After an entire year of missing the iconic looks from what can be described as the biggest night for celebrating fashion, the Met Gala 2021 returned with a most patriotic debut. Celebrities from all realms — supermodels, artists, influencers and more — have made their way across the red carpet displaying pieces from some of the most prominent designers around the world.
The theme for this year was ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’ paid tribute to American history, fashion and culture, and while some celebs nailed the theme, others had their own interpretation. While some celebrities weren’t new to the Met Gala scene, others were first-timers and had no idea what to expect. Influencers like Addison Rae, Emma Chamberlain, Madison Beer and others got their first taste of the high-fashion event.
Here’s a roundup of some of VALLEY’s personal favorite looks of the night.
Billie Eilish
Starting off strong, Eilish absolutely stunned us in this Oscar de la Renta dress with a 15-foot skirt and Cartier jewelry. Not only did she completely nail this ode to Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe and Holiday Barbies, she also played a huge role in getting the brand to ditch using fur — a condition upon her wearing the dress that night.
Yara Shahidi
All we can say is wow. Shahidi wore a gorgeous beaded strapless gown with gloves to match, a Cartier necklace and a headpiece all in reference to the legacy of fashion icon and entertainer Josephine Baker.
Amanda Gorman
National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman was chosen to be a cohost for the Met Gala, and what better inspiration than Lady Liberty herself? Gorman wore a blue Vera Wang gown and accessorized with a laurel crown and of course a book in hand with the phrase “Give us your tired,” from the base of the Statue of Liberty for the full effect.
Emma Chamberlain
Youtuber and Influencer Emma Chamberlain wore an all-beaded gold asymmetrical dress made by longtime partner Louis Vuitton that had fans doing a double-take. Her makeup and hair were giving very much ‘60s nostalgia.
Taylor Hill
Supermodel Taylor Hill showed up in a light blue Atelier Versace Couture gown with cutouts along the bodice and a sweetheart neckline.
Jennifer Lopez
JLo stole the show while staying completely on the theme. She was giving very much western cowboy renaissance vibes in a brown beaded Ralph Lauren gown with a low v-neck. Paired with a black and brown feather shawl and of course a cowboy hat, Lopez was definitely on point with this one.
Kaia Gerber
Supermodel Kaia Geber was channeling Bianca Jagger’s 1981 Met Gala Dior look for her first-ever invitation and had designer Oscar de la Renta recreate the ballgown. With floral detailing on the neckline and the old Hollywood-like waves, Gerber was transformed into the legendary socialite.
Zoë Kravitz
Kravitz looked absolutely stunning in this completely sheer, beaded Yves Saint Laurent gown with glittering diamonds by Jessica McCormack.
Anok Yai
This breathtaking gown we’ve definitely seen in our dreams before. Like Yara Shahidi, Yai’s strapless V-neck Oscar de la Renta gown also paid homage to Josephine Baker with a black satin perfectly covered in celestial crystals and paired with a feather shawl.
Nikkie de Jager
Nikkie de Jager, better known as ‘NikkieTutorials’ on Youtube, went for a look inspired by transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson. The blue tulle gown showcased a floral design and flower crown designed by Edwin Oudshoorn Couture. A large bow displayed the famous quote from Johnson “Pay it no mind.”
Quannah Chasinghorse
Model Quannah Chasinghorse brought some much-needed Indigenous representation to the ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’ theme. Chasinghorse, who is Hän Gwich’in and Oglala Lakota herself, was dressed by Peter Dundas in a beautiful shimmering gown and stunning turquoise and silver jewelry expressing her Indigenous roots.
Kendall Jenner
We definitely saved the best for last with this one. Jenner came prepared with her inspiration coming from the icon Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 film My Fair Lady. She sported a sheer beige beaded gown by Givenchy that took three months and 30 beaders to complete said designer Matthew Williams. If awards were given at the Met Gala, Jenner would be going home with best dressed.
Tweet us @VALLEYmag on Twitter and let us know your favorite looks from the night!
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