. And given his recent rise to stardom, we’d really expect nothing less. If I had to break them down, I’d say the first and third looks are my favourite. The second look is giving me strong Powerrranger energy. However, I can’t knock him for the effort.
Imaan Hammam
Another standout Versace moment was brought to us by Imaan Hammam. One common theme of this Met Gala: the sheer and see-through outfits. Arguably, an interpretation of the ‘American’ theme. No complaints here though, as Imaan was a stand out star (pun intended).
Frank Ocean
Frank, I have so many questions. People on Twitter have been heavily debating the meaning of this Shrek-look-a-like baby. Some have argued the sickly green acid baby could be a symbol for the current state of ‘America’ – keeping with the theme. But, not even Frank gave it that much thought. Instead, when asked by Vogue the meaning of the hideous child, he replied, “Movie magic. America. I don’t know.”
Clearly, Frank just rocked up for the vibes.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky
Right, let’s be honest, Rihanna’s the one we were all waiting for. Shame she kept Fenty-Twitter waiting. Eventually, she showed up. And yeah, erm, hmm. I love Rihanna, and I love ASAP, but… What is going on? Together, the famous pair look like a couple in a rush to get the bins out, grabbing the first two items they could come across. For two fashion geniuses, this is quite the f*ck up.
Simone Biles
Last, but most definitely not least, is Simon Biles. Not only is she star on the mat, but one at the Gala, too. And in truth, I know I should hate this outfit – but for reason, I love it. The three-in-one outfit consists of a hand-embellished skirt covered in Swarovski crystals and weighing 88 pounds. “How do I feel in the dress? It’s definitely heavy, but I feel beautiful, strong, and empowered,” said Simone. “I want to say to little girls in general, you can be tough in any sport you want to be, and you can be strong. On the other end, you can come out feeling empowered and beautiful and wear gowns like this and step out of your comfort zone”. Perfectly summarised.
Whilst we’re no fans of his shoes at this year’s Gala, we still think there are plenty of style lessons to learn from Timothée Chalamet