Met Gala 2023: The much-awaited Met Gala 2023, held on May 1 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, was a star-studded night with big names from various professional fields gracing the red carpet in their fashionable footwear. The theme of this year’s gala was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” paying tribute to the legendary fashion designer. The Met Gala is not only the biggest night in American fashion but also the most highly anticipated red carpet-event for celebrity enthusiasts. Participants’ efforts ranged from classic looks to outrageous outfits, showing the huge influence Lagerfeld has had on the fashion industry over the last half century. Let’s take a look at some of the standout ensembles from the Met Gala 2023 that either impressed or fell short of expectations. (Also read: Met Gala 2023: From Gigi Hadid to Jared Leto, Who Wore What? )
The best and worst looks from the Met Gala 2023
Doza the cat
Doja Cat’s Met Gala 2023 look nods to Karl Lagerfeld’s love of cats. She wore a silver Oscar de la Renta dress complete with cat ears and facial prosthetics that transformed her into a humanized cat. The dress was a playful and creative tribute to Lagerfeld’s affection for cats. It’s safe to say that if the 2019 film adaptation of Cats could see Doza Cat’s look, it would be jealous. Overall, her unique and eye-catching piece was a hit at the event.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is known for her controversial Met Gala outfits, from her “wet dress” in 2019 to her Marilyn Monroe-inspired look last year. However, this year’s outfit left us feeling disappointed and underwhelmed. It seemed to symbolize the decline of his empire, lacking any inspiration or creativity. Instead of a bold and sexy nod to her 2007 Playboy shoot with some pearls and lots of skin, she wore a waist trainer with a clumsy nude panel. Overall, Kardashian’s outfit was lackluster and didn’t live up to her past Met Gala looks.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish was a standout at last year’s Met Gala, which made the nearly identical outfit choice for this year’s event all the more disappointing. While the dress features sheer sleeves and a fitted bodice, the fact that it’s essentially the same design, albeit in a different color, feels like a regression in fashion rather than a step forward. Lagerfeld’s designs were innovative and forward-thinking, making this type of dress repetition all the more critical. Billie Eilish is known for her unique style, and it’s unfortunate that she chose such a casual choice for the 2023 Met Gala.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa stunned at the 2023 Met Gala in a vintage Chanel gown that outdid royalty. The white dress featured a figure-hugging corset bodice with a low neckline, a full skirt with pockets, and tassels trimming the hem. She wore a long silver necklace and wore her black hair down. The dress was originally designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld as part of Chanel’s Fall/Winter 1992 collection. Lipa’s outfits paid homage to the legendary designer and also showcased her own unique style and elegance. With her stunning ensemble, the “Levitating” singer made sure all eyes were on her as she hit the Met Gala red carpet.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner’s Met Gala dress may have missed the mark for such a major fashion event. While her hair and earrings were stunning, the rest of her look fell short. The cheeky design seemed to take inspiration from gymnastics leotards, but the mishmash of references made it feel more like a dress than a costume. Despite this, we can’t deny that the group is surprisingly attractive and suits Jenner well. Thigh-high boots are a standout feature, but pairing them with black sheer hose can be a good option. Overall, it’s a bold look that doesn’t quite hit the mark but still manages to make a statement.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
The queen of the Met Gala has arrived, and she’s brought her king with her. Rihanna stunned in a white floral gown adorned with structural flowers that seemed to flow around her head like a hooded cape. The look was complete with a pair of dark sunglasses that only added to her effortless cool. Her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, did not disappoint, sporting a black dress coat, red tartan kilt with train, and embellished jeans. He topped off his look with a stack of Gucci belts and a skinny black tie, proving once again how this pair knows how to make a statement.
Anne Hathaway
The actress wore a white dress embellished with gold sequins that featured a daring slit shaped like paper clips. She also carried a matching jacket and wore a silver necklace while styling her hair in a half ponytail. While some details like the floral bust can be questioned, the overall look is a clever mix of the iconic Versace safety pin dress and the iconic Chanel tweed, oozing with retro sex appeal that is sure to grab attention.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner got ready for the 2023 Met Gala, not wanting her sister to be the only one on the worst-dressed list. Although at first, it looked like she decided to show off in her silk pajamas, a closer look revealed that she was actually channeling her inner Jessica Rabbit. Her choice of a floor-length red gown was a departure from other guests who opted for Lagerfeld or Choupette-inspired outfits.
Cardi B
Cardi B proved once again why she is a fashion icon at the Met Gala 2023. The rapper stunned on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a Chenpeng Studio ballgown, in keeping with this year’s “In Honor of Carl” theme. The gown featured a white shirt collar and tie, a black bodice with silver studs, and a full black skirt with quilted overlays and sculptural rosettes reminiscent of Chanel’s boy bags.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt made her Met Gala red carpet debut in a white bridal gown designed by Nepali-American fashion designer Prabal Gurung. The dress featured a long train, corseted finish, and vintage white shade inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic bridal collection at Chanel. It was a perfect tribute to the late designer as this year’s Met Gala celebrates his legacy with an exhibition. Alia posed for the paparazzi on the iconic staircase of The Met Museum, looking stunning in her ensemble.