Hundreds of the most well-known celebrities and public figures gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 2 to honor Anna Wintour’s “Biggest Night of Fashion.” This year’s theme, “Gilded Glamour,” referenced the 1870s to 1890s in America, which leaves a large range of interpretation in terms of fashion. From Blake Lively to Kim Kardashian and even Hillary Clinton, some hit the mark while others fell short. But there were also many who didn’t get enough attention for their looks. Here are my top underrated looks of the night:
1. Rosalía
Dressed in Givenchy Haute couture designed by Matthew Williams, Rosalía stunned with a modern take on the Gilded Age theme. Her long, ivory dress was full of embellishment, including a beaded, structured corset, lightly feathered gloves and puffy off-the-shoulder sleeves that were attached to the dress with a metal collar. The juxtaposition between the futuristic and historic feel paired together perfectly, and I’m upset more people aren’t talking about this look.
2. Anderson .Paak
This head-to-toe Gucci look was unforgettable, especially with so many similar, simple black suits that walked the carpet that same night. The Grammy award winner stunned the crowd with an extravagantly embroidered coat designed by Alessandro Michele, which he paired with large black leather pants and accessorized with tiny, round sunglasses. While this look didn’t overtly follow the theme, the excess and glamour of the Gilded Age was definitely recognizable.
3. Chloë Grace Moretz
Wearing Louis Vuitton, actress Chloe Grace Moretz shined in a long platinum coat over an undone white tie and cream-colored blouse with matching pants and silver heels. It reminded me of the French Regency era, which isn’t exactly Gilded Glamour, but she definitely paid respect to a historical feel. I also absolutely loved her slicked-back ponytail that made it look like she chopped off her hair into a pixie-cut.
4. Alicia Keys
Keys paid homage to her hometown of New York City with an unbelievable silver gown and black cape embroidered with the Manhattan skyline. Her look, by Ralph Lauren, featured a cape with over 200,000 crystals outlining the City’s skyline and a column dress adorned in another 30,000 crystals — the perfect way to honor the Gilded Age’s New York origins. Of course, this look couldn’t have belonged to anyone other than the “Empire State of Mind” singer. Her husband, singer Swizz Beatz, wore a Yankees baseball cap. This element of contemporary, NYC culture seamlessly tied together the couple look.
5. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
“Aquaman”’s Black Manta did not disappoint with his three-piece suit by American designer Thom Browne. Styled by Jan-Michael Quammie, Abdul-Mateen understood the theme impeccably, with the white tie waistcoat, wingtip loafers and gold accessories. For his first time at the Met Gala, Abdul-Mateen’s regal yet classy ensemble did not disappoint.
6. Taylor Hill
It’s no surprise that model and former Victoria Secret angel Taylor Hill stole the show while walking the carpet. Her blue satin gown that featured long, off-the shoulder sleeves and a long train decorated with colorful embroidered flowers was designed by Miss Sohee. She looked jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The look was paired with knee-high stiletto boots and dangling earrings with pearls, but my only critique was that I didn’t see the Gilded Age theme as much as I wanted.
7. Jodie Turner-Smith
Walking down the carpet next to her husband, Joshua Jackson, Jodie Turner-Smith turned heads in her Gucci ensemble. She wore a crystal-chained bra and a fringed mini-skirt emphasized by a long, pink pleated chiffon train, which showed off her long legs. While her look did not explicitly convey the theme, it certainly embodied the over-the-top and extravagant energy of the Gilded Age.
8. Maude Apatow
Northwestern’s very own Maude Apatow walked the carpet for the first time in a sheer, black Miu Miu gown paired with diamond accessories from Cartier. Though quite minimalistic, the gothic-inspired look landed her on Vogue’s best dressed list. Her sleeked, wavy hair channeled her own version of Old Hollywood, and her makeup — heavily-blushed cheeks and a dark red lip — unquestionably nodded to the Gilded Age. I think I speak on behalf of most Northwestern students when I say that we’re proud of your Met Gala debut, Maude!
9. Riz Ahmed
This British Pakistani actor took the Met as an opportunity to pay respect to the immigrant workers, particularly ones of color, of the Gilded Age. He arrived wearing 4S Designs, an immigrant designer. The look included an unbuttoned navy shirt over a white tank top paired with pants tucked into knee-high black leather boots. Not only was this look a breath of fresh air from the arguably repetitive black suits of the night, it tells an important, often forgotten story.
The 2022 Met Gala certainly did not disappoint, with some of the most unforgettable looks from an exclusive list of attendees. While we may never know exactly what goes on after the carpet, I’m sure we can all thank Anna Wintour for giving us a night full of fashion and funny interactions between our favorite celebrities. There’s a rumor that next year’s theme will be space-themed, and I can’t wait!