Most Memorable Looks From 2021’s Star-Spangled MET Gala
The world’s glitziest fashion event saw big names strut their stuff on the red carpet for the first time in two years.
New York City was the backdrop for Monday night’s MET Gala. Co-chaired by Billie Ellish, Naomi Osaka, Amanda Gorman and Timothée Chalamet, this year’s theme, ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’, intended to spotlight fashion made in the United States.
After last year’s cancellation, expectations for 2021 were through the roof. Though restrictions made for a smaller guest list, the A-list event didn’t run short on weird, wild, and wonderful fashion moments.
Gymnast Nia Dennis, whose Beyoncé inspired floor routine went viral earlier this year, got the party started. Accompanied by a marching band, the 22-year old athlete kicked, flipped and spun to the tune of ‘Uptown Funk’.
Kim Kardashian and her soon to be ex husband Kanye West (assuming it’s really them) had onlookers puzzled this year. Draped head-to-toe in Balenciaga bedsheets, the power couple’s mere silhouette managed to stir up all sorts of debacle online.
Canadian singer/songwriter Grimes came dressed to kill. Wielding a sword, the self-proclaimed AI communist and wife of tech-giant Elon Musk looked otherworldly in her science-fiction inspired look. She professed to onlookers: “I love America! I know you’re not supposed to say that.”
Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) gave fellow attendees something to think about with her look. Taking a more political approach to the theme, the left-wing politician made her stance clear, in bright red letters painted across her dress which read “Tax the Rich”.
90s supermodel Iman showed us all she’s still got it. Stampeding her way through the venue in a masterfully crafted Dolce & Gabanna ballgown, topped off with a larger-than-life Harris Reed headpiece, the ex-model looked ethereal. Speaking to paparazzi, she said: “It’s not heavy at all!”
Pop music’s most talked-about couple, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, proved we can’t all be winners this year. Loosely inspired by glam rockers of the 1970s, the pair looked as if they’d wandered into the wrong fancy dress party.
Monday night’s most over-the-top moment came courtesy of ‘Old Town Road’ singer, Lil Nas X. The pop star made a dramatic entrance adorned in a huge regal cape, which was quickly disposed of to reveal a golden suit of knight’s armour. Just when onlookers thought it was over, the singer boogied on down into a slim-fitting black and gold jumpsuit.
Although the gala’s over for another year, don’t take those diamond-encrusted shoulder pads off just yet. ‘In America: An Anthology of Fashion’, a follow-up to this year’s theme, will take place next May in the event’s typical springtime slot.