One of the most extravagant nights of the year, the 2023 Met Gala, concluded on the first Monday of May. It was the annual celebration of the Costume Institute’s upcoming exhibition, and this year, it was acknowledging the powerful legacy of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld. Titled Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, the attendees were encouraged to honor the legend in their own creative way.
Inspired by the iconic works of the German artist, the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art witnessed references to some of his popular works, including Camellia, monochromatic outfits, shiny embellishments, and generous amounts of pearls. While some celebrities like Nicole Kidman picked something from the archive of Chanel with a personal story, others like Anne Hathway chose to pay homage by blending the aesthetics of another brand with the signature style of the icon. The tribute went beyond his contributions to the arts, with celebrities such as Doja Cat, Lil Nas, Janelle Monáe, and Jared Leto showing up with references to Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette.
From the myriad of dazzling gowns and sharp suits, we have picked some of our favorite looks from the 2023 Met Gala.
1. A$AP Rocky in Gucci and Rihanna in Valentino
The power couple was one of the last guests to arrive, but the wait was worth it! Acing the maternity fashion game, Rihanna opted for a white Valentino gown with a long dramatic train and an ivory top decorated with rosettes that entirely covered her head along with her torso. A$AP Rocky chose a Gucci outfit that included a black blazer, multiple belts, and a white shirt. He layered the high-low plaid pleated kilt with baggy jeans.
2. Michaela Coel in Schiaparelli
It was hard to overlook Michela Coel’s outfit in the star-studded affair. She slipped into a brown sheer Schiaparelli gown dipping in crystals and sparkle. Styling her hair in cornrow braids, she completed her look with oversized gold drop earrings.
3. Dua Lipa in Chanel
Besides being the co-chair of the event, Dua Lipa was also undoubtedly one of the best-dressed celebrities of Met Gala 2023. She chose to honor Karl Lagerfeld in a vintage Chanel white gown from the brand’s FW ’92 collection and accessorized the dress with a diamond necklace from Tiffany and Co.
4. Bad Bunny in Jacquemus
When it comes to taking fashion risks, nobody does it better than Bad Bunny. Arriving on the red carpet in a backless white suit by Jacquemus and a train embroidered with flowers, he dressed to the theme and looked incredible.
5. Penelope Cruz in Chanel
Penelope Cruz was a sight to behold! She looked graceful in a mint green gown from Chanel’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1988 collection. Beautified with pearl buttons on the bustier top and sequin embellishments, the dress featured a sheer hood that offered bridal vibes.
6. Harvey Guillén in Christian Siriano
We were not still over his Oscars 2023 outfit and we served with another magnificent look. Adding to his list of memorable appearances, Harvey Guillén stepped out in a Christiano Siriano pink suit. The ensemble was stitched from tweed, and the blooming flowers took center stage in the creation. Paired with black shoes and pearl necklaces, the silky train added extra flair.
7. Nicole Kidman in Chanel
Nicole Kidman perfectly interpreted and executed the assignment! To pay homage to Karl Lagerfeld, she opted for the same blush pink gown that she wore in the 2004 Chanel No.5 advertisement. The silk tulle dress was covered in 250 pink ostrich feathers and 3,000 silver embellishments.
8. Olivia Wilde in Chloé
Based on a 1983 design by Karl, Olivia Wilde looked ethereal in a Chloé white gown. It is characterized by chic side cut-out detailing and an embroidered gold violin on the front. But Wilde wasn’t the only one honoring the designer in this vintage dress. Margaret Zhang was also spotted wearing a black version of the same gown.
9. Lily Collins in Vera Wang
Lily Collins went black and white as a nod to the theme. She arrived in a Vera Wang outfit that featured a bustier top with puffed-up sleeves and a black skirt that had ‘Karl’ written on the back.
10. Anne Hathway in Versace
Anne Hathway never fails to make heads turn, and she did it this time around too. A fusion of the signature styles of both Chanel and Versace, the actress wore a white tweed gown with pin motifs and cut-out detailing. From the high slit on the side to the Camellia motif on the bust, this dress emerged as a clear winner.
11. Anok Yai in Prabal Gurung
Anok Yai brought glitz and glamor to the red carpet. She looked breathtaking in a Prabal Gurung metallic outfit that flared elegantly at her hips and was drenched in glitter. A brown mesh eye mask, sheer opera gloves, and Jimmy Choo shoes added an extra edge to her appearance.
12. Priyanka Chopra in Valentino
A timeless beauty in a Valentino strapless gown, Priyanka Chopra kept it simple and sophisticated for this year’s Met Gala. The outfit flaunted a daring thigh-high slit, a voluminous cape attached to her white gloves, and a big bow at the waist. Her Bvglari necklace with the Laguna Blu diamond made her look even more memorable.
13. Jeremy Pope in Balmain
Jeremy Pope totally owned this year’s red carpet in his Balmain ensemble. As he walked on the New York City gala’s famed steps, he unveiled his 30-foot-long cape bearing a hand-drawn illustration of Karl Lagerfeld.
14. Naomi Campbell in Chanel
Naomi Campbell knows how to make an entry! She donned a molten pink gown from Chanel’s spring/summer 2010 couture collection and a simmering sequin bodice. Accentuating her figure perfectly, the outfit was draped on one shoulder and had spiraled metallic detailing.
15. Cardi B in Chenpeng Studio
Arriving in a ballgown by Chenpeng Studio, Cardi B delivered fashion with grace. The ensemble was characterized by a full black skirt decorated with Chanel-inspired huge Camellia motifs, a white collar shirt, and a tie.
Besides these celebrities, there were many other notable appearances at Met Gala 2023 as well. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt made her Met Gala debut looking like a dream in a white princess gown by Prabal Gurung, Phoebe Bridgers was a showstopper in a black gown by Tory Burch, and Pedro Pascal looked every bit classy in his custom Valentino look.
