The Met Gala, aka the Super Bowl of fashion, was in full effect on Monday, May 1. A-list attendees went all out for the high-profile event, turning the 2023 Met Gala red carpet into one of the world’s most talked-about runways. The 2023 Met Gala theme is based on the Met’s Costume Institute spring exhibit, titled, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” a retrospective dedicated to the late designer and fashion visionary. The exhibit showcases more than 200 sketches and garments from Lagerfeld’s six-decade-plus career at notable fashion houses including Chanel, Chloé, Fendi, Balmain, and his eponymous label. While many of Lagerfeld’s personal views were controversial, it’s impossible to deny his immense impact and legacy on the fashion industry.
Gala guests were encouraged to dress “in honor of Karl,” and they did not disappoint. From elaborate, avant-garde interpretations of his signature aesthetic to direct usage of his favorite tweed fabrics, pearls, and floral motifs, plus a restrained black, white, and blush palette, his influence was undeniably everywhere. In fact, Lagerfeld’s point of view is so recognizable, this was one of the rare Met Galas where the majority of the star-studded red carpet actually adhered to the dress code.
Supermodels, including Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bündchen, wore archival Chanel pieces. From Lagerfeld muses like Cara Delevingne and Kristen Stewart, there were clever references to his personal uniform of a crisp-collared shirt, tailored suit, and leather fingerless gloves. Others, like Janelle Monáe, channeled his love of performance and high-fashion drama with exaggerated silhouettes and proportions. There were also versions of the legendary couture Chanel bride like from Rihanna and playful nods to Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette, from Jared Leto, Doja Cat, and Lil Nas X.
Keep reading for our top picks of celebrities who nailed the 2023 Met Gala theme honoring Lagerfeld.
