Image Credit: Vanity Fair, Getty Images
They came, they saw, they conquered! Met Gala 2021 is officially one for the books! Appropriately themed In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, the Costume Institute’s annual fundraising gala celebrated America as not only an entity in and of itself, but a beacon of hope for the future.
It’s certainly fitting that both legendary and up-and-coming American designers were on full display last night. As in the past, it is difficult to narrow all of the ensembles down to just a few favourites.
However, there are some that we simply cannot stop thinking about today. From dresses to suits, jewellery, and of course – the bags! Here are some of our favourite moments from last night’s Met Gala!
Belles of the Ball
The fashionably fabulous women of the Met Gala continued to serve us jaw dropping looks year after year. Last night, these ladies showed up to show OUT.
1) Billie Eilish (Oscar de la Renta)
A literal tulle dream, one of the co-chairs of this year’s gala, Billie Eilish, STUNNED in a Marilyn Monroe inspired gown by Oscar de la Renta. A fun fact about how this look came to be: Billie Eilish only agreed to be dressed by the house if it agreed to no longer use real fur.
2) Jennifer Hudson (AZ Factory- Custom)
Now THIS. SCREAMS. GLAMOUR! Red was definitely the colour of the night (with the hue being sported by others like Megan Fox and Eiza González). But Jennifer Hudson looked like an absolute vision in this custom gown and wrap coat designed by late designer Alber Elbaz’s AZ Factory.
Her eye-popping, floor length train was inspired by the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Hudson recently portrayed Aretha in the critically acclaimed biopic Respect.
3) Megan Thee Stallion (Coach - Custom)
In her Met Gala debut, Megan Thee Stallion proved that Hot Girl Summer (and Fall!) is in full swing! Looking oh-so-chic in this custom design by Coach, the rapper said she was channeling old Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe but with a twist. Think Megan Monroe. Paying homage to classical Hollywood starlets was a common theme last night and Megan DEFINITELY understood the assignment.
4) Karlie Kloss (Carolina Herrera)
Another triumph in red, Karlie Kloss made eyes pop in this beautiful dress by Carolina Herrera. In keeping with this year’s theme (In America: A Lexicon of Fashion) Kloss apparently worked with Herrera to pay tribute to the official flower of the United States – the rose. A collaboration that is chic as it is clever.
5) Jennifer Lopez (Ralph Lauren)
Arguably the most talked about look of the night, arrived fashionably late. Jennifer Lopez donned this Western-themed ensemble by iconic American designer Ralph Lauren. Topped with a black leather cowboy hat, it harkens to America’s days of the wild, wild west.
Clearly, JLO took that concept and lassoed it, adding a touch of her own personal glam and flare to make this outfit a standout for the night. Fun fur fact: her embroidered faux-fur shearling cape took over 200 hours to create. Wow!
Bags! Bags! Bags!
For as large (and larger than life) the stars and gowns were, the bags were mini. Check out some of the lovely little additions showcased on the white steps last night.
1) Serena Williams – Gucci Jackie 1961 Mini Bag
Dressed in head-to-toe Gucci, this metallic silver Gucci Jackie bag perfectly completed Williams’ pastel colored outfit. Call it game, set, match!
2) Megan thee Stallion – Coach Kisslock Frame Bag
Topping off her Old-Hollywood glamour look was this adorable tiny Coach bag. Megan thee Stallion accessorized with the Coach Kisslock Frame Bag in off-white leather. It might now be on our shopping list!
3) Storm Reid- Prada Cleo Bag
Storm Reid paired her pretty-in-pink outfit last night with this brushed leather Prada Cleo Mini Shoulder Bag. Even before the Met Gala, the Cleo found itself accompanying many celebrities and influencers. Could this major outing bump up its IT-Bag ranking heading into fall?
4) Ciara- Judith Leiber Bedazzled Football Bag
Leave it to Judith Leiber to make anything- absolutely ANYTHING -sparkle! Not only representing American sports culture, but also wearing her husband’s jersey number, Ciara donned this glittery green ensemble with a bejeweled Judith Leiber Football clutch. Touchdown, anyone?
5) Kris Jenner- Judith Leiber Ball on Chain Bag
Another Judith Leiber creation caught our eye last night and it was carried by none other than Kris Jenner. Stylish in an all black tuxedo, Jenner complimented her outfit with delicate emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz and this oh-so-edgy Judith Leiber ball-on-chain bag.
Honourable Men-tions
Although the women of the Met Gala always show up in style, we cannot forget the ever suave men! Here are some of chicest, daring and classiest looks from the glowing gentlemen of last night.
1) Maluma (Versace)
With Donatella Versace at his side, the Colombian superstar also went Wild-West in this bright red ranchero look. Maluma paired a bedazzled glove with this outfit featuring the name of his album- Papi Juancho.
2) Lil Nas X (Versace)
Now THIS is how you make an entrance! Rapper Lil Nas X arrived to the Met in a series of 3 outfit changes all from Versace. This golden moment certainly left us with literal heart-eyes. Honestly, we still don’t know what to do with our hands right now!
3) Steph Curry (Jason Bolden)
Looking classy with a touch of glam magic, NBA star Steph Curry accompanied wife Ayesha to the Met in this intricately beaded jacket by American stylist Jason Bolden. Is it a slam dunk? We think so!
4) Justin Bieber (Drew House, his own label)
Mr. and Mrs. Bieber made their Met Gala debut last night! While Hailey wore a glamorous, plunging neckline dress by Saint Laurent, Justin donned an ensemble by his own label which he recently launched called Drew House. It’s those wide legged pants, though, that we can’t help but thinking are super (and strategically) comfortable.
5) Dan Levy (Loewe)
Canadian Canuck and overall ICON Dan Levy certainly stole the show in this Loewe ensemble. Between the ruffles, embroidery and pastel colour palette, the entire look was a hit. But the meaning behind it made us love it even more. Across his chest was a portrait of a queer couple kissing, which was originally painted by one of the most influential LGBTQIA+ activists – late American artist David Wojnarowicz.
All that Glitters is... Diamonds!
Although the outfits of the Met Gala take centre stage every year, this time around, it was the JEWELLERY that stopped us in our tracks! Take a look at some of the gorgeous pieces on display last night.
1) Billie Eilish- Cartier
Topping off her Marilyn Monroe inspired outfit, Billie Eilish sparkled in full Cartier jewellery. In fact, the singer wore 30 individual pieces from the house. That’s the most worn by ANYONE at a single time. Now that’s showstopping!
2) Alicia Keys- Van Cleef & Arpels
Here at PurseBop, our love for renowned jewellery brand Van Cleef & Arpels is enduring. So when Alicia Keys hit the Met Gala last night wearing THIS – we knew we had to share. The picture speaks for itself. P.S. let us know how long your eyes were glued to the screen for this (LOL).
3) Gabrielle Union- Messika
We couldn’t get enough of this diamond Messika necklace worn by Gabrielle Union. Simple yet show-stopping, the series of teardrop cut diamonds elevated Union’s look to goddess status.
4) Jordan Alexander- Tiffany & Co.
XOXO, this Gossip Girl star stole the show with her colourful Tiffany & Co. jewellery last night. In her Met Gala debut, Jordan Alexander donned gorgeous pieces from the iconic all-American house, featuring a flower motif necklace and earrings.
5) Amanda Gorman- Chopard
Call it poetry in motion. Fan favourite and celebrated poet laureate Amanda Gorman used the Met Gala to re-envision a literal icon of America – the Statue of Liberty. In a modern take on the symbolic creation, Gorman wore sapphire and diamond earrings from Chopard along with a stunning Jennifer Behr headpiece.
The glitz, the glamour, and everything in between, this year’s Met Gala was an absolute success! Already wishing for more? Well hang tight! Part two is currently set for the first Monday in May (the traditional date) next year! We can’t wait until then.
What was your favorite look of the night? Who surprised you? Do you agree with our picks above? Be sure to share your thoughts! We’d love to know what you think. Until next year….
Love, Pursebop
XO
Images Courtesy of Getty Images
Updated: September 14th, 2021
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