The last MET Gala was in 2019 with the theme of “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” and the attendees did not disappoint. Between the looks of celebrities such as Jared Leto and Lady Gaga, the audience felt as if the theme was accomplished. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the MET Gala was unable to be held in 2020, a significant disappointment to the entire fashion world and the historians in charge of upkeeping the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 2021 MET Gala was not quite the comeback we were hoping for. Only 1/3 of the usual guest list attended due to the pandemic and even less than that dressed to the theme. This year’s theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Some people took the theme almost too literally and dressed in Red, White, and Blue. One example is Megan Rapinoe. Meanwhile, some guests took the theme far too liberally, such as Kim Kardashian’s black head-to-toe bodycon dress. Here are a few of Diverse World Fashion’s top picks for on-theme costumes this year.
1. Lili Reinhart:
Lili Reinhart wore a dress created by designer Christian Siriano. She subverted the expectation of red, white, and blue by using a pastel pink color for the fabric of the bodice and lengthy train. The dress showcased all 50 states by having each of the official state flowers sewn onto the dress in a 3-dimensional fashion. Lili Reinhart’s outfit was funky, unconventional, unexpected, and ideally on theme in all the ways that count.
2. Jennifer Lopez:
Jennifer Lopez took a bit more of a literal route than Reinhart but still managed to surprise. Lopez’s outfit, designed by iconic American designer, Ralph Lauren, was Western-inspired. She shouldered a fur jacket over her two-toned leather gown with a plunging neckline. The dress was adorned with beads and feathers as she accessorized with a cowboy hat. Lopez’s outfit was stunning and fit the American Fashion theme.
3. Amandla Stenberg:
Amandla Stenberg also graced us with her presence at the 2021 MET Gala last Monday. Stenberg called inspiration from Black culture in America. Stenberg’s locks were meant to be the focal piece of her attire at the Gala. Her stylist, Vernon François, wrote in the caption of one of his latest Instagram Posts, “This is a first for me ~ creating a durag MADE WITH hair, instead of from material to cover the hair. It complements, elevates, and balances @amandlastenberg overall look while reflecting the theme of the night….The tie at the back is transformed into a dramatic train. I love how Amandla takes full ownership of it.” The durag is a piece of cloth meant to style Black hair and protect it as well. It is both aesthetic and functional, much like Stenberg’s look at this year’s Met Gala. Stenberg’s outfit not only fit the theme but paid tribute to one of the many unsung articles of America’s Lexicon of Fashion.
4. Lupita Nyong’o:
Lupita Nyong’o did not come to play at this year’s Met Gala! Nyong’o hair stylist was also the excellent Vernon Francois, who created the floating appearance and the front circular shapes in the afro. Her Versace gown is made of one of the most defining fabrics of American Fashion: Denim. In the beginning, denim was considered perfect for the blue-collar worker – durable and functional. Yet over time has become a staple of all kinds of fashion: Rosie the Riveter’s jumpsuit in the 40s, the bell bottom jeans of the 70s, denim purses in the 2000s, and more. Nyong’o rocked her denim corset, and ruffled train above the navy sparkle fabric of the underneath gown and fit the theme wonderfully. She earned her spot in our Top 5 on-theme outfits of the night.
5. Quannah Chasinghorse:
Quannah Chasinghorse is a 19-year-old indigenous person, Hän Gwich’in and Oglala Lakota, model whose debut at the Met Gala did not disappoint. L went viral after her appearance at this year’s MET Gala. And for a good reason! Quannah Chasinghorse understood the assignment. She wore a gold gown from designer Peter Dundas’ work with Revolve. Yet, what stood Chasinghorse apart from the other guests was her jewelry and traditional facial tattoos. She donned authentic Navajo turquoise and silver necklaces, earrings, septum piercings, and more. Chasinghorse was quoted telling Vogue, “They forget the history, let alone even know the history – it’s been invisibilized for years. But we’re starting to see more Indigenous people being uplifted and included, and it’s incredible to be a part of it.
Comments