At a Glance: The 2022 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala
At a Glance: The 2022 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala
By: Addie Flasck
Last night marked the first Monday of May, meaning the biggest night in fashion has come and gone. Knock the dust off of your high school history book, because the theme for this year’s eagerly awaited Met Gala is “Gilded Glamour”. The theme of the institute’s collection refers to the Gilded Age in United States history, specifically focusing on the years 1880-1900. It was an era of transformation and contrast. Though poverty remained rampant, the expansion of industrialization brought many northern middle-class families into wealth. Leaning into lavishly elaborate fashions was a way of becoming accepted by society’s elite.
The 2022 fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institue suffered no shortage of over-the-top hats, feathers, and ornate embellishments in reference to the period. If you missed out, fret not! Here are all of the looks to know from this year’s star-studded event.
Blake Lively
Dressed by Versace, the Met Gala co-chair took the theme and ran with it in a custom mosaic gown that surprised viewers with a colorful reveal.
Billie Eilish
Billie is back after her 2021 Met Gala debut, wearing a gold Gucci gown that included mesh sleeves, a corset-style bodice, and a choker necklace. The look bore a notable resemblance to one worn by Madame Paul Poirson in 1885.
Kris Jenner
Kris Jenner paid homage to Jackie Kennedy in this silver-trimmed Oscar de la Renta gown and sleek bob.
Fredrick Robertsson
Jared Leto? Nope. Despite initial confusion, this look belongs to fashion entrepreneur Fredrick Robertsson who hit the red carpet in a silver structured Iris Van Herpen jumpsuit.
Jared Leto and Alessandro Michele
Both the actor and the creative director of Gucci had audiences seeing double in their matching embroidered tweed tuxes and silver hair clips.
Olivia Rodrigo
Breakthrough pop star Olivia Rodrigo stepped out in a slinky, glittery gown by Versace paired with mesh gloves and butterfly hair pins.
Bella and Gigi Hadid
The Hadid sisters strayed from traditional red carpet wear in favor of edgier, latex looks. Gigi wore a merlot Versace puffer gown while Bella opted for an all black leather and lace ensemble, save for the chunky pearls around her ankle.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Jodie Turner-Smith’s look by Gucci was complete with an airy train and silver fringe miniskirt.
Emma Chamberlain
In a custom Louis Vuitton two-piece, Emma Chamberlain turned heads with her platinum blonde blunt cut that drew eyes towards her tiara and matching choker.
Evan Mock
This look by Head of State, an up-and-coming Gen Z brand, featured a cream satin suit over a dramatic white tulip collar.
Kaia Gerber
The model’s shimmery gown and matching accessories were perhaps second to the main focal point of the look, which was evidently her waist-length romantic curls.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker arrived wearing Christopher John Rogers, whose ball gown design featured color blocking, bow sleeves, and an elaborate feathered headpiece.
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes paired his burgundy and navy Tommy Hilfiger coat with a matching suit and nail polish.
Winnie Harlow
Designed by Iris Van Herpen, Winnie Harlow’s look featured a striking white organza flower dress and an ornate headpiece.
Phoebe Dynevor
With this year’s theme drawing plenty of comparisons to Bridgerton, it is no surprise that the star of the series came dressed to impress in a partly sheer gown by Louis Vuitton that dripped with black lace and embellishments.
Maude Apatow
The Euphoria star made her Met Gala debut in an old-Hollywood style black gown by Miu Miu complete with Cartier jewelry and a 50s inspired bob.
Hamish Bowles
Vogue’s International Editor at Large opted for a Ralph Lauren tux complemented by a golden tiara and cane.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe offered a unique interpretation of the night’s theme in an embellished “gilded glamour from the future” gown by Ralph Lauren.
Anna Wintour
The queen of fashion herself took to her throne in a multicolored feather Chanel gown and a tiara fit for Met Gala royalty.
Kim Kardashian
In pleasant confirmation of swirling rumors, Kim Kardashian closed out the night with her widely anticipated appearance in Marilyn Monroe’s original and iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress, fittingly paired with newly bleached hair.
While it is safe to say that this year’s attendees showed up and showed out for Gilded Glamour, who takes the cake for the night’s best look remains up for debate. Stay tuned to find out which looks landed a spot in Square Magazine’s directors’ picks.
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Images have all been sourced from Vogue and belong to their respective owners.