Met Gala: What Looks Can We Expect To See?

In October 2022 the Met Gala 2023 theme was announced: “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”. The late, great creative director, considered by many to be the reason why Chanel is still around today, will be honoured by an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Vogue’s charity gala that accompanies this exhibition (hence the name Met Gala), will have guests from famous fashion houses, sports, entertainment and the media in attendance. While it is never explicitly cited as compulsory, it has become custom for all guests to dress in line with the theme of the exhibition they are there to support.

So with a month to go, what can we expect to see?

1. Classic Chanel

Lagerfeld was the creative director at Chanel from 1982–2000, so anything during this era would be in line with the theme. From the Chanel matching suits of the 80s and 90s to the now famous “CC” monogram that he is credited for introducing into the style pattern. Now, there is always the issue with vintage (clothing older than 20 years) that oftentimes they are too delicate and precious to be worn. Thus as a sign of respect they should be kept in archives, especially since with couture there is often only one version. The ready to wear pieces could avoid this issue however, providing a safer option.

2. Lagerfeld Personal Style

Unlike many of his creative director counterparts, Largerfeld had a very distinct style that nearly went as far as a costume. He was nearly exclusively publicly seen in a tailored suit with stiff collar and black sunglasses with his signature white hair in a low ponytail.

Now, this one is a bit trickier to get right as there is a fine line between a Lagerfeld inspired look and a Lagerfeld costume. Whoever dares and manages to get it right will easily be a contender for the best dressed of the night.

3. Largerfeld’s legacy

This category is a bit more obscure and focuses on highlighting his career outside of Chanel. His mentorship of Hervé Legér, his collaboration with Diesel, his work as a photographer and of course his own eponymous brand. Karl’s influence was and still is very wide reaching – there is lots to choose from.

In my opinion this would be the most fun to play with and a place for stylists and guests to show their fashion knowledge. Many may not know of the Legér connection,  his various collaborations or his photography career. The people with the most fashion clout may even have some exclusive, never before seen pieces that Lagerfeld made for them. Vogue editor-in-chief, Met gala chairwoman and Lagerfeld’s close friend Anna Wintour is likely to fall into this custom Chanel group.

Now, for the guests who have contracts with other fashion houses, I wonder what they will do. It would be remiss and borderline tone deaf to wear Valentino or Elie Saab to an event celebrating Lagerfeld but when you are paid millions to be seen in a brand at major events, legally I wonder if there’s a loophole for them to avoid this.

Regardless, bring on May, the time when anyone and everyone critiques fashion in mismatched pyjamas from the comfort of their cosy sofas. Who are you most excited to see? Tweet us and let us know here.

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