The Met Gala 2021

In America: A Lexicon of Fashion


Photos from Getty Images

Typically held the first Monday in May, the Met Gala is arguably one of the most exclusive and biggest fashion events of the year. The Gala is held in New York City as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and while the event has been canceled the past two Mays, it was finally held Sept. 13.

Every year the Met Gala has a theme correlating the exhibition on display at the Costume Institute. This year, the theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” While a broad theme, celebrities and designers sought inspiration from old Hollywood to futuristic, from the wild west to football — and they did not come to play.

One of the most prominent inspirations at the Gala was old Hollywood. A term coined for American film from the 1910s to the ‘60s, it’s an aesthetic personified by glamour and lavishness. Think icons like Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly or Marilyn Monroe.

"Choices were definitely made."


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My Favorite Looks


Iman at the Met Gala.

Iman in an absolutely stunning gown by Dolce & Gabbana x Harris Reed.

Lily-Rose Depp at the Met Gala.

Lily-Rose Depp wearing Chanel reminisent of '50s poodle skirt styles.

Emma Chamberlain at the Met Gala.

Emma Chamberlain wearing Louis Vuitton. It may not be totally on theme, but I'm simply obsessed.

Anok Yai at the Met Gala.

Anok Yai in Oscar de la Renta. Just. So. Perfect.

Kendall Jenner at the Met Gala.

Kendall Jenner in an Audrey Hepburn inspired dress by Givenchy.

Yara Shahidi at the Met Gala.

Yara Shahidi in Christian Dior and Cartier jewlery honoring Josephine Baker.


Best on Theme Looks


Ciara at the Met Gala.

Ciara wearing Jenna Lemoncelli paying homage to husband Russell Wilson's Seattle Seahawks jersey. Football is as American as you can get.

Barbie Ferreira at the Met Gala.

Barbie Ferreira giving Old Hollywood burlesque glamour in a Jonathon Simkhai gown.

Jennfier Lopez at the Met Gala.

Jennifer Lopez killing it in western inspired Ralph Lauren.

Dan Levy at the Met Gala.

Dan Levy in Loewe and Cartier jewlery celebrating LGBTQ+ love and visibility.

Lili Reinhart at the Met Gala.

Lili Reinhart in Christian Siriano and Jimmy Choo Shoes. The dress has the state flower from all 50 states.

Lupita Nyong'o at the Met Gala.

Lupita Nyong'o in Versace. Denim is so plainly American.


Most Questionable Looks


Kim Petras at the Met Gala.

Kim Petras in Collina Strada. The idea is there, but poor execution.

Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala.

Kim Kardashian in head-to-toe black by Balenciaga.

Justin and Hailey Bieber at the Met Gala.

Justin Bieber in La Maison Drew and Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent. Overall, it's just plain boring.

Frank Ocean at the Met Gala.

Frank Ocean in Prada x Homer accompanied by a neon green baby?

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello at the Met Gala.

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello in Michael Kors Collection. It could be considered Cher-esque, but still a miss in my book.

Natalie Bryant at the Met Gala.

Natalie Bryant in an... interesting '60s inspired balloon dress by Conner Ives.