The 2021 Met Gala finally went down on Monday September 13 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, after an almost-2-year-break, and the stars brought forth their complete A-game to the Met red carpet.
Predictably, surprises and impressions galore. As is the case every Met year, most the attendees nailed the theme. Others, not so much. This year’s theme was ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,’ which was a basically an ode to American fashion.
Here are some of the top moments from the glitzy and glamorous affair:
Iman Reminds Everyone She’s Been There, Done That!
Iconic supermodel Iman checked in to the Ball looking nothing less than the fashionista she is reckoned to be. In a multi-layered Gucci couture outfit, the legend was arguably the best dressed celebrity at this year’s Met. From the larger-than-life headgear to the flawless makeup, hair and accessories, Iman deserves nothing but praise! Her confident walk and poise complemented the look even further!
Red Carpet King Lil Nas X served three looks
Fresh off his big wins at the MTV VMAs the previous night, Lil Nas X continued his winning streak when he made his Met Gala debut, and in typical Lil Nas fashion, he made tongues wag. With a 3-part-outfit that is very reminiscent of Lady Gaga’s 2019 Met stunt, the rapper told journalists on the red carpet that drawn-out show was symbolic of his coming out of his shell and being himself. The 3-part-outfit was all Versace and was one of the most outstanding costumes of the night.
Rihanna and A$ap Rocky’s Red Carpet Debut As Couple
Newly-crowned billionaire Rihanna was one of the most anticipated guests of the night after not showing up to the 2019 Met Gala. A Met Ball fixture and showstopper, the Diamonds singer hit the carpet in a flowy black gown by Balenciaga with a beanie and Bulgari diamonds to match while her rapper boyfriend ASAP Rocky was in a black suit that he completed with a colorful blanket-like ensemble that he later took off as they walked up the famous Met staircase.
Kim Kardashian’s Dark Vibes. Plus, Kendall and Kris Jenner’s Looks
Continuing her run with grotesque outfits, Kim Karadshian rocked up to the Ball in an all-black layered look that covered her entire face. Whether the Forbes-certified billionaire is undergoing a rough crisis or just experimenting with fashion, this was quite a bold look that left enthusiasts torn and at a crossroads. The mom of four started donning dark, bizarre looks during the controversial Donda listening era.
Her sister Kendall looked glam in a bedazzled sheer outfit and her mom showed up in a classic black outfit with her boyfriend Corey Gamble in tow.
Risque Outfits Came In Droves!
Of course, it would not a complete Met Ball without a slew of utterly risqué regalia taking centrestage. This year saw some of the stars come decked in the most over-the-top and while some looked uncomfortable, others effortlessly bodied their ‘fits. After raising eyebrows with Normani at the VMAs with Normani the night prior, singer Teyana Taylor’s silvery look left little to the imagination with her butt making a little peek in the cut-out gown. This look was very reminiscent of the ‘fit she rocked on stage at the VMAs. Other risqué looks include Taraji P. Henson’s cut-out shimmery jumpsuit, Zoe Kravitz and Kendall Jenner’s sheer outfits and Saweetie’s revealing gown.
Statement-Making Get Up, No Less!
Some of the attendees took the ‘American Independence’ theme quite seriously and had their costumes make power statements. Ciara’s shimmery green gown was an ode to her husband Russel Wilson’s jersey number. Wilson is a quarterback for the American team, Seattle Seahawks.
Legendary record producer Pharrel and wife Helen Lasichanh paid homage to native American culture without their all-black cowboy leather outfits and black cowboy boots.
Jennifer Lopez also made an ode to cowboy culture with her sexy get-up and a huge cowboy hat to match.
On the other hand, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York US representative, wore a white gown with the words ‘Tax the Rich’ boldly christened on it on the back. The Congresswoman’s Carolyn B dress was an ode to a historic moment for women’s rights in the US.
The Nothing-To-Write-Home-About Looks
Megan Thee Stallion
While most of the stars brought their fashion chops to the carpet, others did not no so much worth writing home about. From basic to boring, some of the attendees could arguably have tried a little harder. Here are a few examples:
Serena Williams
Tracee Ellis Ross
First-Time Met Attendees
A myriad celebrities made their Met Ball debut this year. From Normani, to Keke Palmer, Megan Thee Stallion and Naomi Osaka, the newbies showcased their fashion prowess on the carpet too.
The Sexy With A Touch Of Class
Some of the stars are the epitome of how to pull off being sexy without trying too hard. Mary J. Blige, Megan Fox, Lupita Nyong’o and Gabrielle were the prime cases in point.
The Gents Played No Games Either!
As the ladies flaunted their prowess, the gents sought to remind everyone that they too know a thing or two about reigning at the Met. Maluma, Shawn Mendes and Jeremy Scott were a few examples.
Nicki Minaj, Beyonce and Kylie Jenner A No-Show
Some notable Met Gala stars were a no-show at this year’s ceremony. Rap legend Nicki Minaj revealed that she would not be present at this year’s Met owing to vaccine requirements. Beyonce also made no appearance, as did her sister Solange.
Soon to be mother of two Kylie Jenner took to her Instagram to reveal she would not be attendance this year as she felt overwhelmed . Cardi B was a no-show as well as she recently gave birth to her new-born earlier this month. Supermodel Naomi Campbell was notably not in attendance either. Zendaya, to the disappointment of fans mentioned she would be busy on set filming Euphoria 2 and thus would not make it to the Met.
Kenyan social media sensation Elsa Majimbo offers commentary at the MET
Kenyan comedian-turned-global sensation Elsa Majimbo also made it to this year’s Met. It was no surprise that the star got a chance to attend the highly lauded fashion event, she has been making headlines internationally and made some powerful friends like Naomi Campbell and Rihanna. While she may not have made an actual red carpet appearance, the star was present to witness the flashy affair and made commentaries on her social media pages.
The Met Gala is famously dubbed the Oscars of fashion. It is a charity event whose proceeds towards the Costume Institute in New York. Each year’s Ball marks the Institute’s annual fashion exhibit.
READ: The Met Gala: Fashion’s Biggest Night’s Facts And Intricacies
