MET GALA: A Transforming Cultural Phenomenon
The Met Gala 2021 returned in style after a year’s pause and the fashion industry’s biggest night is now more majestic than ever. Originally the Costume Department of Metropolitan Museums of Art in New York arranged this fundraiser gala, and it also kick started the annual fashion exhibit of the institute. This year’s gala occurred in September instead of May after the wake of the global pandemic.
The Met Gala has a theme every year, and it sets the tone for the dress of the guests. This year’s theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” which left room for a lot of diverse interpretations.
This is a strictly invite-based event, and if invited, a ticket costs about $30000. This year’s hosts were actor Timothee Chalamet, singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, poet-activist Amanda Gorman, and tennis star Naomi Osaka, all gen Z favorite icons.
Fashion Statements
Over the years, this glam-filled night has seen some of the best beauty looks of celebrities, and 2021 was no different. Kendall Jenner stunned the audience in her nude gown, and teens star Olivia Rodrigo rocked her black bodysuit. Timothee Chalamet did justice to the theme by
wearing a tuxedo with converse and sweatpants, creating a ‘little bit of everything’ look. Justin Bieber slew in his look, wearing a baggy eighties black suit.
As Flair Magazine mentions, Kim Kardashian’s outfit became the subject of many memes over the internet as she showed up in an all-black outfit that covered her face. Her hair was the only visible part in a ponytail with hair extensions, which cost $10,000. Her look turned heads over media and social media. Kim explained her look by saying, “What’s more American than a T-shirt head to toe?”
Key moments
People’s favorite actor couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck made their Met Gala debut as a couple this year, and their chemistry took the internet by storm. The couple rekindled their relationship earlier this year after a break of seventeen years, and their masked kiss stole hearts at the event.
Billie Eilish’s tribute to Marilyn Monroe in peach-colored gown turned heads, and she only agreed to wear Oscar de la Renta if the company promised to drop selling fur clothes.
Transgender actor Elliot Page grabbed attention in his first big red-carpet appearance after coming out as transgender last year. He wore a suit and a green carnation, which was a gesture by the poet Oscar Wilde as seen in his portraits.
Native American model-activist Quannah Chasinghorse cherished her indigenous culture by wearing a Navajo turquoise necklace and silver jewelry and showcasing her traditional tattoos. She said it’s important to respect and honor the native culture and fashion of America.
Controversies & Activism
The Met gala has seen its fair share of controversies, and in 2021 the saga continued. A controversy erupted when TikToker Nina Kin sneaked into the gala without a pass, fooling securities. She posted a YouTube video on that, which went viral very fast. She also posted selfies with celebrities, and that blew up the internet. Though Instagram banned her account, she has social media presence on YouTube and TikTok.
The Internet praised F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, as he paid for the tickets of three young black designers who designed his suit. Hamilton, along with activists against racism, said his goal is to open doors for young Black creatives, and they deserved this moment.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fueled controversies when she appeared in a white ball gown with “Tax The Rich” written on the back. She stated that she wanted to make a political statement to work towards an empowered future, but she was brutally mocked.
Sports and social media stars
It is the most awaited night for the celebs, and sports icons are not behind in dolling up for this extravaganza. This year’s Met saw several young sports stars in their jaw-dropping attire. From gymnast Simone Biles to tennis stars Williams sisters and Naomi Osaka, swimmer Tom Daley to F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, all amazed the audience and outshined each other in their astounding and exquisite attires.
Met Gala 2021 witnessed many social media influencers, YouTubers, and TikTokers in the guest list, and they faced backlashes and criticism regarding damaging the elitist image of the event. Addison Rae, Emma Chamberlain, Dixie D’Amelio, and Nikkie de Jager are some of them.
Some opinions over the internet are that these invites will disrupt the legacy of this prestigious night, while some netizens applauded this breaking of stereotypes.
Conclusion
Met Gala, the Oscar of Fashion, is not without rules like no selfie, no cell phones, or smoking. But as the saying goes, rules are meant to be broken, so from Kylie Jenner’s bathroom selfie to Dakota Johnson’s puff, the Met Gala has seen it all over the years. And even in the internet generation, it continues to be the most sensational and glorious night of the glamour world every year.
