An In-Depth Outfit Analysis of the MET Gala

The 2021 Met Gala was themed “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”. Some outfits didn’t quite follow the theme, but as a whole, the event truly covered just about every facet of American fashion except for the mundane. The second Met Gala of the year in May will be titled “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”. It’s unclear how the stars will interpret the difference between the two, but if we learned anything from this Met Gala it’s that its participants were willing to tell a story and make a statement with their clothes. Below is a deep dive into five outfits, their designer, model, and story.

Lorde in Bode

Lorde arrived in a stunning two-piece gown and headdress designed by Emily Bode from her namesake brand. According to a statement by Bode, the look was “covered in American ephemera, from one thousand pressed pennies to 1920’s cabochons, and 1940’s celluloid Cracker Jack charms.” (Bode). In behind-the-scenes footage of the production, we can see that the entire garment was sewn by hand from found materials, including each appliqué. Twitter was quick to praise her adherence to the theme, but many also cracked jokes that she resembled a “female Jesus” with her headdress and hairstyle.

Kerby Jean-Raymond in Pyer Moss

The Pyer Moss visionary wore his own design to the event, taking a classic silhouette synonymous with American luxury and adding a modern pop with accessories. He added a vest over top of his outfit, a decision very in vogue these days, alongside a silver chain and bedazzled shoes. Jean-Raymond’s Pyer Moss has recently been in the news, with their first couture collection making him the first African American designer to show at couture week in its 150-year history. The collection paid homage to black inventors, with each look representing a black-designed invention. Pyer Moss is on a roll, and so is Kerby Jean-Raymond with his eye-popping use of color at this year’s Met Gala.

Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga

At an event where lavish hairstyles and luxury garments are on display, Kim Kardashian managed to stand out by remaining hidden. Flaunting a lavish train and high boots, Kim opted for an all-black look and a full face covering. This isn’t the first time that Kim has hidden herself: as part of her promotion for Kanye West’s Donda she has been sporting full-face coverings and all-black outfits designed by Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia, who arrived at the event in similar attire and was initially mistaken for Kanye. Kim received a lot of criticism for her outfit choice, especially for the odd choice of leaving a raw hem on the garment’s train. Nonetheless, this colorless outfit might be Kardashian’s boldest Met Gala choice yet.

Valentina Sampaio in an unidentified dress

Valentina Sampaio came to her first Met Gala dressed to impress. Her gown was a rich maroon color with exquisite draping, though her cape stole the show. This look was quickly a fan favorite, with many joking that she “understood the assignment.” Sampaio blew many away at her first Met Gala, but this hasn’t been the only big “first” she’s had recently. In 2019, she became the first transgender Victoria’s Secret model and was also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Valentina Sampaio killed it at this Met Gala, and I’m sure we’re all waiting to see what she comes up with for the next one.

Barbie Ferreira in Jonathan Simkhai

The Euphoria actress dropped jaws in her Jonathan Simkhai look made entirely from pearls. She stated that she was looking to follow the theme by honoring Old Hollywood burlesque glamour, and did just that in an eye-catching outfit that takes accessorizing to a new level by draping her only in the symbols of luxury.

Citations

Bode, Emily.[bodepersonal]. “Dress Construction”Instagram, September 13th, 2021