Five words. The first Monday in May. An unofficial fashion holiday, the Met Gala took place this week. This year, the prestigious event was themed entirely after one designer. “Karl Lagerfeld: a Line of Beauty” honors the late German designer Karl Lagerfeld and his brilliant evolution of design and fashion over his incredible career.
Signifying the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute exhibition, the Met Gala is celebrated every year. This is a New York City Night of incredible fashion as the famous museum steps become a runway packed with designer-style inspiration. Stars, fashion artists, designers, paparazzi, and high-fashion magazine coverage make the Met Gala an event of epic proportions.
“Elegance is an attitude.”
Karl Lagerfeld
This year’s gala mirrors the marvelous highlights of Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy and the role he played in contributing to high fashion. The goal of the night was to reflect Lagerfeld’s career. Net-a-Porter highlights some of his major career moments including “…winning the Woolmark Prize in 1954, to being hired as an assistant to Pierre Balmain, and revisits his prolific career at Chanel, Fendi, Chloé, Balmain, Patou, and his own eponymous brand…”
The Met Exhibit will showcase Lagerfeld’s works of art including sketches and the creations that were brought to life from them. This is an exhibit that gives aspiring designers access to the creative process of one of fashion’s legends and most highly-regarded artists. Lagerfeld saw fashion through a unique and magnificent lens, and that legacy was reflected in many of this week’s gala looks.
These are some of our favorites from this year!
Dua Lipa
A pop star princess strutted into the Met! Dua Lipa was a vision in a vintage 90s Runway Chanel ball gown in white tweed with woven black trim. Dua accessorized with a Tiffany & Co. legendary diamond necklace. Talk about sparkle! She is the very first star to wear this new 100-carat diamond set on Tiffany’s Lucinda Star necklace. Glimmering on the red carpet as one of this year’s co-chairs, Dua brought it with this look.
“Karl inspired me by his storytelling—his ability to communicate worlds and bring them to life.”
Gigi Hadid
Elle Fanning
Dreamy, floral, and sentimental, Elle fanning honored her memories of Karl Lagerfeld as she floated up the steps if the Met in a mesmerizing white lace gown designed by Andreas Kronthaley for fashion house Vivienne Westwood. Elle’s look was reminiscent of the outfit she wore when she met Lagerfeld for the first time! With effortless accent details, including a sweet flower crown made with black ribbon and a bouquet of daisies, Elle was flawlessly dressed from head to toe. She accessorized with a Cartier necklace, mirroring the similar style Grace Kelly wore for a royal portrait in 1955.
Jenna Ortega
Our Showstopper Magazine Spring 2023 cover star walked the Met Gala red carpet this week. Jenna rocked the night in a Thom Browne outfit that honored the theme and Lagerfeld’s work in many ways. From the classic collared top to the gold chains and significant pearls, Jenna’s outfit had so many details paying tribute to the fashion legend. The satin bow-tie element and fierce high-heeled shoes paired with knee-high socks gave Jenna’s look what Vogue referred to as a “Wednesday-worthy twist.”
“He didn’t follow fashion—he created fashion, and connected fashion to pop culture. Karl was the pioneer—the King—of all that we’re trying to do today. And he never stopped being curious about life.”
Olivier Rousteing, Balmain
Kate and Lila Moss
A mother-daughter moment on the Met Gala red carpet! Kate and Lila arrived in coordinating Fendi ensembles designed by Kim Jones. From peachy pink marabou feathers layered on Lila’s dress to shining pale pink sild with flowing floor-length sleeves on Kate’s dress. Both looks connected to Karl Lagerfeld’s, as Vogue describes it, “abiding love of pastels.” We love how this duo accessorized their looks with an element of sparkle for a unique fashion family look.
Halle Bailey
What is your favorite Met Gala 2023 Fashion Look?