This year’s Met Gala was well anticipated. Hosted by Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman, Naomi Osaka, and Timotheé Chalamet, the gala was themed “American Independence.”
Today, let’s take a look at the top 10 looks according to the theme.
- Yara Shahidi
Shahidi, who is wearing a beaded Dior gown, paid homage to the American phenomenon Josephine Baker. The look was created in partnership with Yara Shahidi’s stylist, Jason Bolden. Yara’s choice to wear Dior was instinctual because she was named Dior’s global ambassador this year. Yara’s subtle high glam look reflected Josephine Baker, wearing her hair with a curl that was flush with her face. This look represented American Independence because Josephine Baker was not only world-renowned for her performances but contributed to the war effort as a spy during World War II. Shahidi and Baker share a passion for activism.
2. Jackie Aina
Jackie Aina attended her first Met Gala this year, making history as the first black content creator to attend. Aina curated a 90’s Barbie-inspired look with designer Fe Noel. The look also channeled Pamela Anderson. Barbies, sold for around $3 at the time, represent the epitome of American heritage, demonstrating Jackie’s take on the theme.
3. Janet Mock
Janet Mock, wearing “Valentino Haute Couture,” appears to be channeling the Alaska state flower, “Alpine Forget Me Not,” though it has not been confirmed. A loosely fitted, sequin baby blue gown with a ruffled coat was a gentle approach to American independence. The blue and white represent America’s colors. Usually, Mock goes for something more dramatic, so this look was a change of pace for her.
4. Simu Liu
Simu Liu is wearing a white and black suit from Fendi. Met Gala ‘21 is his first gala. Liu showcased his interpretation of a glammed waiter. Simu Liu was one of the few men who wore a suit color other than black. Simu attended the event shortly after his new Marvel movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” premiered.
5. Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer is wearing Prada to this year’s Met Gala. Hunter appears to be channeling a UFO or even aluminum foil, which is very American. Hunter, with creamy contacts and a galactic facepiece,nails the Area 51 look. Schafer’s galactic nature extends to her nails. She appears to sport water droplets on her fingertips. Schafer also wears a short and sleek bob and open-toed heels.
6. A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky took a colorful approach to this year’s theme, wearing a colorful quilted outfit by ERL. Rocky also revealed a lux suit and tie underneath his “coat of many colors.” A$AP’s look contributes to the Gala’s theme with its unique style and vibrant colors. I am sure that you could spot Rocky a mile away. But the best part of his outfit was making his official debut with girlfriend Rihanna, who appears to have the luxury to wear a hoodie.
7. Kerby Jean Raymond
Pyer Moss designer Kerby Jean-Raymond attended this year’s Met Gala in a near monochromatic suit, paired with a red vest and red heeled boots. Raymond also wore a Pyer Moss look. This is quite a statement since Raymond was one of the few men at the Gala to wear color. The color red symbolizes American culture as one of the dominant colors on the U.S. flag. Kerby Jean-Raymond wore a deep red, black, and gold beaded necklace with a gold cross charm. He also sported other eye-catching jewelry pieces such as ruby and silver earrings.
8. Michaela Coel
Michaela Coel, recent Emmy winner, stunned at the Gala in a deep blue sequin jumpsuit from Balenciaga. This was Coel’s first Met Gala, and she did not disappoint. The v-cut jumpsuit also connected to her boots, definitely matches the theme. Michaela could easily be creating a modern disco look. Either way, her sparkles and red carpet attitude made her look all the better. I would absolutely rock this.
9. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey showcased an interesting perspective at the Met Gala this year. Bieber wore oversized, wide-leg trousers, a sleek black suit, and a white shirt, accompanied by custom Air Force 1’s. Bieber’s wide-leg trousers are a throwback to the style in the late ’90s and early 2000s. The interpretation of a classic suit and tie was a fresh take on the carpet. This was also the Bieber’s first Met Gala as a married couple.
10. Iman
Iman channeled a sun-goddess for this year’s trip to the Gala. Wearing Dolce and Gabbana x Harris Reed, her feathered look was golden, to put it frankly. A golden yellow snakeskin romper underneath a display of golden flakes and feathers. The extravagant headpiece was a direct reflection of the theme. The shimmering nature of her outfit extended to her body shimmer. The sun, which propels everything, was definitely in attendance through Iman.