Met Gala Fashion Review, May 2022
For the first time since 2019, the Met Gala returned to its traditional spot on the first Monday in May. Fashion’s biggest night is held yearly to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. As a celebratory comeback, the Costume Institute created a two-part exhibit celebrating American Fashion, the first part debuting in September and the second this May. The celebrities who were invited to this gala were encouraged to dress according to the theme for “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” celebrating the fashion of the Gilded Age from 1870s to the 1900s. Let’s take a look at some of the best looks of the night.
THE BEST DRESSED: THE TOP FIVE
Blake Lively in Versace
Blake Lively is one of the few celebrities who styles herself, and she knows exactly what she wants. Her entire look was an ode to New York City’s architecture, most of which was built in the Gilded Age. When she first arrived, she was glowing in a copper-colored dress with embroidery inspired by the Empire State Building and a large bow situated in the back like a bustle. Halfway up the steps of the Met, the bow was undone and revealed a blue-green train that featured the constellation designs of Grand Central Station. The transformation itself was inspired by the Statue of Liberty’s green patina as she was originally a traditional copper color before turning green. Her tiara was also inspired by Lady Liberty’s with matching seven points and 25 gems representing the 25 windows in the statue’s. The amount of thought and craftsmanship that went into this look guaranteed it a spot on every best dressed list.
Lizzo in Thom Browne styled by Jason Rembert
Another great take on the theme came from Lizzo’s Thom Browne look. The exaggerated hip corset dress was a nod to the silhouettes of the Gilded Age time period and the oversized coat with gold floral embroidery took the glamor up a notch. This is only Lizzo’s second Met and she always understands the assignment. She looked absolutely regal and is a fashionista to watch.
Lenny Kravitz in Chrome Hearts styled by Rodney Burns
Lenny Kravitz made his first appearance at the Met Gala since 2015, and his look was worth the wait. One of the few men of the night that chose to adhere to the theme, his custom corset and lace cape paired with his signature leather pants and boots took key elements of the time and refreshed them for a modern-day rock star.
Billie Eilish in Gucci styled by Dena Neustadter Giannini
Billie Ellish is another star who went full out for the theme. Her corseted gown with a bustle drew comparisons to a John Singer Sargent painting from the era. Even without the spot-on reference, this dress was gorgeous. The fact that it was sustainable and made from upcycled fabrics automatically made it PhotoBook approved.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Christopher John Rogers
You can’t have an American theme without one of the most exciting young American designers. Christopher John Rogers and Sarah Jessica Parker collaborated to create a gown that’s not only gorgeous but carries a lot of history. According to Rogers, “[T]his look was inspired by an 1860s ensemble by Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a prominent designer, seamstress, author, philanthropist, and social activist active during the Gilded Age.” It was such a beautiful way to honor American designers, past and present.
PHOTOBOOK’S BEST BRAND
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is such a staple in American fashion history so it’s no surprise that he dressed some of the biggest stars at the Met. From Janelle Monáe’s glamorous rhinestone gown with a bib and hood to Alicia Keys’ cape hand-embroidered with the New York City skyline and classic suits on men like Hamish Bowles and Ryan Reynolds. These stunning looks served as a reminder to why the Ralph Lauren brand has been around for more than 50 years, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
TOP 5 FASHION STYLISTS
Harry Lambert styling Emma Corrin in Miu Miu
Emma Corrin’s custom Miu look may seem like an odd choice for such a formal affair but with its historical references, it’s one of the most historically accurate looks of the night. The outfit is inspired by Barry Wall, a Gilded Age era New York socialite, nicknamed “King of the Dudes.” The oversized plaid coat, short suit, and pointed boots are a spot-on interpretation of one of his looks, as posted by Harry Lambert. The styling was perfect, from the top hat to the pocket watch it really felt like Emma raided this man’s closet from more than 100 years ago.
Kollin Carter styling Normani in Christian Siriano
On the other hand, Normani’s custom Christian Siriano look was a perfect contemporary take on 1880s fashion. The puffy sleeves and skirt are reminiscent of the time period but chopping it. A two-piece made it modern. Her hat (by Sarah Sokol Millinery) was the essential accessory in the Gilded Age, and it was the perfect finishing touch to this ensemble. Overall, this look was the best example of sticking to the theme while still keeping your personal style.
Ron Hartleben styling Anitta in Moschino
While Moschino is known for more than top looks, the brand is at its best when it’s paired down with a cheeky touch, and that’s exactly what Anitta’s Met outfit is. The elegant gown in such a rich purple would’ve been beautiful, but a bit boring on its own, so the draped pearl strands at the neckline was just the right addition. Styling it with pearl jewelry and Audrey Hepburn-esque baby bangs, enhanced not only the glamor but the added element of fun.
Danielle Goldberg styling Laura Harrier in H&M
Laura Harrier’s custom H&M gown was beautiful on its own, but the styling was what took it to the next level and made it Met Gala worthy. The opera length velvet gloves, three strand multicolored pearl necklace, and diamond & pearl earrings are the epitome of elegance. Finished off with a slicked-back bob and finger waves, Harrier was absolutely one of the best dressed of the night.
Aimée Croysdill styling Nicola Coughlan in Richard Quinn
Like everyone else, I was most excited to see what the Bridgerton cast would be wearing to the Met Gala. No stranger to historical costumes and extravagant gowns, they were bound to stun on the red carpet and Nicola Coughlan did just that. Her custom pink ballgown with floral details and feathers paired with a black cape with matching details was without a doubt one of the best looks of the night. Paired with black opera gloves and stunning Swarovski jewelry, the styling was flawless and made Nicola’s debut Met outfit one to remember.
Overall, there were no shortage of glamorous looks for this Met Gala’s red carpet. No matter how you intercepted the theme, there was a look for you to enjoy. And at the end of the day, that’s what the event is really about: celebrating fashion.
Article + Photos by Skylar Miller, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
