Ah, the Met Gala. A time where fashion and art combine in its truest form. A time where the whole world seemingly stops—even just for a moment—to witness the red carpet at its most glamorous, prestigious, and eccentric.
There’s a reason why the night is dubbed the Oscars of fashion—it brings together the most talked about and talented celebrities of our time. Veteran faces like Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson are seasoned regulars at the charity event. Then there are the newcomers (albeit well established and spotlight worthy in their own right). This year, we saw the likes of 19-year-old singer Billie Eilish, tennis champion Naomi Osaka and even United States representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (aka AOC) grace the red carpet.
With virtually every fashion fan and each celebrity’s respective followers (and then some) taking in every second of the glamorous night, it’s no wonder some of the guest utilised the opportunity to make a stirring statement with their outfit.
While some took the theme of the evening—”In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”—quite literally with their ensembles, others turned it into more of a political and social statement.
Here, we wrap the best meanings behind the celebrity outfits from the Met Gala.
Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta
As soon as we caught our first brief glimpse of Billie, our breath was taken away. The talented musician opted for a stunning, 1950s-esque cream gown that exuded the old Hollywood glamour we love to be reminded of—especially on the red carpet.
Cara Delevingne in Dior
Actor and model Cara Delevingne made a literal statement with her outfit at the 2021 Met Gala, wearing a unique white bullet-proof vest emblazoned with the words: “Peg the patriarchy.”
Cara explained that the meaning behind the phrase is all about female empowerment.
“It’s about women empowerment, gender equality—it’s a bit like, ‘Stick it to the man,’” she said.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in Brother Vellies’ Aurora James
Monday, September 13 marked AOC’s very first Met Gala red carpet, and boy did she do it with a bang. The US representative donned a fitted white off-shoulder dress which featured the words “Tax the rich” in bright red letters across the back.
The look is significant not just in its political statement making, but also in the context of the event she was attending, which was among some of the country’s most rich and influential people. A major moment indeed.
Iman in Harris Reed
Iman literally glowed on the Met Steps as she emerged in a gold and silver gown featuring a feathered multi-layered skirt and a large circular headdress. If you’re wondering where the idea for such a silhouette came from, cast your minds back to the 1950s ballroom.
Explaining the inspiration behind the striking 50s-inspired Met Gala look, Iman said it remained true to their aesthetic: “Romanticism gone non-binary.”
Kendall Jenner in Givenchy
25-year-old Jenner was another celebrity to bring a touch of the 50s to the Met. While her jewell encrusted ensemble was both sheer and barely-there, the rhinestone high-neckline and padded shoulders gave us flashbacks to Audrey Hepburn’s hey-day. Perhaps inspired by the American screen icon herself—Jenner shared a picture of the Breakfast at Tiffany’s star shortly before landing on the red carpet.
Naomi Osaka in Louis Vuitton
Tennis star Naomi Osaka took inspiration from her Japanese and Haitian heritage in the creation of her stunning Met Gala gown, which was co-designed with her sister, Mari.
The stunning outfit combined shades of electric blue with purple and pink in a unique bodice print. She wore a bright red bow around her waist and fashioned her hair in a striking braided up-do.
Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren
Jennifer’s ode to the American Lexicon was quite literal with her ranch-inspired design. The ensemble consisted of a cowboy hat with a deep brown dress featuring a plunging naval-reaching neckline and a leather belt. A country-western inspired look if we ever saw it.
