Is it Gilded? Is it Glamour?

Every year, on the first Monday in May, the fashion industry gets put out on display for the world to see. The Met Gala is arguably the biggest, and most important event of the year, often paving the way for the next year in red carpet fashion and runway trends. But what is the Met Gala? Formally known as the Costume Institute Gala, the Met is both a fundraiser and a gallery opening. Put on by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, the Gala works to raise money for the maintaining and operating of the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as funding the operations of Vogue magazine, and the next year’s gala. Safe to say it’s a rich people's fancy party with some art and music that I impatiently wait for all year. Each year the Gala has a strict theme and dress code. This then determines the designers who will be sold tables, and then the celebrities that those designers choose to invite. Although there can be a few exceptions to this rule, they are few.

This year was part two of the Met Gala theme, “In America”. Last year, the dress code was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”. The general idea being that attendees would dress in a way that either represented the idea of American fashion or the culture. Unfortunately, this went down in history as one of the worst Met Galas with almost no one following the vague theme. This was disappointing for me seeing as I felt there are so many ways to portray this, and so many celebrities and designers fell short of the task.

One of the dresses displayed in the "In America: Lexicon of Fashion" exhibit. Photo is my own. 

Now we get to the event that was this year’s Met Gala. The dress code being “In America: An Anthology of Gilded Glamour”, this theme is something so straight forward yet, one not many know the true meaning of. The Gilded age of America was one of industrialization, glitz, sex, money, and fashion. This age also took place during the late 1800s to the beginning of the 1900s. During this time men wore long tailored suits and large hats, while women wore draped layers, tight corsets, and loose up-did hair. It was a time of what the New York Times called “opulence, excess, and fame”. Now, this gala was definitely all those things, but some just did it better than others. In this post, I will be highlighting those that did it well. The ones that did it bad, I don’t want to talk about. They let me down.

Ladies first…

First we have the lady in black, Bella Hadid. The model has been in the public eye for many years, but in the last few has become a style icon, recognized activist and humanitarian, and over all IT-girl. Her arrival was one I was anxious to see because of her influence on the industry, not only in the public eye, but also on her social media accounts. As she stepped onto the carpet in her torn-up looking, lady of the night attire, made by Burberry, all of my hopes and dreams for her look this year, came true. Not only did she nail the theme, but she also brought a modern and sensual twist. Her after-party look was just as magnificent, do yourself a favor and start following her. (photo is sourced from elle.com)

Next, we have the young and restless Billie Eilish. Known for her dark, oversized, and often more conservative attire, her showstopping boudoir-esc dress was not only on theme, but also a perfect blend of her own style and the glamour of the event. She wore all Gucci, made entirely from recycled/repurposed materials from her dress to her jewelry, and down to her shoes. She too played into the idea of dressing more like a lady of the night and the mystery that often hid within the women of the represented time. I personally like this look MUCH more than the look she wore last year as a co-chair. (photo is sourced from elle.com)

Third on the list we have none other than Rosalia. The Latin pop star has become quite the name in fashion, and this may be attributed to the eclectic way in which she approaches fashion, and the way she mixes formal and non-formal wear. Showing up to the gala in bespoke Givenchy, her dress represented both the “bones” of the dresses worn during the Gilded era, along with her own love of excess and bold modern fashion. I look forward to what else she has in store when it comes to red carpet fashion. (photo is sourced from rollingstone.com)

Next, we have the queen of the Met Gala, Blake Lively. Dressed in atelier Versace, she paid homage to the city we all know and love, New York. She stepped onto the carpet in an ornate copper gown with draping and layering that could have only been constructed by the Gods. On the second set of stairs heading up to the museum, her copper draped skirt fell down into a train the color of the Statue of Liberty. Aka, the look of patinated copper. Her look was one that I can hardly begin to describe due to the amount of time and detail that went into it. But I can say that her train was literally a replica of the ceiling of Grand Central Station. If you have never seen it, look it up. Blake embodied this theme and the Gilded Age of New York with a love and a respect for the city and its history. (photo is sourced from eonline.com)

Last, but certainly not least, we have Emma Corrin. She, and stylist Harry Lambert, decided to model their custom Miu Miu look after the Gilded Age icon “The King of Dudes”. Formally named Evander Berry Wall, “The King of Dudes” was a socialite and businessman from New York in the 1880s. He was most commonly known for his ornate and frequently changed outfits, rumored to have changed up to 40 times in a single day. When Emma stepped out in this on theme Met Gala outfit, she was able to bring a sense of androgyny and historical accuracy to the night. I applaud Corrin and Lambert for putting together an outfit that represented both their own adventurous styles and Emma’s own desire to stand out and be unpredictable. I highly recommend looking them both up and seeing what else they have created together in fashion. (photo is sourced from variety.com)

Although there were many other lovely looks worn by the women at the Met Gala (we will get to those later) they were thoroughly out shown by the men in attendance. Let’s look at some of those now…

First in the lineup we have the distinguished David Harbour. He stepped out onto the carpet with his lovely wife Lily Allen, in a custom, and rather on theme, Chanel suit. Though I may not know much about the Stranger Things actor, I do know that he has not been afraid to step out in some quite bold fashion. Not only do I love this look from Chanel (I rarely like Chanel), but I also love how confidently and comfortable he wore something so accurate to the theme and the overall mood of the event. (photo is sourced from pitchfork.com)

Second, we have the new face of Elvis, and sex-symbol Austin Butler. Wearing custom Prada, Austin’s look brings out a side of the Gilded age that brings to mind an 1800s bad boy with old money, and new ideas. This look also brings a modernized look into the history of the galas theme, but it also allows him to add his own style and flare into the night. I also love how his outfit pays homage to the late and great Elvis Presley by eluding to a ‘50s rockstar with nothing to lose. I love this look and I cannot wait to see what else him and his team have in store for his upcoming press tour. (photo is sourced from people.com)

Next, we have Shawn Mendes in custom Tommy Hilfiger. Made out of completely sustainable and recycled materials, Shawn’s look does nothing but give off the vibes of a Gilded Age, American Prince. I also love the way he wears this look with ease and with confidence. Personally, this look is much more on theme and enjoyable than that of what he wore at last year’s Met Gala. (photo is sourced from justjared.com)

Evan Mock wearing bespoke Head of State is one of the best menswear looks of the night. Not only is it a look that is timeless, but it is also on theme and brings a youthful and rebellious look at the Gilded Age. Evan is often highly regarded for his risky fashion choices in menswear, but I think that this look could not have looked better on anyone else or been better suited for any other occasion. I also admire the other historical references made in the look such as the Elizabethan style ruff, the corset often associated with womenswear at the time, and the ‘70s style flared high-waisted pants. (photo is sourced from seventeen.com)

Last but not least, we have Thomas Doherty a custom Dior suit. Along with Chanel, I don’t often love what they do. However, Thomas in this suit is GIVING Gilded realness. I also love the way that they used color in order to make the suit a tad more extra, to better fit into the atmosphere of the event. It also brings a more unique look to the theme and to what a man would generally wear to an event like this, black or white for example. I also think that this look suits Thomas in a way that it could not be worn by someone else. The sharp lines on his face and body coincide so well with the harsh structure of the suit. Two claps for Dior. (photo is sourced from popsugar.com)

Now that I have acknowledged my favorite looks from both the lads and the ladies… I think it is time I tell you some of my honorable mentions. The looks I felt fit well with the theme, but not as well as the ones I have mentioned above. I also find that these looks are more of my personal favorites style wise. So, without further ado…

From left to right:

Camila Mendes wearing custom AMI. LOVE this look inspired by Alice Vanderbilt’s “Electric Light” dress. (photo is sourced from insider.com)

Maye and Elon Musk are wearing custom Dior. Personally, I think that Maye looked better than Elon, but I do love Elon’s look. And both are very much on theme. (photo is sourced from justjared.com)

Madelaine Petsch in a gorgeous custom Moschino gown. Now this was my second favorite look of the night, but I felt it wasn’t as on theme as the ones I mentioned earlier. Also, she’s from Seattle so I may be partial. (photo is sourced from seventeen.com)

Maude Apatow stunned in this bespoke Miu Miu dress. I love this look but felt like it would have been better in a different color, perhaps a dark brown or champagne. (photo is sourced from redcarpet-fashionawards.com)

Claire Danes stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet for the first time in a long time in a GORGEOUS and custom Lanvin gown. Although I love this look on her oh so much, and I love the Gilded nightgown look, I would have liked to see something a little bit… more. (photo is sourced from telegraph.co.uk)

Now, Adwoa Aboah is a goddess, and I love this look on her. But I am not sure how I feel about the colors. I love the polka dots; I even love the cape. The colors are the only EH thing. But seeing something like this from Tory Burch truly was the best surprise, cannot wait to see what else they both do. (photo is sourced from dailymaverick.co.za)

Jessica Chastain is last on this list. Her custom Gucci look gave me all the Gilded evil stepmother realness I didn’t know that I needed until she stepped out. Love. (photo is sourced from seventeen.com)

I hope you all enjoyed my review of some of the many looks seen at this year’s Met Gala. I look forward to this event every year and it is my ultimate dream to be able to one day attend. I also want to say that it is okay to disagree with my opinions because, well they’re MY opinions. I encourage you to dive deeper into the event, the celebrities you like, and the designers they chose to wear. Fashion is beautiful, and the ability to learn more about it is just at your fingertips. Until next time…

-Miss O