With a theme as iconic as the late-designer Karl Lagerfeld, it was no surprise that this year’s Met Gala would bring some exquisite looks. From the extravagant and timeless to the downright controversial (ahem, Jared Leto), here are the marie claire teams favourite looks this year…
Nicole Kidman in Chanel Haute Couture 2004
“Hot on the heels of her spectacular Oscars look, Nicole Kidman slays again in her 2004 gown from Baz Luhrmann’s iconic Chanel No. 5 ad. It’s the perfect tribute to King Karl and total pink-feathered perfection (all 250 of them!).”
– Nicky Briger, Editor-in-Chief
Camila Morrone in Rodarte
“With so many sequins, lace and ruffles making an entrance, I loved this pared-back Rodarte look on Camila Marrone. The black ribbon in her hair and the simple lace cape-style top, with a long black fitted and fluted skirt, looked almost like the perfect homage to Karl, but was also signature Rodarte.”
– Naomi Smith, Fashion Director
Liu Wen in Tory Burch
“Stunning in Tory Burch, Liu’s gown offered the best nod to Karl with camellias at the hem. Timeless and elegant, she nailed the theme – and won the night!”
– Jordan Boorman, Fashion Editor
Madelyn Cline in Stella McCartney
“Making her Met Gala debut, Madelyn Cline stun in a glittering Stella McCartney dress, which perfectly honoured Lagerfeld. I love how her hair and makeup compliment the dress and allow it to shine. Elegant, chic and timeless – I’m obsessed!”
– Emily Gittany, Market Editor
Anne Hathaway in Atelier Versace
“On the red-carpet parade of classic Chanel and frothy Fendi, Anne Hathaway in Versace was The Moment. Donatella married signature Chanel details – tweed, camellias, pearls and the jacket, with the iconic safety-pin Versace gown that made Elizabeth Hurley famous. Anne channeled the ’90s supers while paying homage to the late, great designers Karl Lagerfeld and Gianni Versace.”
– Bree Player, Features Editor
Whitney Peak in Chanel FW21 Couture
“An homage to Coco Chanel’s reign of the 1920s, Whitney Peak is a vision in embellished Chanel FW21 Couture. From her pearl earrings to the Josephine Baker-esque waves and bejewelled bottom lash detail, the latest Coco Mademoiselle ambassador truly embodies the maison’s effortless elegance.”
– Samantha Stewart, Lifestyle & Fashion Features Editor
Elle Fanning in custom Vivienne Westwood
“The bride wore Westwood! A homage to the actor’s first Chanel haute couture show in 2011, Fanning looks ethereal in a faerie look designed by Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood. After the show, Karl photographed Fanning for his Little Black Jacket series, adding a simple daisy crown and his signature jacket to her white dress. I love that the look lends itself to this special memory.”
– Harriet Sims, Features Writer
Lily Collins in custom Vera Wang
“The always-enchanting Lily Collins in a Vera Wang white bustier corset with puff sleeves and black tulle skirt (spelling out KARL) is Haute Couture meets Cinderella dream! Adding an appropriate amount (read: a lot) of Cartier Jewels, Lily totally nailed the brief.”
– Robyn Fay-Perkins, Photo Director
Margot Robbie in a vintage Chanel 1993
“Chanel ambassador Margot Robbie looked stunning in the black cut out one-shouldered Chanel gown. Created by Karl Lagerfeld in 1993, the gown was originally worn by 90s supermodel Cindy Crawford in the spring/summer 1993 show at Paris Fashion Week. Pairing the look with smooth and sheeny waves and a pretty flush of pink on her cheekbones, Robbie absolutely nails the brief. As to who wore the dress better – Margot or Cindy? It’s literally impossible to say.”
– Sally Hunwick, Beauty Director
Emily Ratajkowski in Tory Burch
“Donning a tastefully-sheer tulle gown and avant-garde smokey eye, Emily’s look was the epitome of sultry glam! She made a serious case for Hepburn-esque micro bangs, as her tousled locks were tied back in a oversized velvet ribbon (the same fabric used in her dress). With a black French mani to match, Emily’s well executed look served as a reminder that the classic smokey eye and big hair duo will always be fashionable.”
– Francesca Hartley, Editorial Coordinator and Beauty Writer
Rihanna in Valentino
“Rihanna proved again she is queen of the Met Gala for a reason, arriving right at the end of the night in a blinding white Valentino gown, telling the cameras ‘It’s Valentino, baby!’ I love that she kept it a little chaotic with the false eyelashes and floral hooded jacket, before stripping down to something more refined.”
– Alex Bruce-Smith, Digital Managing Editor
Penélope Cruz in Chanel Haute Couture, SS88
“BY far the best dressed of the night. Not only was she flawless in the pearl-and-jewel encrusted gown, but she nailed the theme, in a vintage Chanel haute couture dress from the Spring/Summer 1988 collection. Plus, what more iconic subsect of fashion is Karl Lagerfeld known for, than his brides? This dress was remade from the archives for Cruz is a true testament to her Chanel ambassadorship, and her eye for a strong archival look.”
– Cassandra Green, Senior Digital Writer
Bad Bunny in Jacqemus
“I have many honourable mentions but I’m putting a vote in for Bad Bunny in backless Jacquemus! It’s on-theme, it’s a bit camp, the rosette train is gorgeous and the peek-a-boo back is fire. He looks amazing.”
– Rebecca Mitchell, Senior Digital Content Producer
Dua Lipa in Chanel 1992
“I’m a big fan of Dua Lipa’s 1992 archival Chanel look. There’s something so fun about a full ballgown skirt, and I couldn’t take my eyes off that 200+ carat Tiffany diamond necklace.”
– Kirsty Thatcher, Digital Writer
Alexandria Daddario in Christian Dior
“I love Alexandria Daddario’s subtle elegance in that Christian Dior dress. Being a fan of anything vintage, I’m particularly drawn to the dress’ 1920s-esque design and love the element of sheer. It’s just classic.”
– Teneal Zuvela, Digital Writer
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