The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, last night, on Monday, May 1, 2023, played host to the 2023 Met Gala. The 2023 edition of the event honoured the incredible fashion legacy of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, and it seemed perfect to have a dress theme “in honour of Karl”. Judging from past looks at the previous editions of the MET, it is quite surprising to see most guests dress according to the theme of the night. The best dressed on the list found creative ways to honour Karl Lagerfeld by replicating some of his signature looks and design -whether through the use of pearls, tweeds, and bows for the ladies, or the sleek ties, crisp shirts, and blazers for men.
Actor-director Olivia Wilde for instance wore a 1983 Lagerfeld design theme dress made by Chloé’s current designer Gabriela Hearst (which also features in the exhibit, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”.) The best dressed men of the night were also not left out as they showed up in style statements also inspired by Karl’s designs. Model- actor Alton Mason showed up in Karl Lagerfeld as one of his iconic Chanel brides; Jeremy Pope took it a notch higher with an extra-long Balmain cape and train extended down the red carpet to show a larger-than-life-image of Largerfeld on it.
Check out our list of ten celebrity creative looks (according to theme) from the Met Gala and tell us which were your favorites.
Jeremy Pope in Balmain
The theme was Karl Lagerfeld and Jeremy understood the assignment, he brought the drama. Jeremy showed up in a cape made with over 5,000 meters of silk chiffon with the aid of 70 seamstresses, featuring a hand-drawn illustration of the late German designer. He finished the look with simple black flared trousers also from Balmain
Dua Lipa in Chanel
Stepping into her co-host duties on Monday, Dua Lipa opted for an archival Chanel design. Turning in style for her second appearance at the Met Gala, she opted for a white and black tweed Chanel ballgown, the same design worn by Claudia Schiffer for the house’s fall 1992 couture collection.
Cardi B in Chenpeng
Think of a combination of beautiful and edgy, then you have Cardi B in this dress. The rapper pulled two jaw-dropping looks to the event, but this structured ball gown is so on point. The white shirt collar and tie, fitted black sweetheart bodice with silver studs, full black skirt and a Chanel’s Boy Bag finished the look.
Olivia Wilde in Chloe
In honour of Karl Lagerfeld, Actor-director, Olivia Wilde wore an outfit designed by Gabriela Hearst; Chloe’s current designer and is based on a 1983 design of Lagerfeld. The dress from Chloé’s spring 1983 collection features a sculptural, capped-sleeved black silhouette—had the shape of a violin rendered in gold bugle and beads on the front of the dress.
Naomi Campbell in Vintage Chanel
The supermodel stepped out in one of Karl Lagerfeld’s creations. Rocking a vintage Chanel pink satin gown, Naomi completed the look with bejewelled details from Chanel’s spring/summer 2010 chic and elegant couture collection.
Rihanna
If there was an award for the Met Royal Couple, it would easily be the duo of Rihanna and Rocky. Always one of the best dressed Met Gala guests, Rihanna chose a dramatic white ball gown from Valentino. The floral headpiece, an inspiration from Chanel’s iconic flower, the Camellia finished the stunning look.
Lily Collins in Vera Wang
The night saw various designers replicate Karl’s previous stunning looks and Vera Wang was one of the excellent replicas. Actress Lily Collins wore a similar outfit from Karl; a white bodice and flowing black skirt. To add more drama, the word ‘Karl’ was sewn onto the train.
Kim Kardashian
Kim stepped out last night in 50,000 freshwater pearls, courtesy of Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry. Paying homage to the gem that Lagerfeld often used in his work, Kim wore a full pearl ensemble including a molded corset top and draped skirt, both of which were also adorned with 16,000 crystals.
ASAP Rocky in Gucci
Just like his partner, Rihanna, Asap Rocky knows just how to draw attention at the Met Gala. Pairing bedazzled jeans and a tartan kilt with a skinny leather tie, black blazer and an array of Gucci belts, the rapper completed the look with a pair of steel-tipped Cuban boots.
Tems in Robert Wun
Stunning in a custom Robert Wun dress, Temsbabydazzled at the Met Gala. Making her debut, Tems made a fashion statement in a black corset-like top, a flowing regal white finishing to complete the lower part, and elbow-length gloves
Bad Bunny
Stepping out in 8 meters of florals, Bad Bunny
adorned an ivory tweed Jacquemus suit with a backless jacket.
Robert Pattinson in Dior
Taking literal cues from this look, or ideally stealing it from head to toe. Robert Pattinson dresses exactly in a crisp, perfectly tailored suit.
Michaela Coel in Schiaparelli
Talk about the devil is in the details and you have this stunning outfit from Schiaparelli. Co-host Michaelastepped out in a long, nude Schiaparelli gown with 130,000 crystals and 26,000 mixed stones.
Skepta in Burberry
Credits: Getty Images
Wrapped in a cost blanket and donning a black suit emblazoned with blue ducks, Skepta surely took the cake. The rapper looked splendid and modern all at the same time.