The Met Gala red carpet is something a lot of people look forward to, so when the event was cancelled last year due to Covid-19 many of us were left disappointed. Every year other than last, the red carpet has blessed us with both incredible looks and things we will never really understand. Although the red carpet happened on the 13th of September, the actual exhibition will open on the 18th of this month. This years exhibition theme is In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, and everyone loves when artists and celebrities take on the theme with their looks, this year we got to see a peak in effort and style, as well as something worthy of just another night out and couple instagram posts.

Although some looks were quite disappointing on the grounds of being another possible ensemble put together to go to a Kardashian birthday party, we still got to experience the glamour and beauty that artists such as Lil Nas X and Jlo gave us whilst walking down that notable carpet. Here are some of the looks that may have caught your attention from this years Met Gala and some that were nothing but glorious and worth the wait.

Iman

Iman dominated the carpet for so long, and it’s clear why she did. The Somali-American fashion model worked alongside, Harris Reed, a new and upcoming fashion designer. The golden feather headpiece that matched the hooped skirt, was said to be a “symbol of light” during these dark times. Iman told Vogue that when she first saw the design she “thought it was beautiful because it felt hopeful, a ray of light after all the darkness…” This look will definitely be one to keep in the books, how couldn’t it be.

Billie Eilish

Although Eilish has been the topic of controversy recently, no one can argue with this momentous gown. Pairing this beautiful Oscar de la Renta dress with her Monroe blonde curls and simple but stunning eye makeup made for a regal and elegant look. In comparison to previous red carpet looks, the young singer has really stepped up from her oversized attire. However the new sophisticated style aligns with her newest album, and recent magazine covers and interviews. The one key thing to remember about this look is, whether you’re a fan of Billie Eilish or not this is still mesmerising.

Lil Nas X

Possibly one of the most iconic looks ever was the three piece Lil Nas X flaunted on the carpet, the golden Versace ensemble was nothing but incredible. However, you wouldn’t expect anything less from the artist. The first look was a golden king-like cape that was draped over the singers shoulders, but when that was taken off a stunning golden suit of armour was revealed. I will have to say the armour looked like a cross between C-3PO and Prince Charming, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Just when you think the show is over, his armour is torn off the reveal a glamorous body suit that’s been dipped in crystals. We love a showstopper and who better to give us that other than the legend that is Lil Nas X.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Democratic politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, attended the carpet with a major political message stamped across the back of her dress. Many have argued that the message made the dress tacky, but if you want people to hear you they gotta look at you. That is exactly was she did in the gown, the Brother Vellies dress designed by Aurora James made the statement it needed to make. As aways AOC looked stunning and paired alongside her message was her beauty and compassion.

Jennifer Lopez

Miss Lopez always seems to bring something unique to the gala carpet event, and yet again this year she did not disappoint. Her daring look was a design by Ralph Lauren she paired the breathtaking dress with rustic accessories as well as her own DSW line. The look really gave us the theme of the night, and we should never expect any less from this gorgeous fashion icon. It has almost been 20 years since Lopez walked her first carpet, and just under two decades later she still manages to amaze us with her style. Jlo has done it again.

Timothée Chalamet

As well as being one of the co-hosts for the event this year, Chalamet gave us a wonderful red carpet look. His designer mix and match gave us a look that wasn’t just basic, like the majority of bland tailored suits. Chalamet managed to keep his red carpet look fresh yet opulent by pairing his Haider Ackermann blazer and Rick Owens top with his Converse Chuck Taylors. The mix of designer items also gave us a good look into the theme that is In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. Thank you Timothée Chalamet for giving a look that isn’t just a black suit and tie.

Cara Delevingne

Fashion model and actress, Cara Delevingne, walked the red carpet wearing an all-white pantsuit designed by Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri. By wearing this all-white ensemble it ensured that the crowds attention would be drawn to the red words typed across her chest and torso. This statement piece left fans shocked, since the words said “PEG THE PATRIARCHY”. Many know that miss Delevingne uses her platform to inform and educate about inequalities women face in the modern world. Her “The Future is Female” movement was launched in 2015, where large portions of the profit went to Planned Parenthood to help women make their own choices. Her fans should not have been surprised, it is simply who she is as an influencer.

Pete Davidson

Sexy nun vibes are in according to Vogue’s take on Pete Davidsons ensemble. Yet another look from a man that doesn’t reek of a boring and tasteless sense in fashion. Although not growing up around fashion, the SNL star has chosen to embrace another sense of style. The look was by Thom Browne, and it was definitely a hit rather than a miss. It is always interesting seeing a man embrace a new fashion style on a red carpet, and we are here for it being Pete Davidson.

Rihanna & A$AP Rocky

Rihanna, what would a met gala top picks list be without the her. Although we didn’t see much of her, anyone can still appreciate her unique beauty and glamorous poses. She walked onto the carpet in a fashionably manner, arm in arm with A$AP Rocky, who was also mainly covered but in what looked like a quilt. Eli Russell Linnetz and Balenciaga by Demna Gvasalia were the designers the two parties came in, and their looks added flavour to the carpet. So really nothing but a round of applause to them both.

Ella Emhoff

Probably the outfit that stuck most to the theme, was this head-to-toe red look by Adidas’ Stella McCartney. Ella Emhoff looked both incredible and comfy, whilst walking down the carpet. Emhoff has said that her style is sports comfort, which she seemed to stay true to at the event. “Even though this is the Met, everyone is allowed to still feel comfortable in their own skin, their own style” truly wonderful words from the young fashion designer.

Although there were over 100 looks at this years Met Gala, these were the people that came in and grabbed everyone’s attention. After a years-long delay these looks were the ones worth the wait, we love a dress that is glamorous but we don’t love repetition or the basics. The Met Gala is an event where artists and celebrities can embrace themselves and give the world a glimpse into what they really think and feel. So when you see a plain white dress with some flowers on it, another red dress or an enderman promoting an album, it’s easy to just want to find something better. These looks are eternal, each for their unique style and the efforts the person made to wear it. Till the next Met Gala carpet, may it be as glamorous and sublime as this years.

Written by Karla Louise Hallett