After weeks of guest list predictions on social media, the highly anticipated 2023 Met Gala red carpet finally took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Unlike in previous years, the main attraction of the prestigious event was not a brand, a fashion era, or a concept, but rather, a person: Karl Lagerfeld. Under the theme “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty“, this year’s annual fashion extravaganza celebrated the late fashion maestro’s legacy who helmed Chanel, Fendi, and Chloé among other high-end fashion houses.
Moreover, Lagerfeld was also known for his signature fashion style: skinny pants with frock coats, black glasses, embroidered mittens, ponytail, and his inseparable Choupette, “the Garbo of cats” in his words; the kitten to whom he bequeathed part of his fortune. The proceeds of the fashion affair will be donated to The Met’s Costume Institute which Lagerfeld held dear.
Just as important as the exhibition, of course, is the star-studded red-carpet spectacle that took place as guests made their way up the famous Met steps. After all, the Met Gala – often dubbed the “Super Bowl of fashion”, has created some of the most memorable (and viral) celebrity red-carpet looks in history. This year, the fashion affair’s A-list attendees were asked to dress “in honour of Karl”, which alluded to a showcase of custom ensembles that pay homage to Lagerfeld’s design signatures, including his Chanel tweeds and his own black-and-white uniform.
The 2023 Met Gala was co-hosted by Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel, Roger Federer, Dua Lipa, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
To celebrate the sensational fashion spectacle, we have put together a list of some of our favourite looks from some of your favourite celebrities and fashion industry tastemakers.
All Eyes on Tems
BET award-winning Nigerian songstress Tems made her sensational debut at the 2023 Met Gala in a breathtaking signature gown by English fashion designer, Robert Wun. The hot couture-esque featured a black corset-inspired top, a flowing regal white finishing bottom, as well as black elbow-length sleeve gloves. Resembling a Nubian goddess, Tems styled her hair in faux locs.
Ropes of Pearls
SKIMS founder and Met Gala fashion icon, Kim Kardashian adorned a white midi dress by Schiaparelli made entirely of strands of pearls – reminiscent of the look she rocked on Playboy magazine’s cover in 2007. The maximalist gown also featured a silky corset bodice and bra in a golden hue. Kim finished the bold ensemble with a massive diamond-and-pearl choker, diamond stud earrings, white scandals encrusted with pearls, and a matching pearl anklet.
“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” – Coco Chanel
Yung Miami Stunned in Luca Lin
Serving body and bougie couture, rapper Yung Miami adorned a sheer gown with a lengthy train and pearl detailing on the torso. Designed by Luca Lin of ACT N 1, the dress comprised an open tulle bust and the City Girls’ group member wore her hair in a slick bun to offset the look, coupled with drop earrings for a glamorous effect. Showcasing her timeless style, Yung Miami finished her look with a large diamond ring and platform sandals.
Sean John Tailored
Strolling into the highly anticipated fashion extravaganza alongside Yung Miami was legendary rapper, P Diddy – who rocked his own clothing brand ensemble Sean John. The decorative tuxedo featured an embellished waist-length jacket that the mogul wore over a black collar shirt, and straight-leg pants, paired with a flashy robe accented by black roses. A nod to fashion Karl Lagerfeld, Diddy topped his outfit off with black sunglasses and gloves.
Doja Cat Looked Purr-fect
‘Kiss Me More’ hitmaker, Doja Cat adorned a hooded gown by Oscar de la Renta, with cat ears on the hood, silver sequins, a backless feature, and a mermaid silhouette that extended into a white feathered train. Additionally, Doja accessorised her ‘fit with a diamond headpiece underneath the hood and a delicate diamond chain arm cuff. Her glam was equally cat-ified; with the Grammy winner appropriately wearing dramatic black cat eyeliner and buffed up her nose to resemble a feline’s.
Fashion Killa Riri in Valentino
Lastly, but certainly not the least, is fashion icon Rihanna who was fashionably late in an all-white ensemble covering most of her body and head, designed by Valentino. The bottom half of the dress billowed out in a gorgeous A-line, while the top consisted entirely of large white floral designs beginning around her hips and going all the way over her head. Rihanna accessorised her outfit with a pair of white cat-eye sunglasses, complemented by dramatic false eyelashes. Additionally, Riri wore fingerless gloves and a bold red lip.
Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky wore a white shirt under a classic all-black outfit consisting of a black blazer, lie, sunglasses and shoes. Furthermore, Rocky made a show-stopping fashion statement in a red high-low kilt over bedazzled wide-leg jeans.
