As always, the fabulous ceremony of inaugural for the Costume Institute leaves the world speechless with a series of killer looks. From the fabulous dresses to outstanding hairstyles and makeup, the Met Gala always makes sure to serve enough looks for people to talk about them until the next edition (or longer: see Met Gala 2018!).
Let’s not waste any more time and let’s have a look at the iconic appearances made by worldwide celebrities at this year’s edition In America: An Anthology Of Fashion, with the ominous dress code: “Gilded Glamour & White Tie”. As there was a huge debate on what could be defined as “Gilded Glamour” or not, this year the Met Gala left a lot of room for interpretation and some of the stars went a little bit extra.
Giant jewels, crowns, long trains, and vintage archival dresses; these are only a few of the things of outrageous beauty that made an appearance at the event.
Kim Kardashian
Many refused to bet a dime on Kim and Pete, whilst some others are still oddly attached to the Kimye couple, which saw Kim K tied to Kanye West. Against all odds, Kim and Pete seem happy together, so happy that in fact, they showed up at the event together – regardless of what people may or may not think. And perhaps this is the same strong spirit that led her to dye her hair platinum blonde once again, and to choose an original 1962 evening gown – the same one custom-made for the old Hollywood diva and icon Marylin Monroe. The Kardashian businesswoman paid a tribute to Marylin and winked at the dress code, walking side by side with Pete Davidson wrapped in a classic black suit – right before exchanging a sweet kiss to celebrate their first red carpet together. Stunning!
Donatella Versace
This year’s Met Gala not only marks the return of the most glamorous event in the celebrity world, but also fell in concomitance with the worldwide renowned designer Donatella Versace’s 67th birthday. The acclaimed artist designed a heavy gown covered in gold chains – and relative accessories, a project that took over 20 members of the team and over 1300 hours to complete. The Atelier Versace creation was worn by rapper Cardi B for the occasion, with the idea of bringing her own concept of “woman” to the red carpet this year. Donatella personally thanked her on an Instagram post, later on, writing: “Cardi you are an absolute vision. It was the most amazing birthday present to walk the Met red carpet with you.”
Nicola Peltz
Fresh from her marriage to Brooklyn Beckham, Nicola Peltz showed up at this year’s Met Gala wrapped in an audacious Valentino gown, in the same manifesto pink shade by Pierpaolo Piccioli – an iconic colour that seems to be only gaining popularity among the stars this year.
Her husband Brooklyn chose Valentino too for the occasion, showing up in a white Valentino Haute Couture suit. A safely-played look for both of them, but classy and trendy nonetheless. For the occasion, Nicola styled her hair in a bold, slightly shorter than usual pair of curtain bangs.
Blake Lively
Blake is literally the (fairy) Godmother of the Met Gala, and she knew she couldn’t let anyone down at this year’s event (as if that was even remotely possible). For the occasion, she put herself in the trusty hands of Atelier Versace, her go-to fashion design option for many other events too. The dress, who she dramatically revealed on the red carpet, is inspired by New York City: starting with an extravaganza of shine and a rose-gold bow, the initial look was a tribute to Manhattan and the Empire State Building. Then, the bow was untied to reveal a cascading light-blue 6ft long train, inspired by the constellation decor of the Grand Central station. Last but not least, the 7 tiers on her tiara represented the Statue Of Liberty, whose crown has seven rays. Impressive as usual, with her hair styled in soft waves.
Quannah Chasinghorse
Native American model and land protector Quannah was the epitome of American beauty in a stunning light blue Prabal Gurung gown and traditional accessories.
Her gorgeous hair was styled in long, partially braided locks: this look was designed by Amika's global artistic director Naeemah LaFond, who stated: “Quannah wanted her hair to be modern and true to her personal style, as well as her culture, so her look features a sleek style with some intricate braiding. I chose a figure-eight braid because I knew it would make a statement, yet still allow the dress and the jewellery to be centre stage." The whole process involved clip-in hair extensions for volume, lots of hairspray, shine spray to finish the look at last but not least – real feathers.
Dakota Jones
Lots of volume and blunt bangs in Dakota’s hair, resting on her shoulder as she showed off a gorgeous, sheer Gucci jumpsuit. The actress doesn’t follow temporary trends and rides her own wave; her choice to trust Alessandro Michele’s works for her outfit and Mark Townsend for her hairstyle are solid proof of Dakota’s strong-willed personality and her liking for always pushing against the current.
Her deep, textured, rich brunette shade was styled in slightly flipped ends topped off by a messy, blunt fringe for a rock’n’roll effect.
Kendall Jenner
Goodbye red hair (and eyebrows?)! Kendall switched looks for this year’s Met Gala, showing off a long, tousled mane in chestnut brown and a gorgeous, fairy-tale-like black Prada gown.
Whilst I hope that bleached eyebrows are not going to be a thing – too high maintenance – I absolutely loved Kendall’s ensemble. From the ultra-feminist free nipple look to her new flowing hair parted in the middle, Kendall didn’t miss out on the opportunity to brand either – using her sister Kylie’s make-up products for her face.
Hailey Bieber
Mrs Bieber went all-in with a minimalistic look, which worked wonders. For an occasion that celebrates extravaganza and abundance, this may look like a dangerous choice to some – but not to a queen of style like Hailey Bieber, who, let’s be honest, doesn’t even have to try to nail any aesthetic she wants to go for.
Her Saint Laurent feathered dress, which gives both Swan Princess and old Hollywood diva vibes, was only the beginning of this simple yet glamorous look – topped off by her brunette locks styled in a sleek midi-bun. Sheer black tights and black ankle sandals complete the outfit, for a romantic femme-fatale finish.
Bella Hadid
Whether it’s intentional or not, Bella Hadid is always a scene-stealer (in the best possible way) with her looks and down to Earth manners (we stan a humble Queen)!
For the occasion, she wore a black Burberry corset dress with a high leg slit for the night's Gilded Glamour theme and posed solo on the carpet. Her go-to hairstyle? An intricate half-up, half-down look with short curtain bangs and styled tendrils: an unusual take on the glitz and glam of the Met Gala, turning model Bella Hadid’s looks into a statement of introspection, awareness, and rebellion against the standards so often imposed by the same industry that misunderstood her.
Olivia Rodrigo
This was definitely Versace’s night, as Olivia chose the brand too for a special night. The gown, a lilac metallic mesh piece of supreme, youthful beauty, was the masterpiece catalyst of attention on the singer’s look. Her gorgeous locks were parted in the middle and gently curled for a natural effect; her hairstylist then decorated her waves with silk organza designer butterflies.
Olivia’s final look is the lovechild between a teenage edgy rockstar of the modern days and a silent film diva. And on that note, both of these inspirations are actually helping Olivia Rodrigo in joining a cause that many millennials like me may have been terrified of (or hoped for): the return of the thin Y2K brows. Cancel that appointment for your microblading appointment ladies, this Gen Z star is making the rules now.
