Red Carpet Reviews: Met Gala 2022
Glitz and Gilded Glamour
Written by Jessica Katz, Online Editor, Zack Zens and Ava McNarney, Fashion Staff Writers, Erin Galioto, Fashion Staff Member, and Clara Padgham, Contributing Writer
Photo compiled by Jessica Katz
With last year’s Met Gala creating fashion moments that were less than stunning, almost as if the hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic made celebrities forget how to dress, this year’s re-focus on the American fashion iconography, in demonstrating Gilded Glamour has not made the same mistakes. In a sort of dazzling display of wealth and power, the world’s playmakers and celebrities romp with absolute shamelessness, traipsing around in lace, wedding aesthetics and gold gold gold. This year’s focus on reinventing upcycled couture for a new event is truly sensational, ranking among the Billie Ellish and Kim Kardashian’s who bring the past to present narratives of cultural significance.
This year has also seen the addition of several other controversial and contemporary figures, vastly expanding the class of elites which intermingle Hollywood show business and titans of industry. The irony of this theme mirrors the Gilded Age of the last century, yet this awareness and the extreme wealth of a few, still greatly pervades the wealth of most.
Best Dressed:
Emma Chamberlain lived out our teenage dreams by interviewing many of our favorite stars for Vogue, including Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes and Gigi Hadid (Baio, 2022). Not to mention, at the end of his interview, Jack Harlow shouted to Chamberlain, “I love you!” Oh. My. God. In terms of her look, Chamberlain was spot on, stunning in a custom two-piece by Louis Vuitton featuring a yellow-puff sleeve top (Parker, 2022). As Cartier’s newest ambassador, Chamberlain was dripping in jewels—a diamond choker and sparkly, dangling earrings. With the combination of her tiara and icy blond bob, Chamberlain’s look was the perfect modern take on the theme.
When Kaia Gerber stepped onto the carpet, she took our breath away. The model wore a sparkling silver Alexander McQueen gown with midriff cutouts and dangling sequin paillettes (Van Paris, 2022), but it was her hair that stole the show—long luscious curls secured with a pair of diamante barrettes. The drama of the hair, done by hairstylist Guido Palau, was balanced perfectly by her soft makeup. Gerber exuded glamor and power in this dazzling look.
Dakota Johnson’s look was fifty shades of gorgeous! Johnson walked the carpet in a ruby robe paired with a sheer bejeweled black jumpsuit designed by Gucci (Van Paris, 2022). According to makeup artist Georgie Eisdell, Johnson had a rock ‘n roll muse for this look, which was seen through her smokey eye and slightly mussed fringe. “We are always inspired by music and rock and roll, so we leaned into the glitz, glamor, and shine of the bodysuit and brought that into the eye,” said Eisdell. Johnson may not have been on-theme, but let’s be honest—she looked hot.
Many of us had no idea what to expect for this year’s Met, but I don’t think anyone expected Sebastian Stan to show up in a head-to-toe hot pink moment (Kimble, 2022). Stan wore a Valentino pink overcoat, matching long sleeve shirt, bomber jacket and trousers, complete with hot pink shoes and matching laces. To our surprise, this look does fit the theme, as Fuschia dye was first synthesized in the mid-19th century (Cooksey & Dronsfield, n.d.). Stan is killing it in this monochromatic ensemble!
Genesis Suero wasn’t afraid to go where some of the highest-profile guests wouldn’t. Although the Spanish-language broadcaster wasn’t technically invited into the Met Gala, she still understood the assignment. Suero’s flawless golden beaded gown, designed by New York designer Lucia Rodriguez, was something out of a Disney movie (Ng, 2022). She gave us everything this year’s theme was asking for—and more. With a look this exceptional, I’m surely not the only one wondering if Suero has earned herself a spot on next year’s guest list.
Sarah Jessica Parker checked off every box in her Christopher John Rogers gown (Allaire, 2022). The corset-like bodice and voluminous skirt are perfect aspects of the Met’s honored time period. Plus her over-the-top headpiece is absolutely to die for. If you’re a fan of Rogers you might have been surprised that the often colorful designer constructed a black and white gown, but the history and inspiration are more beautiful than any look. The dress pays homage to a gingham design made by Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley in 1860. She was the first black female designer in the White House. Rogers and Parker felt it necessary to address the race disparity that took place during the Gilded Age while also honoring a designer that broke boundaries. We love the historical reference for this jaw-dropping ensemble!
As someone who had a small obsession with the Felicity American Girl Doll movie, Shawn Mendes’ look hits the marks. The Tommy Hilfiger ensemble took on an unexpected American-esque colorway and gave a nod to what the most fashionable men were wearing in the Gilded Age (Garner, 2022). The popped collar and asymmetrical colors gave Mendes a modern twist, and his rings and heeled boots made him match royalty. Not to mention, the look was entirely sustainable. Hopefully, Mendes will continue on his red carpet redemption.
Although no one can argue that Iris Van Harpen’s designs are impressive and immaculately crafted, some looked out of place and a bit too extraterrestrial for this year’s theme. However, Teyana Taylor’s voluptuous violet dress was one exception and the perfect New Age twist on Gilded Glamour (Wally 2022). The glamorous gown featured vibrant, purple and indigo watercolors along the handkerchief train, pouf sleeves and sleek cutouts that were both tasteful and interesting. Among other gorgeous jewels that adorned her perfectly manicured nails, she accessorized her look with a whimsical headpiece that resembled rose stems and framed her face like the piece of art it is. Obsessed.
Bella Hadid put a sexy twist on Gilded Glamour in a black leather bodysuit embellished with side chains, plus tulle sleeve gloves, stockings and a floor-length lace train, all designed by Burberry (Frey, 2022). The strand of Briony Raymond pearls roped around her ankle added the perfect touch of glamor. The look was a nod to sex workers, as between 1850 and 1910, New York City became a hub for commercialized prostitution (Baysal, 2022). Although the Gilded Age was an era of wealth and prosperity, many women resorted to working at brothels due to extreme poverty. These women wore often tight corsets and black stockings with their hair half-up half-down and large curls. Hadid’s look, vice and BDSM-esque, was the perfect modern rendition of the sex workers of the Gilded Age.
With a brighter-than-life Versace chain ensemble, Cardi B sent waves of light, reflected off the over one mile of gold chain used to fashion the dress into one piece (Fishman, 2022). Cardi’s arms, dripping with links of gold and other gemstones, fall down in strings of powerful magnitude, creating a persona of defiance and personal power which ranks among that of a modern Cleopatra. To solve this bold ensemble, a deluge of gold chains surround Cardi’s neck and her hair kept up in a beehive embody the American sense of a hunger for the beautiful, powerful and striking. Though this look is not the train and show of last time, it is no less powerful and stunning.
Megan Thee Stallion is no stranger to making moves on the Red Carpet, and her Moschino gown, gilded and encrusted with golden feathers, could as well be an angel rendered on the finest frescoes of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel (Garner & Merrett, 2022). The dress, exquisitely sequined from head to toe cannot help but sparkle from every angle. The fantastically intricate beading covering the dress is brought together by a simple sleek bun with gently swirled and laid edges framing Megan’s face. Though gold is a shoo-in for the theme of gilded glamor, Megan’s ensemble ultimately makes up for this simplicity with an amazingly strong and stunning attempt at rendering that theme creatively and effectively.
Olivia Rodrigo channeled ethereal beauty in a dazzling lavender Versace high-slit gown paired with matching platform heels (Tannenbaum & Escalante, 2022). The gown’s draped neckline and sheer gloves played into the theme of Gilded Glamour. Further, Olivia’s makeup artist Lilly Keys shared with Vogue her vision behind Rodrigo’s purple smokey purple eye. “I wanted to gild the goddess that is Olivia,” she said. “We wanted to achieve that dreamy, glamorous silent film era vision while still having that teenage rock star edge.” The two butterflies resting on her head added the perfect final touch to this dreamy fairy look.
The delicate pink flowers adorning Kiki Layne’s magenta Prabal Gurung gown reminded us of the frosted touches on a cake that are just too gorgeous to eat (Adelaide, 2022). Layne is accessorized with a pair of long white gloves and a brilliant crystal necklace, fulfilling all of our Renaissance Barbie dreams. This pink princess’ perfect afro crown took the look to a new level of polish. Layne chose to wear her hair naturally and use products from the iconic Black-owned beauty brand Fashion Fair as a nod to her African-American identity. Clearly, the actress knows how to steal the show with class, on and off the big screen.
Laura Harrier looked truly opulent in an H&M black-and-silver ball gown with a built-in corset and metallic detailing (Sanchez, 2022). She accessorized the look to theme with layers of chunky pearl necklaces, matching pearl drop earrings, silver eye shadow, and a sleek hairdo. Fans went crazy over this look, and we completely understand why; it was the perfectly modern take on the Gilded Age.
Blake Lively, Met Gala royalty, continued her reign after turning heads in a magnificent Atelier Versace gown (Davis, 2022). Lively said she wanted to pay tribute to the history of New York architecture. The rose gold dress we saw first emulated the Empire State building, and her giant bow only added to the opulence. Lively’s crown had seven prongs, just like the Statue of Liberty. Once ascending the stairs, the bow was undone and the gloves came off to reveal a blue train and blue gloves-a nod to Lady Liberty’s oxidation through the years. The pattern on the blue train was replicated from the constellations on the Grand Central Station ceiling. For something as grand as the Met, it seems easy for Lively to be a showstopper.
Biggest Flops:
While Emma Stone’s feather-hemmed white mini dress was certainly on-theme, it left us wanting more (Schonfeld, 2022). Compared to the extravagant gowns and suits typical of the Met, Stone’s look appeared rather dull out on the red carpet. The actress revealed that she chose to rewear her wedding afterparty dress to the event; Designer Louis Vuitton even posted a shot of Emma captioned “sartorial revival,” or “second life” in English. Cute, or careless? At least she’s thinking sustainably!
Did someone leave a highlighter on the carpet? Oh, nope; that’s just Gwen Stefani. We feel very confused by Stefani’s neon yellow Vera Wang two-piece gown and matching sleeves (Weinberg, 2022). The gown’s silhouette could be a reference to the theme, but while Stefani never fails to look gorgeous, this look just isn’t it. However, major props to Stefani for doing her own makeup!
Addison Rae seems to have missed the exit for senior prom and ended up on the Met steps. Her mirror-covered Michael Kors dress felt a little too similar to a Sherri Hill design, plus it was underwhelming for the occasion (Campano, 2022). The Met could have been an opportunity for the social media star to take one step closer to becoming a fashion “it girl,” but her look lacked maturity, ingenuity and theme. Hopefully Anna Wintour has an intervention before inviting her back.
Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor debuted her new, warm-brunette hair this Met in perfectly styled waves paired with minimal dusky-hued makeup. However, she chose not to give in her limp, sheer peplum gown. Designed by Louis Vuitton, the dress just didn’t hit the mark and was a bit of a letdown compared to the beautiful and extravagant costumes she wears on the hit show (Thompson, 2022).
While Tommy Dorfman made a valiant attempt at successfully executing the theme, her Kristopher Kane gown fell surprisingly short of the haute couture feel expected for the Met. In the end, the sea moss coloration of the gown, which could be latex or a leatherette fabric, makes the whole ensemble feel more like a costume for a dominatrix princess than a Met Gala moment (Garner, 2022). The mismatching black opera gloves, also, did little to help the ensemble. With the top of the gown having several ovular shapes, it seems like the designer was running out of ideas to fill the space in a flattering manner, and settled on mere kind-of-circles.
For someone who wrote and starred in a musical that has costuming similar to the Gilded Age, you would think Lin-Manuel Miranda would want to wow. His look, which was designed by Hamilton costumer Paul Tazewell, was on-theme but so boring (Bein, 2022). The Met is a celebration of art and fashion, and Miranda came dressed in a blander Alexander Hamilton costume. We would have loved to see a little bit more innovation from him!
Kylie Jenner chose to ditch the night’s theme, to rather, honor the late Virgil Abloh and celebrate his legacy (Bailey et al., 2022). Jenner walked the carpet in a bridal look based on Off-White’s fall 2022 finale. We adore Abloh and love the idea of this look, but something about the backward baseball cap, the mesh tee and the gown itself just felt awkward to us.
Gigi Hadid showed up to the carpet in what would have been a killer after-party look, but a big miss for the actual theme. Designed by Versace, the deep red latex jumpsuit featured a matching corset and pointed-toe boots and finished with a voluminous, floor-length puffer coat. Apparently, the look was supposed to resemble the “volume and dramatic change in womenswear silhouettes of the late 1800s” (Frey, 2022), but she ended up just looking like a holiday dominatrix.
As usual, a flock of men bored us in plain black suits. While others shined on the carpet, Austin Butler, James Cordon, Andrew Saffir, Daniel Benedict, Andy Blankenbuehler, Kieran Culkin, Jacob Elordi, Bradley Cooper, Ansel Elgort (Why was he even invited?) and many many more did absolutely nothing for us.
In a category of her own…
The Met is just another day in the office for Kim Kardashian, but the media personality, socialite, model, business mogul, law student (the list goes on and on)... never fails to turn heads. Kardashian graced the Met steps in Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress accessorized with a fur coat and Pete Davidson (Nnadi, 2022). But of course it’s not a Kardashian Met look without a little controversy. Critics dubbed Kardashian’s look as boring, off theme, Skims 2.0 and disrespectful to Monroe. Although I have no way of contacting Ms. Monroe, I would hope she is excited her dress can get out of the Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum and onto the body of a woman who shares many parallels to her. Both were dubbed as controversial by the media in their respective time periods, and both rose above their stigmas to become incredibly successful and iconic women. As for the dress being boring, I think its history brings excitement, and the only reason it looks like Skims is because of the simple silhouette and nude colorway (two things that will continue to be around long after Skims). Although the dress may not fit into the time period of the Met theme, it still touches on the glamor and iconography of New York City. Marilyn Monroe was modern gilded age royalty, and that torch has now been passed down to Kim Kardashian.
Sources:
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