16 looks that did the most at the 2023 Met Gala

NEW YORK – The guest list for the first Monday in May, as the Met Gala is also known, serves as a Rorschach test for whom Vogue editor-in-chief and Met Gala co-chair Anna Wintour deems important today.

This year’s attendees included many of the frequent fliers, such as reality TV star Kim Kardashian, model Gigi Hadid and tennis star Serena Williams, as well as some new names: Women’s National Basketball Association star and recent Russian detainee Brittney Griner, music artiste Doja Cat and – shockingly – socialite Paris Hilton.

Each year, the dress code tracks to the theme of the show, which this time around is devoted to the over-60-year career of German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Many guests wore black and white or suits and gowns embellished with pearls or flowers – favourite motifs of Lagerfeld, the creative director of Chanel. There were many wonderful dresses that paid respect to his legacy – in fact, there were too many to name.

So here is a reminder: The looks that follow did the most at the Met Gala – not necessarily the best, not necessarily the worst, just the most.

Michaela Coel: Most Embellished

“Clutching of the pearls” was one of the driving ideas behind the Ghanaian-British actress’ heavily beaded look from Schiaparelli, Coel said. And, wow, were there plenty of pearls – and stones and crystals and gold work – to clutch.

Anok Yai: Most Cumulonimbus

A rain cloud, but make it glittery. American model Yai’s gold and silver strapless sequined dress by Prabal Gurung arched out dramatically at her hips, raining down in streams of silver to her feet.

Doja Cat: Most Fancy Feast

The American rapper-singer leaned into both her name and the theme, dressing in an homage to Lagerfeld’s famed white cat Choupette. She wore a backless hooded silver gown from Oscar de la Renta with a white feather train. The best part of the look, though, was plastered to her face: custom feline prosthetics.

Bad Bunny: Most Flowers (we didn’t actually count)

Don’t step on Bad Bunny’s train, but do get on board with it. The Puerto Rican musician’s white suit from Simon Porte Jacquemus was giving business in the front, party in the back. Or backless, as it were, as the jacket had a large cutout.

Dua Lipa: Most Upholstered

Like many, the evening’s co-chair opted to go straight to the source, wearing a white tweed Chanel gown styled after one that supermodel Claudia Schiffer donned in 1992. Bonus points to the American pop singer for styling it with some subtle, understated jewellery – a Tiffany diamond necklace weighing in at just 100 carats.

Phoebe Bridgers: Most Skeletal (in a good way)

Fans will have immediately spotted the link between Bridgers’ signature skeleton suit and her Met gown from Tory Burch. On Monday, the American musician traded up her usual bones for, fittingly, a black dress studded with strategically positioned pearls.

Taika Waititi: Most Pearlicious

On a night with no shortage of pearls, the New Zealand actor-director’s strands – only two slung from his neck and dangling all the way to just below his hips – fell over a long pearlescent gray tuxedo jacket by Prabal Gurung.

Gisele Bundchen: Most Tom Brady Who?!

The Brazilian supermodel’s white Chanel gown was elongated by sparkly columns of panelling, but the most notable part of her ensemble was a white-feathered cape that she flapped for extra drama. Reminiscent of an angel, one might say.

Brian Tyree Henry: Most Royal

The American actor’s look for the evening had other lovely elements – pearls among them, of course – but the most important of them was his cape, piled high with artfully structured black ruffles.

Pedro Pascal: Most Internet Daddy

There are plenty of things one could write about the American actor’s red and black colour-blocked pairing, but let’s be honest, we are all just thinking about the shorts.

Lil Nas X: Most Statuesque

The American rap star’s entire body – save for a thong – was covered in silver paint and rhinestones, like a high fashion Tin Man via Pat McGrath. Someone please snap a photo of his seat after dinner.

Rihanna: Most Wait And See

Arriving fashionably late at 10.15pm as only she could and get away with, the Barbadian pop star stepped onto the carpet looking rather, well, elliptical, tucked inside a cream-coloured egg of camellias from Valentino. How was she feeling? “Expensive,” she said.

Jared Leto: Most Furry

The American actor-rocker assumed the role of mascot in a giant white cat costume, another nod to Lagerfeld’s beloved pet. After Leto had sufficiently scared the press corps, he removed the costume, revealing pale blue eye shadow that matched the cat’s oversized eyes.

Janelle Monae: Most True To Form

What started out as an oversized tweed overcoat ended as a black, sparkly bikini as the American actress-singer revealed layer after layer – including a giant hoop skirt – of Thom Browne. (Which might have taken the prize for least clothes on the carpet were Lil Nas X not in attendance.)

Billie Eilish: Most Bewitching

The American musician’s sheer black corset dress from Simone Rocha matched her hair, which was flanked by sparkly black barrettes on either side of her face. A departure from last year’s blonde bombshell look.

David Byrne: Best Accessory

The Scottish-American frontman of new wave band Talking Heads did not need to worry about his bicycle making it up the steps. Someone came to take it away before he ascended. NYTIMES