The Met Gala is fashion’s big night out — and celebrities are known for saving their most striking outfits for its often theatrical red carpet.
Pandemic-related rescheduling means it has been less than eight months since the stars last descended on the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the (normally) annual fundraiser, giving designers less time to think about the event’s dress code: “Gilded Glamour and White Tie.” The theme is expected to continue 2021’s exploration of American style, in keeping with the Costume Institute’s accompanying two-part exhibition, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”
At the exhibition’s press event before the gala, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden gave opening remarks at the Met, emphasizing American design’s “rich and deep” history.
“It is a story of innovation and ingenuity, of rebellion and renewal,” she said. “It has often been written by those in the shadows, not recognized for their influence and art, but here at the Met their stories are told. Their voices are raised and their work can shine.”
Prior to Monday evening’s red carpet, one of the quintessential American designers, Tommy Hilfiger, whose work features in the show, told CNN that the event offered designers a chance to “showcase their unique interpretations of fashion and pop culture.
“I always look forward to seeing how designers interpret the theme with their own creativity, identity and twist, and I’m sure this year will be no exception,” Hilfiger said via email. “The Met Gala is all about having an open mind and thinking outside the box.”
For former Yeezy designer Maisie Schloss, who now runs her own LA-based label Maisie Wilen, said the fundraiser’s combination of high fashion and mainstream appeal makes it a “unique” red carpet.
“The events embraced by industry insiders and the masses alike allow for peak creativity,” she said via email, adding: “I hope guests bring out their most decadent yet playful looks.”
Vogue’s Anna Wintour chose Chanel for the evening, but her outfit has a personal touch: a tiara from 1910 that’s a family heirloom.
Actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds took the theme in stride, with Lively in a glittering Versace beaded gown with an oversized coppery satin bow and matching gloves, and Reynolds in a classic tuxedo.
LaLa Anthony arrived in a burgundy high-slit two-piece ensemble by LaQuan Smith with decadent jewelry and intricate headpiece.
