Each year, on the first Monday in May, Vogue, Condé Nast, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art throw a glamorous party for fashion’s most influential icons. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 Met Gala was postponed from last May to this past September. A spot on this guest list is highly coveted and promises not only the opportunity to attend the Met Gala, but to dress up in a creative outfit based on the theme of each year’s event. However, what many people may not know is that the theme reflects a newly installed fashion exhibition at the museum. Annie Bailis, Senior Manager of Media Relations for the Met, explained, “The Gala is an event that celebrates the opening of the exhibition.” 

So, what was the exhibit behind the 2021 Met Gala? The stars in attendance this year were challenged to dress up based on their interpretation of the exhibit “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” The exhibit’s  description on the Met’s website includes a statement from Max Hollein, the Marina Kellen French Director of The Met, who explains, “This two-part exhibition considers how fashion reflects evolving notions of identity in America and explores a multitude of perspectives through presentations that speak with powerful immediacy to some of the complexities of history.” The exhibit’s next installment will open in May of 2022, which will receive its very own Met Gala. Keep an eye out for an article about that one! Below, five writers review some popular Gala looks on their overall style and how they related to the theme.

Timothée Chalamet’s Gala ensemble––a white tuxedo jacket with black lapels, white sweatpants, and white Converse––was a simpler look than expected. The look was created by French designer Haider Ackermann who took inspiration from the American style of blending formal wear with lounge wear. In order to balance the contrast in styles, the ensemble was all white. While the designer of this outfit is not American, the design still pays homage to American fashion by taking inspiration from a more everyday American style.

https://www.vogue.com/article/timothee-chalamet-met-gala-2021-haider-ackermann 

Written by Alexis Muchnik

Lily Rose Depp’s Gala look fit the theme nicely. She wore a stunning pink Chanel two-piece, with gorgeous flowers and black accents. Her outfit is a nod to the era of 1950s women's fashion. She chose to mirror the style of the iconic Pink Ladies from the 1978 movie “Grease,” and this era of fashion plays a monumental role in America’s history. In conclusion, Lily’s lovely outfit was a perfect take on the 2021 theme of “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.”

Written by Annabelle Pantzer

Lili Reinhart looked gorgeous in her sheer Christian Siriano gown, which consisted of a corset top attached to a flowy bottom. Adorned with the state flowers from every U.S. state, her outfit was a more straightforward take on the Gala’s “In America” theme than some of the more symbolic looks of the night. My only critique is the choice to keep her hair straight: a bolder, more memorable style would have made her look “pop” more. 

Written by Estelle Anderson

Amanda Gorman became a household name after she captivated millions with her inaugural poem. Sticking with the “In America” theme, Gorman honed in on New York, as the 3,000 glittering stones on her dress were designed to represent the New York City skyline. Her book-shaped clutch, engraved with the words “Give us your tired” also channeled the Statue of Liberty. In a recent interview, Gorman noted that her Jennifer Behr crystal headpiece, which resembled a laurel crown, was intended to “symbolize [her] experience as a laureate.” Though, I do question the choice to wear a headpiece made with crystals as it seems contradictory to her representation of Lady Liberty.

Written by Maxwell Steinberg

Met Gala co-chair Naomi Osaka’s look was a celebration of multiculturalism and diversity in American fashion. Designer Nicolas Ghesquière of Louis Vuitton helped the tennis star and her sister Mari bring their vision to life: a thrilling, bright ensemble that paid homage to their Hatiain and Japanese roots. Decorated with Koi fish, a symbol very closely associated with Japanese cultural identity, the print of the dress was inspired by a watercolor painting made by Mari. The dress reflected the melting pot that is America, with the black ruffles of Haitain Quadrille on the sides of the dress and the obi of a kimono tied around her waist. Osaka masterfully celebrated the most beautiful feature of past, present, and future America: the beauty found when cultures, people, and ideas intermingle. 

Written by Lauren Gilman