Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
The Met Gala 2023 proved significantly more successful than the previous gala, which was riddled with controversial looks and questions if people truly understood the theme of In America: An Anthology of Fashion, Guilded Glamour. If only everyone emulated the energy Blake Lively was giving in her New York-inspired gown which paid homage to the Statue of Liberty and Grand Central Station. Lively's ensembles crowned herself the queen of the Met Gala and her presence was sorely missed at this year's event. While this year, everyone collectively stayed on the theme, the gala theme was a bit controversial. The decision to celebrate Karl Lagerfeld was rightfully criticized. Lagerfeld passed away in early 2019 from pancreatic cancer. While his impact on the fashion world, as creative director of Chanel, and designer for Fendi and Chloe, is palpable, Lagerfeld's legacy is stained by derogatory comments concerning the "Me Too" movement and sexual assault, immigration, and weight. This raises the question of whether should we celebrate designers whose beliefs do not align with what is politically correct. Regardless, The Costume Institute chose to honor Lagerfeld with Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.
Here are my best dressed at the 2023 Met Gala:
Nicole Kidman in 2004 Chanel Haute Couture
Kidman is easily one of the best dressed in this archival dress, which she wore 19 years ago for the iconic Chanel No. 5 commercial directed by legendary Baz Luhrmann. The dress is a beautiful silk tulle with ostrich feathers and more than 3,000 crystals. Keep a look out for more looks featuring feathers, a signature of Lagerfeld.
Cai Xuhun in Prada
My favorite menswear look of the night. The detailing on the custom Prada look is exquisite and perfectly captures Lagerfeld's signature style with the white dress shirt accented by black slacks, jacket, and tie. However, with the inclusion of embroidered crystals, it adds an extra layer that fits the extravagance of the gala.
Gisele Bundchen in 2007 Chanel Haute Couture
Bundchen has made her return to fashion's biggest night post-Tom Brady divorce looking stunning as ever. This is another archival Chanel look that was featured in the Spring 2007 show. Bundchen would wear this dress that year in an editorial shoot. Her return has proved why she is one of the greatest supermodels of all time.
Sydney Sweeny in Miu Miu
"I want this whole look," is the first thing that came to mind when I saw Sydney Sweeny in Miu Miu. Everything is perfect from her makeup and hair to how the silhouette fits her body. The dress is adorned with sequins, crystals, and beading which elevate the look into an unknown stratifier. Placed in her hair is a black chiffon bow that accents the black bow towards the bottom of the dress. In her second year at the gala, Sweeny has solidified her place in everyone's best-dressed list.
Jared Leto
The method actor decided that during the carpet he would wear two looks, the first being a catsuit of Lagerfeld's famous cat, Choupette. Leto even gave interviews in broken French on the carpet before he revealed himself as the man under the suit. Only Leto could pull off such an outrageous look. However, under the suit, Leto was wearing an ensemble a little bit more predictable than a giant Burmese suit. He was in all black that like many other looks featured crystal embellishments.
Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz-Beckham in Valentino
I am currently in search of someone who looks at me the way Brooklyn does his wife. The couple stunned in black and white Valentino. The beauty of this look is its simplicity. Nicola is wearing a strapless white dress that is accented with a black bow around the waist. For a little bit of glitz, Nicola added two diamond necklaces layered with a black chocker. Brooklyn chose an all-black outfit, contrasting his wife, He too accessories with layered necklaces, but this time being white pearls.
Viola Davis in Valentino
Another Valentino look! When I saw Davis in this hot pink dress I screamed in excitement. For most of the night, we have seen an overwhelming amount of black-and-white looks. The choice to wear hot pink perhaps is in protest of Lagerfeld, for the reasons discussed in the intro, who would not have thought fondly of the use of the bold and bright color. Davis looks radiant in this color and I am so happy to see someone wearing something bright and colorful on a night that has been ruled by pastels, black, and white.
Miranda Kerr in Dior
Kerr arrived in a Dior off-white pearl embellished gown that likely left many feeling envious. The simplicity of this look speaks for itself. A little bit of edge was added with the diamond choker and deep red lip. The design was perhaps paying homage to the customary act of a bridal gown closing Chanel Haute Couture shows. This complete look will surely be many brides' inspiration for years to come.
Anne Hathaway in Versace
Hathaway has brought the edge to the Met Gala. The look channels quintessential Chanel with the white tweed, however, the full-body slit and safety pins are signature sexy Versace. In a dress that merges two great fashion houses, Hathaway looks as youthful as ever.
Please note that all the photos are from Getty Images and featured on Vogue.com