The Met Gala, popularly called "fashion's biggest night out," did not hold in 2020. It went on hiatus over two years ago. Compared to how it was held in previous years, this year's event occurred on a much smaller scale. It, though, was no less grand.
It was expected that in 2022, the Met Gala would return to its usual size and schedule. The theme for this year was "American Independence." Its attendees did not fail to make a statement with their amazing outfits, as always. From flashy to sparkly ensembles to more discreet American concepts, they embodied the American-style theme.
After a challenging year, there was a noticeable sense of joy at the event. Although a socially distanced gala, the dramatic pieces worn by the celebrities in attendance raised the bars. They perfectly reflected "America's gutsy, adventurous sartorial spirit."
From Billie Eilish, who co-chaired the event in an Oscar de la Renta gown aimed at paying homage to the national icon, Grace Kelly, to Zoe Kravitz leaving very little to the imagination in a jaw-dropping metal mesh Saint Laurent gown, there was a lot to talk about.
We compiled a list of 20+ celebs at the event who turned up the heat with their outfit.
Billie Eilish
The youngest to ever co-chair the event in history, she appeared in an Oscar de la Renta gown. The peach dress is an imitation of an old-school ball gown with its low-cut tulle corset.
She was inspired by Holiday Barbie and had been exploring vintage pinup themes. As opposed to her usually baggy outfits, she looked stunning in this dress.
In an interview with Vogue, she revealed that dresses were her "favorite thing" as a kid. Her outfit to the event marked a return to her sartorial roots.
Lourdes Leon
Madonna's daughter, Lourdes Leon, appeared at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in a Jeremy Scott ensemble. A matching skirt accompanied the sparkly fuchsia bra top with full sequin embellishments.
She made a statement with her unshaven armpits, posing boldly while showing them off.
Jennifer Lopez
JLo graced the Met Gala carpet in faux fur by Ralph Lauren. We know she defies the law of aging, but this plunging dress with a high slit accompanied by a cowgirl hat and choker reinvented that belief.
The Western-inspired look did justice to the American Independence-themed event.
Kim Kardashian
The Kim Kardashian went avant-garde, gracing the red carpet in Balenciaga. The outfit was dark, mysterious, obscure, and dramatic. It included black tights, a sheer mesh cape and tube dress, a breathable facemask, and satin gloves.
That facemask is no balaclava! Glad she could breathe. We see what Kanye West is doing!
Her outfit is currently making rounds as a costume for Halloween. Talk about a trendsetter!
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner attended the Met Gala in a bejeweled Audrey Hepburn-inspired Givenchy gown. She effortlessly pulled off this sheer look stunningly.
Although similar to Zoe Kravitz's outfit, a naked dress, it appeared less over-exposed even though it wasn't so much so. While paying homage to Audrey Hepburn, the dress reminded us of the iconic movie "My Fair Lady."
Megan Fox
Megan Fox delivered a sexy solo appearance at the Met Gala last month in a hot red outfit by Dundas. Jimmy Choo platform heels and jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz completed the look.
When asked how her outfit embodies the theme of the event, she said: "Because it's on an American girl, that makes it American fashion."
Rihanna And ASAP Rocky
Rihanna's boyfriend, ASAP Rocky, was dressed in ERL while Rihanna looked stunning in all-black Balenciaga Haute Couture. She complimented the outfit with a 267-carat Bulgari necklace, earrings, and bracelet along with Thelma West Diamonds rings and a Tyler Ellis bag.
She was the last celebrity to arrive at the event, and her outfit was well worth the wait.
ASAP Rocky's outfit might have looked a little tacky at first, but it captured the spirit of American fashion. It held a world of memories since the craft of making quilts is an integral part of the American experience. He later revealed the tuxedo underneath.
Justin And Hailey Bieber
As opposed to bright-colored streetwear this couple is known for, they opted for simple, all-black outfits for the Met Gala this year. This is the first time they appeared as a couple at the event, and they made it memorable. Hailey was in a Saint Laurent floor-length gown with a plunging neckline while Justin Bieber was in La Maison Drew.
JB completed his outfit with sneakers and a bag with a top handle bearing Drew smiley face. This gave his outfit a dressy-casual finish.
Gigi Hadid
The new mom hit the red carpet in a black and white Prada gown, fiery red hair, and Opera gloves. She looks like a Barbie doll with this Ariel-like hair from The Little Mermaid.
Irina Shayk
Effortlessly pulling off another naked dress on the Met Gala red carpet is Irina Shayk. The Russian model showed up in Moschino. The beige gown had flower cuts on its train, bust, and hip region and featured a high slit.
Well, the Met Gala has a long legacy of naked dresses, and it lives on.
Lili Reinhart
If 'walking garden' was a person, it would be Lili Reinhart at the 2021 Met Gala. She arrived in a floral dress designed by Christian Siriano.
She truly celebrated American fashion in her pink corset dress with flower appliques representing the state flowers from all 50 states. Now, that is how to make 50 states proud!
Emily Ratajkowski
Red dresses always turn heads, and Emily Ratajkowski in Vera Wang did just that. Her dress was from a red bridal collection Vera Wang created in the 2000s. What better way to show how American fashion has evolved.
Saweetie
She wore a dress with 10 million crystals placed by hand! The rapper shined in this dress by Christian Cowan. Her hair was Swarovski crystallized, while her dress gave tributes to her Filipino and Black American heritage.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka's outfit was a powerful tribute to her heritage. She doesn't just serve on the tennis court. She served on the Met Gala red carpet. Dressed in Louis Vuitton, she fully represented her Haitian and Japanese heritage.
The corset dress was made from colorful jacquard, accompanied by a silk cape with 22 ruffles. The dress was impressive, and so was the message of multicultural spirit it passed.
Also, her avant-garde hairstyle totally defied gravity. It is arguably the most elaborate hairstyle at the 2021 Met Gala.
Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor stunned us with a silver Prabal Gurung dress, aiming to look like a "museum statue on a pedestal," Teyana Taylor stunned us with a silver Prabal Gurung dress. She said her outfit is a reminder of the "classic standard of beauty of Venus de Milo."
Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt looked adorable in her statue of liberty outfit. There was a modern twist to it with the glass raindrop shape beaded dress and Miu Miu headpiece. The headpiece and hairstyle were inspired by Hedy Lamarr, an iconic actress who graced the silver screens in the 1940s in a similar headpiece.
Yara Shahidi
In honor of Josephine Baker, Yara Shahidi dressed in a stunning Dior outfit. She said: "My goal was to pay homage to [a] powerhouse renegade black American artist."
Her dress was a stunning embroidered gown with a tulle cloak similar to Baker's costumes. Paired with "a gold tulle veil, gloves, and a Cartier Sixième Sens High Jewelry Transitional necklace with yellow diamonds and onyx," the entire look was a showstopper.
Her retro-style hairstyle completed the outfit. Absolutely sensational!
Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravitz bared it all! In the daring, naked dress she wore to the Met Gala event, she left little to the imagination. It was one of the most-talked-about outfits at the event.
The sparkly Saint Laurent slip dress was paired with matching silver thongs that left her backside bare. Although she was heavily criticized for it, she proudly owns her body and flaunts it.
Hailee Steinfeld
Dressed in Iris van Herpen, Hailee Steinfeld looked like a fairy in her winged dress. It was revolutionary!
Steph And Ayesha Curry
This power couple did not come to play at their Met Gala debut either. Their shimmering outfits very well represented the American style.
Both of them were styled by Jason Bolden. Ayesha Curry, in an Atelier Versace dress with diamond embellishments, shined brightly on the red carpet. The NBA star, Steph, adorned a dark blazer with embellished intricate designs on its shoulder to sleeve and back that matched his wife's outfit.
Honorary Chairs of the evening included Adam Mosseri from Instagram, Anna Wintour from Vogue, and designer Tom Ford. They were co-chaired by poet Amanda Gorman, Naomi Osaka, Timothée Chalamet, and Billie Eilish.
Here are a few more looks:
Kaia Gerber
Lewis Hamilton
Winnie Harlow
Shawn And Camilla
