The 2021 Met Gala

The 2021 Met Gala was held Monday, September 13, 2021. The Met is a red carpet fundraiser held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This event is also known as “fashion’s biggest night out,” because of the wide variations of fashion and celebrities that come to the event. 

The theme, which is expressed in the star’s outfit of choice, for this year’s Met was “American Fashion.” In addition to A-list celebrities, every year, new stars are invited such as Olympians, TikTokers, and new artists. The Met was under fire when people first found out some TikTokers were invited. People did not like the idea of new people who aren’t “A-list celebrities” coming to the classy event. Only two of the rumored Tik Tokers came, Addison Rae and Dixie D’Amelio. 

Some of the major guests that attended the event were Rhianna, Megan Thee Stallion, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eillish, Kendall Jenner, Timothee Chalamet, and many more. Every one of the celebrities there wore something different and unique to the theme. Some took their own twist, and some stuck to the basics. 

For example, American politician and activist Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez wore a white off-the-shoulder gown with the words “Tax the Rich” on the back in red. She used the theme to seize an opportunity of using her voice on the topic of taxing the rich. AOC has received a lot of backlash from the dress. Some people think this is inappropriate since she is classified as rich herself, calling it “hypocrisy.” Some people even called it a contradiction because she went to an event where most of the attendees are rich. AOC realized when she chose to wear this dress that this would be the outcome, so she was prepared. 

Some celebrities stuck to a different perspective on the theme. Singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo wore Saint Laurent. The catsuit was black lace with a feathered neckline. This was more of an edgier turn for her. Now some may think this isn’t the American theme, but Rodrigo explained why she picked this. She explained, “I personally love American punk music, and I think Saint Laurent does a really good job of making punk rock feminine…” As you can see, not everyone went the direct route of American fashion, but instead took ways where it may not be as clear. 

Artist Megan Thee Stallion was one of the people who took the route of being inspired by another American celebrity. Megan told Vogue she was channeling her “Megan Monroe.” 

Another attendee who was inspired by another celebrity was Billie Eilish. She wore a long, pink ball gown by Oscar de la Renta. According to Eilish, the gown was inspired by the Holiday Barbie and, of course, Marilyn Monroe. 

Some celebrities decided to not even dress according to the theme. Kim Kardashian decided to do that this year by wearing a black, faceless morphsuit inspired by her husband, Kanye West. In the recent events of Kayne’s listening parties for his new album, Donda, he wore all black and a full mask to cover his entire face. Despite the interesting turn Kardashian took, the outfit never related to the theme nor did she speak on it. 

People all over had their opinions on who was the best dressed and did the best overall. A fan favorite was Iman in Harris Reed wearing a handmade gold leaf gown. Zoe Kravitz wore Saint Laurent in a completely sheer, sparkly diamond gown. Another favorite was Normani in Valentino wearing a dramatic big sleeved, long trained, yellow gown. Rhianna wore Balenciaga in a huge, voluminous black gown. Although these aren’t all the fan favorites, these are sure some of the most loved by the fashionistas. 

Overall, the Met Gala is a very important night for fashion. There are so many little and interesting details that go into every person’s outfits. Every outfit varies and is very unique. It shows the world to express yourself in fashion and to be independent instead of a follower in fashion. The 2021 Met Gala was definitely one to never forget!