All the Stars (and stripes): The Best looks from this year’s Met Gala

By Jason Kwame

After a year hiatus, the Met Gala was back in full effect, and your faves wasted no time going all out for another legendary night of fashion and creativity.

This year’s theme In America: A lexicon of Fashion and the two-part exhibitions for 2021 and 2022 celebrated all eras of USA style: from the denim fits, Hollywood Glamour to the classic looks from iconic designers like Mr America himself Ralph Lauren.

The attendees made sure to pay homage to the Land of Freedom: there were the subtle hints of patriotism, from symbolic star-like accessories, hair stencils and finishes, blue eyeshadows and even a statue of Liberty inspired book accessory. More importantly though, this year without a doubt reiterated the diversity of American talent and importance of a variety of creative perspectives.

Black designers and stylists like caribbean-inspired Theophilio (who dressed both model Alton Mason and athlete Sha’carri Richardson in immaculately powerful pieces), the well-sought after Law Roach, and fashion-designer-slash-design-historian Kerby Jean-Raymond all represented the rise of black creativity being recognised in the mainstream fashion. Lewis Hamilton made it his mission to give more black designers a seat at the table – literally. He made sure to buy a table at the MET, where his guests included designer Kenneth Nicholson, Kenn (as well as Theophilo and Roach). We can only hope this is a sign of things to come! 

Also, what better way to celebrate American fashion than to have the best dress of the new gen co-chair? Billie Eilish, actor Timothee Chamelet, World number one tennis star Naomi Osaka and poet Amanda Gorman were given that honour this time around. Here are some favourites from the years biggest link up: 

Pharrell and his wife Helen Laischanh repped America’s long cowboy history in sleek and simple white-trimmed leather outfits and gold tipped boots by Chanel. 

Chloe and Halle Bailey stood strong together in Rodarte, with Chloe in a sultry, caped white dress, and Halle shimmering like a quintessential Vegas show girl (or Tina Turner) in a lilac tassel number.

Jennifer Lopez understood the assignment, with a provocatively traditional Ralph Lauren outfit paying homage to the Wild West wrangler, going all out with the belt, dusty distressing, vulture-like feathers and tattered hat to match.

Lil Uzi Vert, Amandla Stanberg and Erykah Badu were the perfect, eccentric match and took the kids to school in tailored & uniformed, reimagined three piece suits by American designer Thom Browne. Browne kept to the script, experimenting with ideas of masculinity and femininity, along with his iconic and funfair-whimsical crisp shirts, ties, fitted waistcoats, cardigans, and red, blue and white stripe finishes. Amandla even channeled the creativity and innovative spirit of community by styling her braids in the form of a durag! 

Steph and Ayesha Curry won major points for their Atelier Versace matching looks. Another three points are in order for the crystal detailing on the upper left sleeve of Steph’s blazer, to match his wife’s dazzling high slit dress. 

Chance the Rapper kept things clean and patriotic in a Ralph Lauren suit emblazoned with old American Olympic clippings. 

Gymnast Simone Biles raised the banner and carried the olympic gang on her back in a starry 88 pound crystal dress by AREA. The three-part outfit was like stuff of dreams: it featured a swirl design, swarovski crystal hand-encrusted train resembling clouds beneath her, and a star emblazoned black catsuit giving a night sky feel.

Despite missing the live red carpet coverage, Rihanna’s highly anticipated look still gave what it was supposed to give. She eventually rolled up in a Balenciaga couture gown, which reinterpreted the New Yorker puffer parka jacket – with a beanie (or skully if we’re talking real NY) to match. The Bad Gal topped it off with a bejewelled, icy headpiece and necklace by Maria Tash. It was only right that her fashion co-equal Asap Rocky accompanied her in a blanket-style shawl of many colours by rising brand ERL. Rihanna also opted for a black sheer cutout skirt, cropped black t-shirt and lace veil for her official Met Gala Party.

If Rih’s outfit was anything to go by, we know the party was lit!

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