Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds at the Met Gala 2022. Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage
By Kyle Rice, Tim Chan, Elisabeth Garber-Paul
Some would say it’s one of the biggest fashion nights of the year. Others might disagree, but who’s listening to them? After the 2020 party was canceled and 2021 was postponed, the Meg Gala is back to its usual spot on the first Monday of May. This year, the celebration honors the second half of “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” the Met’s exhibition on American fashion through the generations — and they’re focusing on that shiny epoch that introduced the glitzy reality of American mega-wealth: The Gilded Age. We hoped for romantic frilled hems and bosom-boasting silhouettes and dapper suiting in a blur of colors and fabrics — and the looks didn’t disappoint.
Blake Lively Makes a Metallic Splash: Met Gala co-chair Blake Lively nailed the assignment in an intricate, mosaic-style dress. Pictured on the right: a team of handlers helping the actress unfurl a matching — and sweeping — train that made for a dramatic reveal. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
New York State of Mind: Lively says her dress was inspired by the architecture of New York City, with the colors inspired by Grand Central Station, the intricate detailing inspired by the Empire State Building and the pale green colorway a nod to the Statue of Liberty. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Shawn Mendes Layers Up: Shawn Mendes is giving us Jean Valjean vibes in a tailored jacket that he later removed to reveal a fitted double-breasted suit. The Canadian singer swapped a shirt and tie for a turtleneck under the tonal navy look, proving that his fashion sense is anything but miserables. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Musgraves Fans Out: Kacey Musgraves, you’re a winner baby! That doll skin against the black satin dress? Perfection. Walking the Met Gala carpet with a matching fan? Even better. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Maude Apatow Looks Euphoric: Maude Apatow vamps it up for the red carpet in a sheer, off-the-shoulder black dress and old Hollywood-inspired hairstyling. If her role in Euphoria hasn’t proven it already, allow her Met Gala debut to state the obvious: Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann’s daughter is all grown up. Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage
Evan Mock Is the One To Watch: The Gossip Girl star knows fashion, and this look proves it, combining the classic shapes and boning of traditional gilded era gowns, and ruffled necklines with traditional suiting. If this doesn’t scream “on brand” then we don’t know what does. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Jack Harlow Is Still a Heartthrob: The Rolling Stone cover star is a stud, making his Met Gala appearance in a chocolate satin suit that is doing him absolute justice. Hey, it’s not favoritism if it’s true! Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage
Billie Eilish Is the Only One That Really Got It Right: Is it the best look of the night? Perhaps. However, there is no question with Eilish’s Gucci look that she was on theme, and isn’t that all we are really asking for? Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Cardi B Really Is All About That ‘Drip’: This isn’t Cardi B’s first Met Gala ‘Rodeo’ and the rapper and burgeoning fashion legend has us locked on her look, dripping in gold medallions on a sheer chainmail dress. Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Is Hot Girl Summer About to Start?: Megan Thee Stallion takes on gilded, quite literally. The hottie herself showed up in gold-leafed feathers and train. Now that is some real ‘Cash Shit.’ Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
And the Best Dressed Goes to… Janelle Monáe: The singer, songwriter, producer, and all-around creative has never steered us wrong with her looks. This gives a bit more Twenties-flapper than gilded age, but the bejeweled headpiece and glittery gown prove that Janelle Monáe knows how to light up every carpet she steps on. Though Monáe arrived on the carpet earlier than most stars, we’re ready to proclaim her as “Best Dressed” for the night. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Camila Cabello Is Eco-Chic: Camila Cabello turns heads in an upcycled dress from designer Prabal Gurung. “[When it comes to] the Gilded Age, I think of luxury and materialism and industrialization,” she said on the carpet. “But this completely sustainable dress also celebrates the trend of innovation.” Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Layers of Luxury: Normani turns heads in a Christian Siriano concoction that adds a modern, navel-baring twist to the Gilded Age theme. A perfect period-piece hat completes the tiered look, which the singer rocks with the confidence of a true fashion elite. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Fashion’s (New?) First Couple: Kim Kardashian had teased a “Marilyn Monroe” look for the carpet but her final outfit was less on-the-nose and more of an homage, with a bleach blonde hairdo and form-fitting gown accented by a fur shawl. Her Met Gala accessory? Boyfriend Pete Davidson, who rocked a slim black suit and black shades to match. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Tommy Dorman Is Giving Us 13 Reasons… Why? Is that a latex dress on the Met red carpet? While it may not be on trend for the proceedings, we can’t deny that the 13 Reasons Why star knows how to pull off a lewk. Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage
Mindy Kaling is Lavish in Lavender: Mindy Kaling has stepped out of her comfort zone when it comes to fashion in recent years, but the actress plays it safe in a Grecian-style dress that’s incredibly flattering yet tamer than other looks coming down the carpet tonight. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
With Jon Batiste, It’s All In the Detail: Dapper and slick, singer and songwriter Jon Batiste is no stranger to accolades, snagging several awards at the 2022 Grammys, including Album of the Year. While his suit looks simple, the details reveal much more care, rope knots emblazoned on the hem of the blazer and just-done bow tie to match. Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Emma Stone Channels Estella: Before there was Cruella De Vil there was Estella, the sweet and mischievous character of Disney’s award-nominated film Cruella, played by Emma Stone. Stone stuns in a simple but effective ostrich feather dress, that was reportedly designed by Louis Vuitton designer Nicolas Ghesquière for her to wear to her wedding reception. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner Make Quite the Duo: Earlier this year, Sophie Turner announced her second child with Joe Jonas, and the star shows off her bump in a monochromatic look alongside the singer, who wore an asymmetrical white jacket. The duo couldn’t look any better, especially Turner, whose sultry glam has us mesmerized. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Viva Ms. Presley: Priscilla Presley serves up some goth glamor on the carpet, in a simple black dress accented by some spiky gold accessories. The detailing on the bodice is giving us “suspenders,” but either way, Presley more than holds her own. Presley walked the Met Gala red carpet with Austin Butler, who sported his own Elvis-inspired coif and black suit (with matching scarf, natch). Butler will be starring as Elvis in an upcoming Baz Luhrmann biopic. Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage
Amy Schumer Couldn’t Stay Away: Amy Schumer once told Howard Stern, “I have no interest in fashion. I don’t care.” She wasn’t lying. This Met Gala look is definitely not on theme, but only Amy (and Rihanna) can go off-script and have the fashion gods pardon their departure. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
The Matriarch of Fashion, Anna Wintour: Regardless if you love or hate her look, we can all agree that Anna steps onto the carpet every year, donned in the most elegant fabrics and materials. Fitting for the queen who takes her throne. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Do Blondes Really Have More Fun? Emma Chamberlain, We Want to Know! The YouTuber turned fashionista extraordinaire, Emma Chamberlain, may not have grown up in the fashion world, but she sure knows how to make her mark. She is giving Paris Hilton vibes with her new blonde bob, but we don’t mind. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Gemma Chan Serving… Chandelier? The Crazy Rich Asians and Eternals actress has arrived looking a bit chandelier-like. Is that bad? In her case maybe not, but there is not another soul alive that could pull this one off. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
The Man of the Hour, Tom Ford: While Anna Wintour may run things as fashion’s matriarch, Tom Ford holds it down as the monarch and co-chair of the Gala. Plus the man just looks stunning, as proven by this classic tailcoat tux. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Is Lenny Kravitz Also the Monarch of Fashion? Ok, maybe Tom Ford Isn’t the Monarch of fashion and the honor should be bestowed to Lenny Kravitz? Or maybe they both deserve the title. Even if you hate this look… no, fuck that, this look is good. Haters gonna hate. Plus the top half is on theme. Sold. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Venus Williams Serves Up a Lewk: Is it on theme? Maybe, in an abstract sort of way. But the former World No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champ stakes out her own stamp of approval on the carpet in a power suit fit for a power figure. Photo: Getty Images
Sarah Jessica Parker Is Never Black or White: Sometimes Sarah Jessica Parker gets it oh so right. Other times… not so much. However, we are going to give this one to her. While the color blocking might be a bit Sixties, the silhouette and fascinator have us head over heels for the fashion legend and icon that is SJP. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
The Voodoo Queen, Cynthia Erivo: Although the fit isn’t really giving gilded glamour, it hits the time period so perfectly as an homage to the voodoo queen herself, Marie Laveau, who died in the early 1880s. Cynthia, we see you casting those spells on us! Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Glenn Close Is Hitting Her Stride: Glenn Close might be in her seventies but she isn’t slowing down in this hot-pink pant combo with matching beaded cape by Valentino. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Bring It In New York: Whether you’re eying these looks and thinking about the classic ‘Empire State of Mind’ hit, or the more recent ‘City of Gods’ jam, talent has entered the building and it is not going unnoticed. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
HoYeon Jung Said ‘Fuck the Theme’: The South Korean actress and ‘Squid Game’ breakout star pulls out a 2017 Louis Vuitton look for her Met Gala debut. How does this cut-out dress fit the theme? It doesn’t, or if it does someone please tell us the secret. Either way, HoYeon looks hot. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Culkin Goes Casual: Converse-style sneakers on a red carpet? And an ill-fitting suit? We love you on Succession Kieran, but something has got to give. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Adrien Brody Brings the Flair: Adrien Brody took a break from his Seventies suits as Pat Riley on Winning Time, but still managed to sneak a little of that patterned flair to period-appropriate tails. On his arm: Georgina Chapman, the Marchesa designer who began dating Brody a few years ago, following her divorce from Harvey Weinstein. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Vanessa Hudgens Is Serving Posh Widow Elegance: Former ‘High School Musical’ star Vanessa Hudgens has broken away from her Disney days and takes on sultry and sophisticated in black lace — though it’s giving us more Nineteenth Century-nightgown than Gilded Age formalwear. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Bad Burberry Bunny: Bad Bunny could not have done a better job at his first Met Gala, dressed in Burberry: The shoulders. The silhouette. The drama. We like it. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
The Pied Piper, Lizzo: We are all rats among this fashionista extraordinaire, following along as she plays her flute and looks gorgeous while doing it. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Teyana Taylor Shows Up – and Turns Out: Maybe it’s the cascades of light fabric, or the blue and violet dye, but this look from Teyana Taylor is giving. Not on-theme from what we can tell, but maybe she knows something we don’t. If the Met Gala is all about experimentation, we want to get in Teyana’s lab. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Future Nails Pandemic Chic: Future looks incredible in a double-breasted suit with velvet accents. While he might not have dressed for the chilly weather — his tails are longer than his pants — he did prepare for the rising Covid rates with a lovely black beaded mask. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Seeing Double Trouble (and Dakota Johnson Makes It a Throuple): Ahh yes, there you are Jared Leto. Or are you Alessandro Michele? Wait a minute… Well at least we can spot Dakota Johnson in the sea of gorgeous Gucci lookalikes. Sign us up for this thrupple! Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Rosalía Shining Bright: This is a whole lot of feathers, and only Rosalía could pull this level of glamour off with a cool pair of shades. A sweeping gown fit for the occasion, tt might not be perfectly on theme, but she’s Rosalía so get over it. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Kourtney and Travis Share a Look: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian shared a “deconstructed” Thom Browne suit for their Met Gala debut. It’s not exactly Gilded Age, but it definitely screams codependent. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
LaLa Anthony, Maroon Looks Good on You Girl: One of the hosts for the evening, LaLa Anthony shows off her curves in a skin-baring maroon gown from LaQuan Smith — even if it is a little more glitzy than Gilded Age. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Mumford and Mulligan (and Mom and Dad’s) Night Out: Marcus Mumford and Carey Mulligan attend the 2022 Met Gala and we honestly don’t know how to feel about this… Is it good? It is bad? The duo together seem like a great pair, but pull them apart and the looks sort of fall apart. Audience feedback on this one, please. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Hillary Clinton Looks Every Bit a Gilded Age Politician: Hillary Clinton, back at the Gala after 21 years, wears a sober maroon gown. Instead of taking inspiration from “the Astors and the Vanderbilts,” Vogue wrote, the designer, Joseph Alduzarra, took inspiration from friendship quilts — even embroidering the names of inspirational women along the collar. While it’s a lovely dress, understated isn’t really what we’re looking for here. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Hamish Bowles, Hats Off To You: It wouldn’t be the Met Gala without fashion legend and Vogue editor Hamish Bowles. If you want a prime example for how to stay on theme and look classic doing it. Hamish is your guy! Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Phoebe Bridgers Looks Like a Gilded Goddess: Stop. Stop! No one gave Phoebe Bridgers the approval to look this amazing in her sequin dress. But you don’t need approval when you’re a goddess, now do you? Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
It’s a Janicza x Schiaparelli Kind of Night: Janicza Bravo, director of the award-nominated film ‘Zola,’ takes on the theme with a twist, donning Schiaparelli, with a bold, glam-rock look. It’s giving fashion insider but edgy — our type of style. Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
It’s the Hat For Us: Leslie Odom Jr. keeps it simple with a classic take on the black and white tux. But that hat! The whole fit is giving Matador bull fighter more than Gilded Age, but we stan. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Annie Suits Up: Annie Leibovitz has arrived with daughter Samuelle Leibovitz, dressed to kill in an oversized white suit. She looks great, though the pimp style truly thrived in the Seventies, not during the gilded era. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Elon Musk Is Possibly the Cringiest Part of the Night: Real-life Lex Luthor Elon Musk (who showed up with his mom) brought a certain authenticity to the party, given that he’s the closest thing we’ve got to a modern-day robber baron. That’s probably just a tux he had lying around. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Katy Perry Tones it Down: Katy Perry roared onto the red carpet in a black-and-white gown that showed bustle and leg. Turns out understated for her is Gilded Age for the rest of us. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Olivia Rodrigo Is Officially A Versace Gurl: Well, maybe not officially, but you can’t deny that she looks amazing in this lavender Versace mesh dress and butterfly accessories. Fitting for the pop singer. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
Give Kid Cudi All the Capes: There weren’t nearly enough capes tonight, especially on men. Luckily, Kid Cudi rectified that, wearing this rich cobalt number (with an incredible flower print lining) over a matching suit, complete with ruffled sleeves and combat boots. Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety
