The Met Gala is arguably the grandest and most anticipated fashion event of the year. Most people aren’t focused on the Gala itself, though. It’s all about the red carpet that takes place before the celebrities and other A-listers enter the museum gallery. Various Instagram and Twitter accounts will post each of the outfits, with the ones that “miss the mark” getting ripped to shreds in the comment sections.
Each year, the Met Gala has a theme on which the attendees are told to base their get-ups on. The theme this year was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” with the dress code being “Gilded Glamour.” Last year’s theme was also in conjunction with part one of the exhibit, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” So, what does “gilded glamour” actually mean?
According to PopSugar, the looks are meant to represent American fashion during the Gilded Age of the 19th century. Many people agreed that this theme was one of the easiest to follow compared to others in recent years. Quite a few celebrities struggled with 2019’s “Camp” theme, and last year’s “American Independence” theme seemed to be written off entirely by those in attendance. Despite the seemingly “easy” nature of this year’s theme, the looks left people wondering if each of the celebrities had a different theme written on their invite.
The lack of cohesion within the outfits made it seem like many designers just disregarded the theme entirely when deciding how to dress their clients. College girls going to a “Gilded Glamour” themed frat party probably would’ve had a more cohesive look than the Met attendees did this year. However, those that did stay on theme stood out like diamonds in the rough amongst those who just didn’t quite understand the assignment. Here are the best and worst dressed celebrities of the 2022 Met Gala:
The worst:
Honorable mentions: One too many people wore neon this year and no one quite understand why. You could probably blind someone from the Gilded Age with the shade of green that Gwen Stefani’s dress was. Emma Stone also missed the mark this year, as her dress was not white tie appropriate and resembled a nightgown.
5. Phoebe Dyvenor
This is a gorgeous dress, and it would have looked stunning on literally any other red carpet. The real disappointment here is that Phoebe Dyvenor is the star of Bridgerton, a series that is quite literally the embodiment of opulent glamour with its costumes. She could have stolen her work outfit and been perfectly on theme.
4. Cole Sprouse
Some celebrities seemed to take the “gilded” aspect of the theme at face value and just wore the shiniest outfits they could find. Cole Sprouse was one of those celebrities. This Tin Man-Esque suit is flashy in all the wrong ways.
3. Emily Ratajowski
Emily Ratajowski must have had a smudge on the part of her invitation where the theme was listed because this outfit is just so far off the mark. This vintage Versace look is actually quite cool artistically, but it is just not gilded glamour at all. Ratajowski typically fits the theme incredibly well, so this is a real let-down from her.
2. Kylie Jenner
This is a wedding dress, which does not exactly embody grandeur. Not only that, but it is also a wedding dress with a baseball cap. Kylie Jenner wore a baseball cap to a white tie event. I think that just about sums up how wrong this outfit is.
1. Sebastian Stan
The theme was just completely thrown out the window with this outfit. Sebastian Stan looks like one would find him in a backpack next to a notebook and some mechanical pencils because this shade of pink is the same as a highlighter. He takes the cake for worst dressed, and this outfit would’ve done much better at the premiere of the new Barbie movie that’s in the works.
The best:
Honorable Mentions: The silhouette of Laura Harrier’s black gown fits the Gilded Age perfectly, plus her choker pearl necklaces add a modern flair. Lizzo’s flute takes the award for best accessory of the night, and it really does not get more “Gilded Age” than someone just randomly walking around with a musical instrument. Truly, who doesn’t love Lizzo? Sabrina Carpenter’s sequined gown was also one of the only “Gilded” outfits that weren’t tacky looking.
5. Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain never fails to impress. Her modern take on the theme that fits her typical cool-girl aesthetic is absolutely stunning. The tiara could have been considered tacky, but pairing it with a sleek platinum blonde bob makes it the perfect obvious nod to the theme.
4. Billie Eilish
This look takes first prize for being the most on theme of the night. Not only that but the Gucci gown is also made entirely out of “existing materials,” so it’s environmentally conscious too. The updo she did with her hair also just adds the perfect touch of 19th-century glamor.
3. Taylor Hill
This sumptuous gown is the perfect embodiment of the opulence and splendor that this year’s theme warranted. The flowers on the train of the dress make her look like a painting come to life. Taylor Hill absolutely understood the assignment.
2. Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion literally never misses. This look takes “gilded” literally, while also being a nod to the fashion of that era. It’s elegant, sultry and sophisticated, making Megan look like the absolute queen she is.
1. Blake Lively
Blake Lively never comes to play at the Met Gala. Her dresses are always stunning and on theme, and this year was no exception. The gorgeous copper-toned gown was a nod to the Statue of Liberty that then changed color to reflect how the statue oxidized over the years! Plus, she and Ryan Reynolds make for an adorable power couple.
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