The Met Gala is back after a year-long hiatus, and the fashion is bigger, brighter and better than ever.
The red carpet is back. If it’s not the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals (can we have a moment for Zendaya, please?), it’s the Bafta and Grammy award ceremonies, all of which attracted a host of impeccably styled stars.
But none garner more attention, or indeed praise for the lucky few attendees, than the annual fundraising gala for New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – otherwise known as the Met Gala.
And tonight, after a pandemic-induced year-long hiatus, the sartorial spectacle is back. And the fashion is expected to be better than ever. This year, the theme of the gala – which is typically the same as that of the Costume Institute’s summer exhibition – is In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion, which can only mean one thing: American fashion and lots of it.
Indeed, a newly energised clutch of American designers have ascended the ranks of the fashion sphere in recent years, many of whom have become mainstays of the industry. Think Telfar Clemens (Beyoncé and Oprah’s go-to bag designer, of course), Kamala Harris’ favourite Sergio Hudson, and queen of green Gabriella Hearst, all of whom have proved that American fashion is better than ever.
So while this evening’s affair might only have had a relatively modest 400-person waiting list, as well as mandatory mask wearing and double vaccination for all of its guests, this year’s Met Gala outfits are proof that that American fashion is back and better than ever. These are a few of our favourite looks.
Making her long-awaited return to the Met Gala red carpet, Rihanna wore Balenciaga Couture, which she accessorised with Bulgari diamonds.
Inspired by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, Kendall Jenner’s encrusted nude gown was the epitome of Old Hollywood.
Michaela Coel opted for a cobalt blue Balenciaga sequined all-in-one for her Met Gala debut.
Never one to miss a beat, Serena Williams sported a showstopping Gucci feather cape and jumpsuit to honour the theme.
Tracee Ellis Ross sported a midnight blue Balenciaga Couture ensemble, which she accessorised with Tiffany & Co jewellery.
Billie Eilish channeled Marilyn Monroe in a peach-toned Oscar de la Renta tulle gown, which she complemented with a short blonde wig and a berry-stained lip.
Inspired by America’s love of denim, Lupita Nyong’o wore a denim hourglass Versace dress in a nod to the theme.
Inspired by Rita Hayworth, Eiza González opted for a scarlet Versace dress with a classic pair of opera gloves for her look.
Poet Amanda Gorman pulled out all of the stops in a cobalt blue Vera Wang ensemble, which was inspired by the Statue of Liberty, and a clutch that read ‘Give Us Your Tired’, which was taken from a poem written at the base of the New York City landmark.
Ella Emhoff, the artist and step-daughter of Kamala Harris, wore an all-red Stella McCartney get-up for her Met Gala debut.
Model Precious Lee didn’t let the weight of her encrusted Area dress weigh her down, as she made her Met Gala debut.
Also making her Met Gala debut was Kaia Gerber, who wore a sculptured black Oscar de la Renta gown.
Jennifer Hudson dazzled in a dress by AZ Factory, a touching tribute to the brand’s late founder Alber Elbaz.
Sienna Miller chose a timeless nude vintage-inspired Gucci ensemble, complete with a statement feather jacket.
For her Met Gala debut, actor Keke Palmer opted for a floor-length glittering gown by American designer Sergio Hudson.
Mary J. Blige wore a stunning sequined dress by Peter Dundas for her return to the red carpet.
Images: Getty.
Sign up for the latest news and must-read features from Stylist, so you don’t miss out on the conversation.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.