Discover the best of the best from the 2023 edition of one of the biggest nights in the world of fashion
On Monday, May 1, 2023, the biggest names in Hollywood and the who's who of the fashion industry came together at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for the highly-anticipated annual Met Gala. A grand celebration of fashion, the event is held as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, raising up to eight figures every year, and is timed with the opening of the institute's yearly exhibition.
The event has been organised and presided over by Anna Wintour since 1995, with a changing roster of official co-chairs, which, this year, included screenwriter and actress Michaela Coel, Oscar-winning actress Penélope Cruz, tennis legend Roger Federer and global music sensation Dua Lipa. Each was chosen for their contributions to popular culture and they come from different segments of the industry.
While what truly goes on at the event remains a secret – given the strict no cameras and mobile phones policy – it's the red carpet that takes the spotlight. Over the years, the event has served up some of the most memorable moments in fashion, cue Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé and Rihanna, all in keeping with the year's dress code. Remember Blake Lively's dramatic dress transformation last year?
For the 2023 edition, the costume exhibition titled 'Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty' celebrates the life and work of the legendary German fashion designer, through a showcase of more than 150 pieces, including his sketches. The dress code was 'in honour of Karl'. Given his illustrious career which has seen contributions to prominent fashion houses like Fendi, Chanel, Chloé, Balmain and more – in addition to his eponymous label – there was no shortage of inspiration for this year's attendees. We saw some stunning custom ensembles from some of the world's biggest brands that paid homage to Lagerfeld’s signatures, including his Chanel tweeds and his own black-and-white staple.
Now, on to our showcase of the best dressed from the 2023 Met Gala Red Carpet.
Dua Lipa, who served as co-chair this year, honored the late German fashion designer by wearing one of his Chanel Haute Couture bridal gowns. Lipa’s knitted corset gown was originally modeled by Lagerfeld’s longtime muse, Claudia Schiffer, during the Chanel couture fall/winter 1992 show.
Anne Hathaway looked breathtaking in a strapless safety pin dress by Versace, designed à la Lagerfeld with white tweed, pearl accents and camellia flower details.
Olivia Wilde an outfit by Chloé’s current designer Gabriela Hearst based on a 1983 design Lagerfeld made while spearheading the French house.
While it might be a lesser adventurous choice compared to his crystal cobra tuxedo during his last Met Gala experience in 2017, co-chair Roger Federer kept it super classy in a dapper Dior tux at this year's event.
Kim Kardashian wore a dress made entirely of pearls by Schiaparelli. It also featured a silky corset bodice in a golden hue and a maximalist jacket. She finished the ensemble with a diamond-and-pearl choker, diamond stud earrings, white sandals encrusted with pearls and a pearl anklet.
Stormzy dressed to impress in a royal blue and black suit by Burberry, featuring a subtle floral design and stylish silver zip on his chest.
Michaela Coel joined her fellow co-chairs by showcasing her custom, sheer Schiaparelli Haute Couture dress enriched with gold embellishments, mixed stones and dazzling crystals.
While pink is the colour of the season for Margot Robbie, who will soon be seen in the titular role in the upcoming live-action Barbie film, on the Met Gala red carpet, she stunned in a black Chanel number.
Rihanna took maternity style to the next level. While she arrived fashionably late, she made it worth it with her elaborate white gown by Valentino and a voluminous top embellished with massive fabric camellias.
Doja Cat and Jared Leto (below) both made sure that Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat, Choupette, stayed top of mind at the gala by channeling the blue cream Birman with their looks. Leto sported the cat itself in costume, while the Grammy-winning rapper wore a hooded Oscar de la Renta gown, complete with cat ears, feline facial prosthetics and sharpened talons on her nails.
Co-chair Penelope Cruz served one of the Met Gala’s best looks with her vintage Chanel bridal gown.
Cardi B proved that she always delivers with her Chenpeng Studio custom creation. Camellia flowers feature on her skirt, while her white shirt paid homage to the late designer.
In a 2004 advertising campaign for the iconic Chanel N°5 perfume, Nicole Kidman wore a custom Chanel pink silk tulle dress, with a lengthy, four-metre round train. Almost 20 years later, she turned heads on the Met Gala red carpet with the same creation.
And, finally, Gigi Hadid proved that she understood the assignment with her sheer gown featuring silver details, custom-made by Givenchy.
