The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute is once again preparing to host its annual fundraising gala, the Met Gala. This highly anticipated event brings together some of the biggest names in fashion, entertainment, and society for an evening of glamour, creativity, and philanthropy.
Each year, the Met Gala is centered around a specific theme that reflects the museum's Costume Institute exhibit, which is typically unveiled during the event. This year's theme is "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," which pays tribute to the iconic fashion designer, who passed away in 2019.
Karl Lagerfeld was known for his innovative designs, his impeccable style, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout his career, he collaborated with many of the world's top fashion houses, including Chanel, Fendi, and his own eponymous label. His influence on the fashion industry continues to be felt today, and the Met Gala's theme is a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Let's take a closer look at what we could see from this year's event, the best looks and how Lagerfeld's unique vision was celebrated.
Each year, the Met Gala is centered around a specific theme that reflects the museum's Costume Institute exhibit, which is typically unveiled during the event. This year's theme is "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," which pays tribute to the iconic fashion designer, who passed away in 2019.
Karl Lagerfeld was known for his innovative designs, his impeccable style, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout his career, he collaborated with many of the world's top fashion houses, including Chanel, Fendi, and his own eponymous label. His influence on the fashion industry continues to be felt today, and the Met Gala's theme is a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Let's take a closer look at what we could see from this year's event, the best looks and how Lagerfeld's unique vision was celebrated.
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Celebrating Lagerfeld's Legacy: The Met Gala 2023
Karl Lagerfeld was a legendary fashion designer known for his distinctive personal style and innovative designs. He first rose to prominence in the 1950s and 60s, working for fashion houses such as Balmain and Jean Patou before eventually taking over as artistic director of Chanel in 1983. He also founded his own eponymous label and collaborated with Fendi for many years.
Throughout his career, Lagerfeld was known for his iconic black and white personal style, his attention to detail, and his ability to constantly reinvent himself and the brands he worked for. He was known for his prolific output, designing as many as 14 collections per year for Chanel alone.
The Met Gala 2023 theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," is a tribute to the late designer and his impact on the fashion industry. The theme takes its name from William Hogarth's 1753 book "The Analysis of Beauty," which Lagerfeld was known to have been inspired by. The exhibit will explore Lagerfeld's use of line and form in his designs, as well as his collaborations with artists and his influence on fashion culture as a whole. All in all, the Met Gala 2023 brought out some of the most stunning and eye-catching looks we have seen in recent years, and the celebrities in attendance did not disappoint. Here is a summed up of what was my personal favorite looks !
Jenna Ortega turned heads with her Met Gala outfit, wearing a stunning Thom Browne dress. The off-the-shoulder gown featured a white bodice with intricate beading and feathers, while the skirt was made of layers of red and black tulle. She paired the dress with black platform boots and a statement headpiece, completing the look with bold red lipstick.
Jared Leto and Doja Cat both made a bold statement at the Met Gala by dressing up as Choupette, the cat owned by the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. Leto's costume included white fuzzy paws and a massive cat head with striking blue eyes, but he later removed the head to reveal himself in a blue suit with a white shirt and black tie. Doja Cat channeled her feline side with a silver outfit that had a futuristic, almost robotic feel. The metallic look featured a form-fitting bodysuit with exaggerated shoulders and a long train, with her hair styled in a sleek, high ponytail. She accessorized with silver jewelry and dramatic eye makeup.
Cara Delevingne and Kristen Stewart honored Lagerfeld fashion style. Indeed, Cara Delevingne dressed up as Karl himself, complete with a black and white suit, a white high-collared shirt, and black gloves. She also wore a tie featuring Lagerfeld's likeness, and her hair was styled in his signature ponytail. Kristen Stewart also paid tribute to Lagerfeld with her outfit, donning a classic Chanel black-and-white suit with a modern twist. Her white blazer was cropped and featured a contrasting black collar, while her black pants had a slightly flared silhouette. She completed the look with black and white loafers and her signature short blonde hair.
Throughout his career, Lagerfeld was known for his iconic black and white personal style, his attention to detail, and his ability to constantly reinvent himself and the brands he worked for. He was known for his prolific output, designing as many as 14 collections per year for Chanel alone.
The Met Gala 2023 theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," is a tribute to the late designer and his impact on the fashion industry. The theme takes its name from William Hogarth's 1753 book "The Analysis of Beauty," which Lagerfeld was known to have been inspired by. The exhibit will explore Lagerfeld's use of line and form in his designs, as well as his collaborations with artists and his influence on fashion culture as a whole. All in all, the Met Gala 2023 brought out some of the most stunning and eye-catching looks we have seen in recent years, and the celebrities in attendance did not disappoint. Here is a summed up of what was my personal favorite looks !
Jenna Ortega turned heads with her Met Gala outfit, wearing a stunning Thom Browne dress. The off-the-shoulder gown featured a white bodice with intricate beading and feathers, while the skirt was made of layers of red and black tulle. She paired the dress with black platform boots and a statement headpiece, completing the look with bold red lipstick.
Jared Leto and Doja Cat both made a bold statement at the Met Gala by dressing up as Choupette, the cat owned by the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. Leto's costume included white fuzzy paws and a massive cat head with striking blue eyes, but he later removed the head to reveal himself in a blue suit with a white shirt and black tie. Doja Cat channeled her feline side with a silver outfit that had a futuristic, almost robotic feel. The metallic look featured a form-fitting bodysuit with exaggerated shoulders and a long train, with her hair styled in a sleek, high ponytail. She accessorized with silver jewelry and dramatic eye makeup.
Cara Delevingne and Kristen Stewart honored Lagerfeld fashion style. Indeed, Cara Delevingne dressed up as Karl himself, complete with a black and white suit, a white high-collared shirt, and black gloves. She also wore a tie featuring Lagerfeld's likeness, and her hair was styled in his signature ponytail. Kristen Stewart also paid tribute to Lagerfeld with her outfit, donning a classic Chanel black-and-white suit with a modern twist. Her white blazer was cropped and featured a contrasting black collar, while her black pants had a slightly flared silhouette. She completed the look with black and white loafers and her signature short blonde hair.
Nicole Kidman did wear a vintage Chanel gown from 1998 at the Met Gala 2023. The dress is famously known as the "Chanel No. 5" gown, as it was designed by Karl Lagerfeld to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the iconic fragrance. The dress is a stunning example of Lagerfeld's artistry, featuring a voluminous skirt and intricate beading that shimmers in the light. Kidman's decision to wear this particular dress was a nod to Lagerfeld's legacy and his long-standing collaboration with Chanel.
Pedro Pascal broke the rules with his Valentino ensemble, featuring shorts, lace-up military boots, and a structured overcoat in bright red. He paired the look with a red poplin shirt, black wool shorts, a tie with a gold accent at the tip, and black socks. Pascal also sported a power mustache and a slicked-back hairstyle. It definitely gave him a part-time anime villain, full-time Internet string-puller vibe.
Gigi Hadid stunned in a custom Givenchy black gown, featuring a form-fitting silhouette with cut-out detailing and a high slit. She accessorized with long black gloves and a matching clutch, completing the look with sleek black hair and a bold red lip.
Dua Lipa honored Lagerfeld by wearing a vintage Chanel white ball gown dress, accessorized with a silver pendant Tiffany & Co. necklace. She wore her black hair down with slight waves and completed the look with a bold red lip, looking like a true princess.
Cardi B made a statement with her outfit, donning a custom Thom Browne dress with a red corseted bodice, a black skirt, and an enormous black cape. The cape featured dramatic feathers and beading, and she wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail.
Lily Collins wore a stunning Vera Wang gown with a white bustier top, puffed sleeves, and a black skirt with "Karl" written on the train. She paired the look with a bold red lip and gorgeous Cartier jewelry.
Jeremy Pope's Met Gala look paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld, featuring a cape with the designer's likeness on it. He paired the cape with a black and white suit, a white shirt, and black dress shoes. His hair was styled in a slicked-back look, and he wore a silver chain necklace as a finishing touch.
Kendall Jenner definitely turned heads at the Met Gala 2023 with her daring look. Her black Marc Jacobs bodysuit was covered in shimmering sequins, and the extra-long sleeves with white quilted lining added a unique touch to the outfit. The daring design showcased Jenner's toned physique, and the statement-making ensemble was a bold departure from her more understated recent looks. The daring look was certainly a standout at the star-studded event.
Simu Liu, the Canadian actor known for his role in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," opted for a classy look at the Met Gala 2023 with a black Versace tuxedo with satin detailing. The tuxedo was paired with a crisp white shirt and a black tie, and Liu accessorized the look with black leather gloves, a black and silver watch, a silver brooch, and silver chain necklaces. The look was a perfect example of classic elegance, and Liu's fans were quick to praise his impeccable style.
The artist Bad Bunny arrived at the Met Gala 2023 wearing a custom white tweed suit by Jacquemus. The suit was elevated with an open back and a floral train on the cape. The “Tití Me Preguntó” superstar completed his look with a slicked back hairdo. It was Bad Bunny’s second-ever Met Gala appearance, and he made quite an impression with his fashion statement.
Rita Ora wowed the crowds at the 2023 Met Gala with her black draping Prabal Gurung gown with sheer panels. The dress had a flowing cape and was accessorized with long chain accessories on her nails to add even more flair. The British singer and actress completed the look with her hair styled in a sleek up-do and a dramatic winged eyeliner. The outfit was both elegant and daring, perfectly fitting the night's theme of honoring the legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. Rita Ora's bold and beautiful appearance left a lasting impression on everyone who attended the event.
All in all, the Met Gala 2023 was a night to remember, with each celebrity bringing their unique style and creativity to the red carpet. From classic elegance to bold avant-garde, the fashion choices were as diverse as the celebrities themselves.
Pedro Pascal broke the rules with his Valentino ensemble, featuring shorts, lace-up military boots, and a structured overcoat in bright red. He paired the look with a red poplin shirt, black wool shorts, a tie with a gold accent at the tip, and black socks. Pascal also sported a power mustache and a slicked-back hairstyle. It definitely gave him a part-time anime villain, full-time Internet string-puller vibe.
Gigi Hadid stunned in a custom Givenchy black gown, featuring a form-fitting silhouette with cut-out detailing and a high slit. She accessorized with long black gloves and a matching clutch, completing the look with sleek black hair and a bold red lip.
Dua Lipa honored Lagerfeld by wearing a vintage Chanel white ball gown dress, accessorized with a silver pendant Tiffany & Co. necklace. She wore her black hair down with slight waves and completed the look with a bold red lip, looking like a true princess.
Cardi B made a statement with her outfit, donning a custom Thom Browne dress with a red corseted bodice, a black skirt, and an enormous black cape. The cape featured dramatic feathers and beading, and she wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail.
Lily Collins wore a stunning Vera Wang gown with a white bustier top, puffed sleeves, and a black skirt with "Karl" written on the train. She paired the look with a bold red lip and gorgeous Cartier jewelry.
Jeremy Pope's Met Gala look paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld, featuring a cape with the designer's likeness on it. He paired the cape with a black and white suit, a white shirt, and black dress shoes. His hair was styled in a slicked-back look, and he wore a silver chain necklace as a finishing touch.
Kendall Jenner definitely turned heads at the Met Gala 2023 with her daring look. Her black Marc Jacobs bodysuit was covered in shimmering sequins, and the extra-long sleeves with white quilted lining added a unique touch to the outfit. The daring design showcased Jenner's toned physique, and the statement-making ensemble was a bold departure from her more understated recent looks. The daring look was certainly a standout at the star-studded event.
Simu Liu, the Canadian actor known for his role in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," opted for a classy look at the Met Gala 2023 with a black Versace tuxedo with satin detailing. The tuxedo was paired with a crisp white shirt and a black tie, and Liu accessorized the look with black leather gloves, a black and silver watch, a silver brooch, and silver chain necklaces. The look was a perfect example of classic elegance, and Liu's fans were quick to praise his impeccable style.
The artist Bad Bunny arrived at the Met Gala 2023 wearing a custom white tweed suit by Jacquemus. The suit was elevated with an open back and a floral train on the cape. The “Tití Me Preguntó” superstar completed his look with a slicked back hairdo. It was Bad Bunny’s second-ever Met Gala appearance, and he made quite an impression with his fashion statement.
Rita Ora wowed the crowds at the 2023 Met Gala with her black draping Prabal Gurung gown with sheer panels. The dress had a flowing cape and was accessorized with long chain accessories on her nails to add even more flair. The British singer and actress completed the look with her hair styled in a sleek up-do and a dramatic winged eyeliner. The outfit was both elegant and daring, perfectly fitting the night's theme of honoring the legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. Rita Ora's bold and beautiful appearance left a lasting impression on everyone who attended the event.
All in all, the Met Gala 2023 was a night to remember, with each celebrity bringing their unique style and creativity to the red carpet. From classic elegance to bold avant-garde, the fashion choices were as diverse as the celebrities themselves.
"Fashion Meets Art: A Brief History of the Met Gala"
The Met Gala, also known as the Costume Institute Benefit, has been an annual event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1948. The gala was established as a way to raise money for the museum's Costume Institute, which was founded in 1937 and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing clothing and accessories throughout history.
Over the years, the Met Gala has become one of the most high-profile and exclusive events in the fashion calendar, with tickets often costing tens of thousands of dollars and a strict guest list curated by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
The gala's theme changes each year and often ties in with the museum's Costume Institute exhibit. In 2018, the Met Gala's theme was "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," which explored the influence of religious iconography on fashion. The exhibit featured garments from designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as ecclesiastical vestments and other objects from the Vatican.
The 2019 theme, "Camp: Notes on Fashion," was inspired by Susan Sontag's 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp,'" which defines the term as an aesthetic sensibility characterized by irony, humor, and exaggeration. The exhibit showcased over 250 pieces from designers including Jeremy Scott, Moschino, and Gucci, as well as works of art and other cultural artifacts.
One particularly notable theme was "China: Through the Looking Glass" in 2015, which became the Met Gala's most attended exhibition of all time with over 800,000 visitors. The theme explored the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion and included a stunning array of pieces from both Chinese and Western designers. The exhibit featured over 140 haute couture and avant-garde pieces from both Chinese and Western designers, including Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Yves Saint Laurent.
The Met Gala's themes have covered a wide range of topics, from the intersection of fashion and technology to the impact of different cultures on the industry. Whether it's showcasing the works of a specific designer or exploring a particular cultural influence on fashion, the Met Gala continues to captivate fashion lovers around the world each year, making it a must-watch event for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion and art.
Over the years, the Met Gala has become one of the most high-profile and exclusive events in the fashion calendar, with tickets often costing tens of thousands of dollars and a strict guest list curated by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
The gala's theme changes each year and often ties in with the museum's Costume Institute exhibit. In 2018, the Met Gala's theme was "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," which explored the influence of religious iconography on fashion. The exhibit featured garments from designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as ecclesiastical vestments and other objects from the Vatican.
The 2019 theme, "Camp: Notes on Fashion," was inspired by Susan Sontag's 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp,'" which defines the term as an aesthetic sensibility characterized by irony, humor, and exaggeration. The exhibit showcased over 250 pieces from designers including Jeremy Scott, Moschino, and Gucci, as well as works of art and other cultural artifacts.
One particularly notable theme was "China: Through the Looking Glass" in 2015, which became the Met Gala's most attended exhibition of all time with over 800,000 visitors. The theme explored the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion and included a stunning array of pieces from both Chinese and Western designers. The exhibit featured over 140 haute couture and avant-garde pieces from both Chinese and Western designers, including Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Yves Saint Laurent.
The Met Gala's themes have covered a wide range of topics, from the intersection of fashion and technology to the impact of different cultures on the industry. Whether it's showcasing the works of a specific designer or exploring a particular cultural influence on fashion, the Met Gala continues to captivate fashion lovers around the world each year, making it a must-watch event for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion and art.
Wanderlust Chronicles: Life, Fashion, Travel, and Art as a Professional Figure Skater and Lifestyle Journalist
