This year the Met Gala was uncharacteristically held during fashion month. With the theme being ‘America’, my expectations for this year were relatively high. This was also underpinned by the controversy of allowing TikTokers and Youtubers to attend the prestigious event.
So, let’s review the 2021 Met Gala…
Rihanna in Balenciaga Couture, Maria Tash, Thelma West and BVLGARI jewellery and A$AP Rocky in ERL
This is cute… for a sleepover. I was expecting much more from Rihanna, so I am somewhat disappointed. I do appreciate an all-black moment but I’m not sure about an all-black duvet… A$AP’s outfit makes him look like 8-year-old me, trying to get midnight snacks from the fridge. The colours his blanket are not doing it for me. The suit he wore underneath was really cute, however I’m not sure this matches the America theme.
Rihanna 5/10 and A$AP 4/10.
Normani in Valentino and Lorraine Schwartz jewellery
I LOVE this dress! The colour goes so well against Normani’s skin, and the diamond necklace finishes it all off. Her hair and makeup were gorgeous. She looks like a Disney princess
10/10.
Quannah Chasinghorse in Dundas
She is the real winner of the ‘America’ theme, representing the Indigenous Native Americans in a beautiful metallic look. Her outfit has meaning, and I love how her heritage is visually demonstrated here. She is breaking norms and representing minorities.
10/10
Jack Harlow in Tommy Hilfiger
My husband – I mean Jack Harlow, looks extremely sharp in this velvet tuxedo. It is a simple, yet eye-catching look. Given that Hilfiger is a ‘quintessential American’ brand, it matches the theme quite well.
8/10
Hunter Schafer in Prada
A lot of people were hating on this look, but I kind of love it. The theme is America, and she has arrived looking like she has just come from an intergalactic jet. As an English student, I might be reading into things, but it seems like a message about technology and the future – perhaps Tesla’s new robots and how they will triumph the human race? It’s ambiguous and thought provoking, so I like it.
9/10
Kehlani in Aliétte
Gorgeous! The stunning blow out hair and the cropped crystal suit with wide legged pants. Kehlani looks like a 70s disco queen, and I love it.
9/10
Lily-Rose Depp in Chanel
Miss Depp, you have disappointed. From my perspective, it does not match the theme and I don’t really like the outfit choice. The heels and the baby pink x black combination are the only things I appreciate.
4/10
Cara Delevingne in Christian Dior and Jimmy Choo shoes
What a #girlboss. That’s all I have to say.
7/10
Kendall Jenner in Givenchy
I am so tired of the same look in different fonts. We get it, you look stunning in a sheer dress embellished with Swarovski crystals, but you simply must step out of your comfort zone and be more daring.
5/10
Lupita Nyong’o in Versace
The hair is gorgeous, the dress is perfect. I love the use of layered denim and how it flows so perfectly. One of the most used fabrics in America is denim so perhaps that is the link to the theme.
9/10
Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga
Donda? No. Tate Langdon as rubber man? Yes. Do not judge me for this, but I actually think this look is way better than most of the looks this year. You already know I love a good all-black moment, and Kimberly has done exactly that. Even though she can’t even see where she’s going (poor girl), I think this is focussed more on the theme. American culture is so invested in the lives of celebrities, especially Kim K, so much so that she is recognisable by her individual silhouette. It’s a strong message if that was her intention.
8/10
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Brother Vellies and Aurora James
I love this SO much. AOC is wearing a dress designed by an immigrant designer, who started her sustainability focused business at a Flea Market in Brooklyn. Elected NYC officials are regularly invited to attend the Met Gala so, before anyone says anything about hypocrisy, she did NOT pay $35,000 for a ticket. She came there to send a political message and I love this look for that reason.
10/10
Pete Davidson in Thom Browne and Silhouette eyewear
This is questionable. I genuinely am not sure about how this makes me feel… I am leaning towards disliking it.
5/10
Timothée Chalamet in Haider Ackermann, Rick Owens, and Converse
His top half is going to the ritz whilst his bottom half is hip hopping into a skatepark. I actually like this look.
8/10
Emma Chamberlain in Louis Vuitton
I did NOT expect her to look so good! She is one of the best, if not the best, dressed people at this event. I love everything about it.
10/10
Photo source: Vogue
