Met Gala 2023 pays tribute to Karl Lagerfeld with stunning fashion ensembles

The historic night celebrated fashion and culture in a rather purr-fect way.

The Met Gala 2023 has finally come to a close, leaving the fashion world mesmerised once again. This year’s theme was Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty which paid tribute to the fashion designer who passed away in 2019. While the theme was marred by controversy, it was still a night to remember, celebrating fashion and its influence on culture. The gala was attended by the creme de la creme of the entertainment and fashion industry and the guest list dressed to impress, paying homage to Karl’s signature style. Here’s a list of the best dressed:

Rihanna

The fashion world bows down to the queen of the Met Gala – Rihanna. The singer donned a custom-made gown and cape by Valentino. Her silk faille dress, with its impressive five-metre train and a hem stretching over 14 metres was a true masterpiece, hugging her baby bump. Rihanna’s cape was adorned with 30 beautiful camellias, each composed of 500 petals. It took 30 talented seamstresses to make this gorgeous dress.

A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky turned heads in a show-stopping Gucci outfit that paid homage to Karl. A black blazer over a crisp white dress shirt, combined with a high-low red plaid pleated kilt layered over bedazzled baggy jeans, made for a jaw-dropping ensemble. The outfit was a nod to Karl’s runway closing look for Chanel in 2004.

Jared Leto

A gigantic, fluffy, white Burmese cat with piercing blue eyes climbed up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, paying homage to Karl’s beloved pet, Choupette. But it wasn’t just any cat! As cameras zoomed in, it was revealed that the feline was none other than the dashing actor Jared Leto, bringing a whole new level of excitement to the already thrilling event.

Lil Nas X

The red carpet sizzled as Grammy Award-winner Lil Nas X made his grand entrance in a jaw-dropping ensemble that left little to the imagination. The musician made a bold statement and gleamed like a million stars. His body was adorned with sparkling silver body paint, bejewelled Swarovski crystals, and pearls. He even took it up a notch with a matching bejewelled eye mask and manicure. Purely daring and unapologetic, his appearance was a show-stopping moment that is sure to go down in Met Gala history.

Doja Cat

We can’t get enough of Doja Cat. The rapper made her Met debut in an Oscar de la Renta gown that paid tribute to Karl’s pet cat. The dress featured a hood with adorable cat ears, a mermaid silhouette with silver sequins, and a jaw-dropping white feather train. It took over 5,000 hours to create the dazzling piece, which was adorned with 350,000 silver and white beads. Her diamond headpiece and delicate diamond chain arm cuff perfectly complemented her black cat eyeliner and feline-inspired nose. We’re paw-sitively obsessed with her purr-fect ensemble.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega rocked the goth-meets-schoolgirl look. Her black and white ensemble featured a schoolgirl bow at the neck, a nod to her character Wednesday Addams, and was complemented with plenty of gold chains and pearls, Karl’s favourite accessories. In fact, the young actress donned Marli New York’s Cleo Diamond Drop Earrings and Cleo Full Diamond Slim Ring, created by Syrian designer Maral Artinian.

Pedro Pascal

The fashionistas have blessed us with Pedro Pascal’s latest look. The star was dressed to impress in a head-to-toe Valentino ensemble. He donned a red double wool oversized coat with a scarf, paired with black wool shorts and a black silk faille tie featuring a gold metal V. His red oversized shirt added a pop of colour that perfectly complemented his coat.

Gigi Hadid

Supermodel Gigi Hadid looked absolutely stunning in a custom-made Givenchy Haute Couture outfit. She wore a show-stopping black asymmetrical draped tulle dress that was embellished with feathers in a lace pattern. The dress also had metal corset bones set with flowers and was worn with matching short gloves and black silk satin pumps set with crystal rings.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian brought some serious glamour to the carpet honouring Karl with her custom Schiaparelli ensemble. The reality TV star channelled Karl’s love for pearls by draping strands of them over her SKIMS shapewear. Now that’s one way to market your brand.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway brought some 90s supermodel glamour. Wearing a Swarovski crystal-embellished dress by Versace and a Bulgari coin necklace, the star embodied Karl’s celebration of women and craftsmanship. The dress is a tribute to the shared ’90s experience and with this look, Anne looks powerful, feminine, stunning, and iconic, just like Karl’s dresses made women feel. 

Jennifer Lopez

JLo’s custom Ralph Lauren gown featured a silky velvet halter top paired with a flowing silk satin skirt. The floral collar looked like it was plucked straight from a magical garden and the attention to detail was insane. Fun fact: Each petal was heated and moulded by hand to create the perfect natural shape.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope’s larger-than-life train stole the show – quite literally. The Balmain masterpiece was so grand that it took five people to help move it up the steps of the Met. But it wasn’t just the size that impressed onlookers, it was the design that really blew everyone away. The train was adorned with a massive photo of Karl. Who needs a red carpet when you can walk on your personal work of art?

Brooklyn Beckham

Hold onto your hats, fashion lovers, because Brooklyn Beckham just rocked the red carpet in a seriously stylish Valentino ensemble. The young star was dressed to the nines in a sleek black tailored blazer paired with silk satin trousers and an elegant silk scarf. And let’s not forget the sheer black chiffon shirt and black silk-faille tie that completed the look. The entire outfit was expertly styled making Brooklyn a true fashion icon in the making – much like his mother, Victoria Beckham.

Serena Williams

Tennis superstar Serena Williams had a major announcement to make – she’s pregnant with her second child. She arrived at the event with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, making it “three of us” on the red carpet. Now that’s one way to make a statement.

Maluma

The Latin heartthrob donned a tailored ensemble that is simply swoon-worthy. He rocked a sleek plastron and matching trousers crafted entirely in gorgeous grey leather. But it’s the fringe-embellished silk scarf that really stole the show. The scarf is embroidered with the words of Karl Lagerfeld himself, from a note he wrote to the former creative director of Hugo Boss, Werner Baldessarini, back in 1998.

Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah, the man who never fails to make us laugh, also didn’t fail to make a fashion statement. The comedian rocked the red carpet in a daring ensemble by Thom Brown. Known for his unconventional approach to fashion, Thom has made a name for himself by redefining modern-day attire. And Trevor certainly looked every inch the trendsetter in his creation.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart showed up looking like a boss in her Chanel ensemble. The actress paid tribute to Karl with a sharp and sophisticated black-and-white blazer, cropped trousers, and a chic three-pronged tie. She completed the look with low-rise loafers and a gold Chanel belt buckle.

David Byrne

Hold on to your handlebars. David Byrne just biked his way onto the Met Gala red carpet, and we’re absolutely loving it. The former Talking Heads frontman swapped out the traditional limousine for a bike with a basket and bell to make his grand entrance. It looks like David is not just making a statement with his music, but also with his unique and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman brought a piece of cinematic history with her. The actress arrived in a stunning blush feather dress with tulle bows that were straight out of a dream. The gown was the same one she wore in the iconic Chanel No.5 commercial. Nicole looked like an absolute vision in the feathered frock, proving that some things truly are timeless. Yet another Met Gala moment that will go down in fashion history.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi managed to turn heads with his stylish and unique outfit. The director and actor opted for a floor-length gunmetal silver blazer with black lapels that was the perfect balance between suave and quirky. He paired it with white trousers and patent black shoes, adding a touch of bling.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning Chanel gown fit for royalty. The cream-coloured dress featured intricate black trim and a fringed hemline, giving it a regal touch. But what really takes this look to the next level is the 200-carat Tiffany & Co. necklace that Dua wore around her neck, making her the ultimate modern-day Cinderella.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz just transported us back to the ’80s with her stunning outfit. The Spanish actress arrived at the event in a sheer hooded gown from Chanel Couture’s 1988 collection. The dress was a masterpiece, featuring a shawl collar embroidered with shimmering silver sequins. To add even more elegance to the look, she paired it with a matching belt that had a Chanel logo and a circular pearl buckle.

Alia Bhatt

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt made her Met debut last night and gave us major bridal vibes in her gorgeous white gown. With 100,000 pearls embroidered on it, this dress is fit for a queen – or in this case, a Bollywood princess. Designer Prabal Gurung truly outdid himself with this masterpiece.

But it looks like the Met Gala missed one of its biggest stars this year. Blake Lively, former Gossip Girl actress and Met Gala co-chair was nowhere to be seen. She had earlier revealed that she wouldn’t be walking the red carpet at the highly-anticipated event. This time around she watched the glamorous affair from the comfort of her couch. The actress gave birth to her fourth child just months ago and it’s understandable if she wanted to spend the night with her family instead. 

An unexpected stir occurred when Kendrick Lamar refused to walk the red carpet. However, it is currently unclear why he decided to skip the furore. Hold on, that’s not all that happened.

A lone cockroach made a surprise appearance on the red carpet, sending guests into a frenzy. Amidst the chaos, some up-close shots of the uninvited critter were captured which quickly went viral. Despite efforts to shoo it away, the roach remained undeterred, scurrying around and causing a commotion. Sadly, the cockroach’s glamorous dreams were cut short as it reportedly MET its demise before making it inside the actual MET. Talk about a buzzkill.

The night is undoubtedly one that will go down in history. 

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