The Met Gala is one of the most anticipated events of the year as A-list celebrities arrive in daring fashion. The Gala is an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. Each year, there is a different elaborate theme that the invited celebrities are meant to follow. This year’s theme was inspired by the Gilded Age, the time from the 1880s through the 1890s, mostly known for intricate designs, jewel tones and extreme silhouettes. Six looks from the night stood out
- Kim Kardashian
Kardashian was the shock of the night in the iconic Marilyn Monroe dress. It was a skin-tight cream dress with diamond detailing. It was paired with a white fur coat that she wore off the shoulders. Kardashian also changed her hair back to platinum blonde and wore it in a slicked-back low ponytail. Her eye shadow was warm brown tones and she had a neutral pink lip. She drew attention to her neck by not wearing a necklace and instead only diamond, dangly earrings. Although it was a stunning look, it did not match the theme of the night.
- Emma Chamberlain
The 20-year-old star was styled in a full Louis Vuitton look for her second Met Gala appearance. Chamberlain’s outfit featured a cream high-neck cropped top with puffed sleeves. She wore a white, column skirt that drifted into an elegant train. She dyed her hair platinum blonde and opted for an above-the-shoulder cut. Her eyeshadow was gold and copper, and her neck was draped with a thick, yellow and white diamond necklace. Chamberlain also wore a colorful tiara that tied the look together.
- Billie Eilish
Eilish was perfectly on theme this year. She was seen in a custom, upcycled Gucci dress that featured an ivory and pastel blue corset with a green lace underlay and a pleated ivory skirt. Her corset also had a pastel purple flower detail. Her look was finished with a thick black choker and beige platform shoes. Eilish kept her makeup simple with a neutral eye and small, black wing. Her hair was in a messy up-do with a middle-parted bang.
- Shawn Mendes
Men’s looks are more difficult and usually stand out less. Mendes was styled in an upcycled suit by Tommy Hilfiger that drew eyes toward him. He arrived in a navy blue suit with a plum trench coat and burgundy lapels over top; gold buttons accented the deep-toned colors. His nails were painted to match the outfit, and his hair was pushed back with soft waves in the front. The look was completed with black leather ankle boots. In an interview with Vogue, Mendes explained that his look paid tribute to the soldiers of the time due to the resemblance.
- Vanessa Hudgens
Hudgens arrived in a see-through black gown by Moschino that featured large, puff sleeves. There was intricate lace detailing on her chest, and she wore black lace underwear that peeked through. She accessorized with simple black pumps and diamond jewelry. Her hair was in a slicked-back bun that accentuated her dark smokey eye. Hudgens modernized the theme but stayed true to it with the silhouette of the dress.
- Blake Lively
Lively’s look was arguably the best of the Met Gala 2022. Her two-part look was inspired by the famous architecture in New York City. She arrived in a glittering, beaded Versace dress with an oversized copper satin bow on her side. As she walked up the stairs, her bow was let down to reveal a long skirt in the turquoise color that copper transforms into as it ages, paying tribute to the Statue of Liberty. She also wore a tiara with seven spikes and her jewelry featured 25 stones, all in reference to Lady Liberty. Lively explained in an interview that the detailing was also inspired by the Empire State Building and the constellations from Grand Central Station.
This year’s Met Gala theme drew some controversy as many celebrities did not comply with the theme. Gilded Glamour or not, some stars still came in their finest looks. Extravagant designs and elegant details paid tribute to the past while bringing in modern elements. Fans are eager to see what fashion next year’s gala will bring.
