Met Gala 2021: Rundown of the Runway
Rounding up iconic looks of the iconic beige carpet event.
The Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City but is equally dubbed ‘fashion’s biggest night out’ with pop culture’s famous faces descending its not-so-red carpet — kind of like an ultra star-studded version of prom. The theme? In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. The dress code? American independence.
The fundraising benefit opens the Costume Institute’s stunning exhibit showcasing American fashion and is co-chaired by youngbloods: singer Billie Eilish, actor Timothée Chalamet, tennis pro Naomi Osaka, and poet Amanda Gorman.
While we’re still reeling and dissecting the theme and dress code, we’ve rounded up our faves definitely understood the assignment. Check out the faces who flew the sartorial flag for American fashion.
Kaia Gerber
For her 2021 Met Gala debut, the supermodel prodigy re-created the iconic look of Bianca Jagger’s 1981 Met Gala ensemble with an Oscar dela Renta strapless black gown featuring a detailed floral neckline.
Barbie Ferreira
Now, is it really American fashion without a little old Hollywood-burlesque action? Drawing inspiration from showgirl glamour, Barbie Ferreira’s stunning pearlescent gown is by designer Jonathan Simkhai.
Taraji P. Henson
Only a queen can emulate a queen — and Taraji P. Henson’s ode to Diana Ross is definitely one for the books. Her ensemble was inspired by all things Hollywood and glam, having leaned into influences of the disco era.
CL
The South Korean rapper and former member of the iconic K-Pop girl group 2NE1, the one and only CL rolled up to the beige carpet in the Americana staple: denim. Outfitted by Alexander Wang, CL turned heads as the ‘alpha in America’ with a custom voluminous robe and white briefs.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Stepping out in stunning Balenciaga couture, actress and beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross paid quite the homage to mama Diana Ross in a futuristic, royal blue, wrap style maxi dress. And just like her mom, she definitely had a fashionable flair in the form of an angular bob and glamorous diamond jewelry.
AOC
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez caused quite the stir with her overtly political gown by Brother Vellies — a white ensemble with a head-turning statement in red. At the glitziest night of the town, filled to the brim with affluent attendees rubbing elbows, AOC sent a clear message, “Tax the Rich” in glaring red was emblazoned on her dress.
Timothée Chalamet
Being one of the four co-chairs of the sparkly affair, all eyes were on Timothée Chalamet to deliver yet another stunning look on the step and repeat — a fusion of street style and sleek tailoring. The actor wore Haider Ackermann’s energetic but perfect clash of uptown and downtown cultures, rocking a white satin tuxedo and black lapels, sweats, and Converse Chucks.
Cara Delevingne
While some looks are bold, nothing quite comes close to this model’s Dior ensemble. A perfect mesh of a feminist message and sartorial magic, Cara Delevingne’s outfit was bold yet lighthearted, cheekily directed at the patriarchy in a white bulletproof-esque vest.
Lil Nas X
Who said you could only wear one look to fashion’s biggest night out? Strutting his stuff on the step and repeat in a dramatic ensemble custom-designed by Donatella Versace herself, Lil Nas X really said one was not enough and served (and slew) three regal outfits fit for the king he is.
Billie Eilish
Everyone dropped what they were doing and all eyes were on co-chair Billie Eilish when she came floating on the carpet in a massive, frothy blush gown by Oscar de la Renta that was inspired by Hollywood pin-up bombshells and the most-revered siren Marilyn Monroe.
