Met Gala 2022: How Stars Missed the Mark on Fashion’s Biggest Night
Met Gala 2022: A Night of Glamour and Disappointment
The annual Met Gala, fashion’s most anticipated event, took place yesterday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The star-studded affair, attended by around 400 celebrities from the worlds of music, fashion, film, and sports, had a theme of “Gilded Glamour.” However, it seems that many stars either took the theme too literally or ignored it altogether, leading to a night that left much to be desired.
What is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is a charitable event held annually on the first Monday of May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The first event was held in 1948, organized by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to raise funds for the newly established Costume Institute at the museum.
Over the years, the Met Gala has become one of the largest charitable events in New York City. In 2013, the event raised $9 million, and in 2014, it raised $12 million. In 2019, a record-breaking $15 million was raised.
Tickets for the first event cost $50. Today, tickets start at $35,000 for entry and can go up to $300,000 for a table. Celebrities often have their tickets purchased by designers and fashion brands that dress them for the event.
The History of Themed Parties at the Met Gala
The Met Gala became a themed event in 1973, transforming from a society dinner into a fashion spectacle. Guests were expected to walk through the museum’s grand hall, showcasing their outfits. The guest list expanded to include not just socialites but also New York millionaires, aristocrats, and Hollywood stars.
The first themed party was dedicated to the iconic Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga and was called “The World of Balenciaga.” Since then, guests have been expected to adhere to a dress code, with their outfits reflecting a central idea.
The 2022 Theme: Gilded Glamour
The theme for the 2022 Met Gala was “Gilded Glamour.” Guests were expected to draw inspiration from the Gilded Age in American history, a period of rapid economic and demographic growth, new inventions, and the rise of skyscrapers. The fashion of the Gilded Age was characterized by excess, with elaborate dresses featuring multiple colors, materials, and an abundance of details such as bows, ruffles, fringe, and ribbons.
Successful Interpretations of the Theme
Some stars successfully interpreted the theme and created stunning looks. Actress Jessica Chastain wore a Gucci gown, while Glenn Close opted for a Valentino outfit. Louise Jacobson wore Schiaparelli, and Cardi B stunned in a Versace dress. Isabel Behmeke and Joe Gebbia also impressed with their outfits.
Missed Opportunities
However, many stars missed the mark. Some, like Dakota Johnson and Blake Lively, created beautiful looks that would have been more suited to a different theme. Others, like Gigi Hadid, Amber Valletta, and Chloe Bailey, took the “gilded” part of the theme too literally, arriving in gold outfits that lacked the historical inspiration of the Gilded Age.
Billie Eilish attempted to channel the portrait of Madame Paul Poirson by John Singer Sargent but missed the mark on the era. Emma Corrin, on the other hand, found an original approach by dressing as a man, specifically the millionaire and “king of the dudes” Evander Berry Wall from the late 19th century.
Black Dresses and Bridal Gowns
Black dresses were popular among some attendees, with Janelle Monáe, Kendall Jenner, and Kate Moss all opting for black gowns. However, some stars, like Bella Hadid, Irina Shayk, and Phoebe Dynevor, seemed to forget the theme and dress code altogether.
Others, like Emma Stone, Kylie Jenner, and Alexa Chung, chose to wear bridal gowns, which drew criticism for being off-theme.
Accessories Done Right
One area where stars succeeded was in their accessories. Hats, top hats, gloves, and tiaras were all popular choices, reflecting the fashion of the Gilded Age.
The Best Dress: A Tribute to Marilyn Monroe
The most talked-about look of the night was Kim Kardashian’s. She wore the iconic dress that Marilyn Monroe wore in 1962 when she sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy at his 45th birthday celebration. The dress, which sold at auction in 2016 for nearly $5 million, is considered the start of the “naked dress” era.
To fit into the dress, Kardashian reportedly had to lose weight and even underwent plastic surgery to remove fat. She also dyed her hair blonde just hours before the event. After walking the red carpet, Kardashian changed out of the dress and returned it to the museum where it is stored.
Is the Theme Relevant?
Many have criticized not only the stars who missed the mark but also the theme itself. Some argue that the Gilded Age, with its excess and inequality, is not a period that should be celebrated.
Regardless of the controversy, the Met Gala remains one of the most anticipated events of the year. While some stars missed the mark, others created stunning looks that will be remembered for years to come.
For more information on the history of the Met Gala, visit the official Metropolitan Museum of Art website.
