The Met Gala was a few weeks ago, meaning it’s that time of year where everyone sits in the comfort of their own homes while ruthlessly judging the outfits of innocent celebrities. Articles of clothing almost none of us could ever hope to afford at an event likely none of us will ever be able to attend. But in my opinion, if someone willingly steps out onto that infamous red carpet, they must know the spotlight they are stepping into. They know the stakes, they made that decision, and now judging them is my prerogative. Do I know anything about high fashion? No. Does my opinion matter at all? Probably not. Do I know anything about Karl Lagerfeld, the inspiration for this year’s theme? Well I did a google search, so a little bit. Am I going to write a whole article on my favorite 2023 Met Gala looks as though I am qualified, influential, and an incontrovertible Karl expert? Yes. I am.
This Met Gala had some high highs, despite the fact that so many major players didn’t grace the carpet this year (Zendaya, Blake Lively, Beyonce, among others). While there were also some low lows, I’m going to focus on the positive… with the exception of mentioning that any man who wears a simple black tux and thinks that they’re really doing something should be banished from the event, or at the very least tucked into a back corner where they can be neither seen nor heard. Do better.
I’ll start off with Jared Leto. Showing up as Lagerfeld’s cat, Choupette, felt so on brand. At this point fans know that Leto is going to show up in something weird that’s going to have the internet in a frenzy. You can love it, you can hate it, but you have to admit he delivered. It just made sense; no one knows why, but it did.
Of course you also can’t go without mentioning Rihanna. I’ll admit her look wasn’t my favorite, but it was such an iconic move showing up late like that and rattling the nation. It’s Rihanna. She showed up, that’s enough.
Then there was Pedro Pascal in perhaps my favorite look of the night, at least for a man. Something about it just had me in a chokehold. The red, the shorts, the boots, and just the way he wore it. It was perfect, it was Pedro, it brought my indescribable amounts of joy.
Gabrielle Union was also stunning in red. I would have felt so cool, so powerful, if I had that jacket. It was simple, but unique. Dwayne Wade’s outfit was also the perfect complement. They looked great individually, they looked really great together.
Jenna Ortega also looked amazing. Her dress matched her energy and style while staying true to the theme (to the best of my knowledge). It felt very Wednesday, looked very pirate, and I loved it. For such a young star she really held her own.
Bella Ramsay was also a young star who I think absolutely crushed it on Monday. Their look was androgynous and sleek. It was detailed without being too much. I so badly wanted a picture of them with Pedro Pascal, and if anyone finds out that that did indeed happen, please let me know. Please.
Both Kerry Washington and Teyana Taylor also took my breath away. They were both serving absolute powerhouse looks. Washington looked like a mermaid in business who would run an embezzlement scheme and totally get away with it, and everything about Taylor’s look made me want to drop to the floor and grovel at her feet.
Anok Yai’s look also scored a double take from me. There was something ethereal and so jellyfish about her look that made me just want to stare at it for several long minutes. She was absolutely glowing. To be honest I didn’t really know who she was before now, but she has made her mark on my heart.
Dua Lipa was not someone I was particularly expecting to catch my attention at this year’s Gala, but boy oh boy did she. I loved this look so much. It was classy, elegant, unique, on theme. I didn’t have a single complaint.
Daisy Edgar Jones was also a very pleasant surprise. Of all the outfits that graced the Red carpet, her’s was the one I wished I had in my own closet. It was classy and fit her perfectly. The bow’s details were elegant rather than tacky. A couple different people went for the drawn on sort of style that must have had something to do with Lagerfeld, but I think only Daisy was truly able to pull it off.
Taika Waititi also absolutely showed up and showed out. It wasn’t just the clothing either. He just looked good. As our SPU Her Campus chapter leader, Taylor, said, “He makes me want to have an old boyfriend.” Fair enough Taylor. Fair enough.
And last but not least, perhaps my favorite look of the night was Janelle Monae’s. I love a good transformation moment, and she gave me exactly that. Her look felt very Met Gala. The oversized coat with the sheer hoop skirt looking dress underneath, the cat bag, the shoes, even her hair was art. It felt very true to her style while truly recognizing the theme. Her look in 2019 was one of my absolute favorites for the same exact reasons. She just knows how to sell it.
Before wrapping things up I want to recognise a few honorable mentions: Anne Hathaway, Kaitlyn Dever, Lily Collins, Phoebe Bridgers, Conan Gray, Amanda Seyfried, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Emily Ratajkowski, and Chi Ossé. All looked show stopping, incredible, amazing, wonderful, beautiful, and lovely on Monday.
While the 2023 Met Gala no doubt had a few guests that missed the mark and a few outfits I wish I could have burned, I loved so many of the looks this year. I give all of the above stars and their stylists my official seal of approval, which will no doubt prove indispensable to them in the progression of their lives and careers.