The Met Gala 2023, the fashion industry’s grandest night, unfolded on Monday, with attendees gracing the red carpet in exquisite attire inspired by the Costume Institute exhibition, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” The exhibition and the gala’s dress code, “The Garden of Time,” served as guiding principles for the star-studded crowd, who showcased a diverse array of looks that celebrated both time and nature.
Amidst the glamorous attendees, Oscar-winning actress and Gap creative director Zac Posen joined Chloe and Chioma on their special episode of Vogue’s Met Gala coverage. Posen’s design for Da’Vine Joy Randolph, a sculptural gown inspired by the 1700s and crafted from denim, garnered much admiration. Its unique design and fiery orange accents perfectly complemented Randolph’s flowing dress train.
Billie Eilish, a first-timer at the Met Gala, embraced the theme with a garden-inspired Jun Takahashi dress featuring a yellow terrarium. Tyla brought a touch of the beach or perhaps the desert to the Met steps with her extraordinary Rick Owens gown made of actual sand, a symbolic nod to the passage of time.
Several attendees paid homage to past runway collections in their attire. Lana Del Rey stole the show in a breathtaking Gucci gown reminiscent of the iconic “Flora” print. Zendaya showcased her impeccable style with two captivating looks: a Margiela couture gown paired with runway-inspired makeup, and a billowing Givenchy dress adorned with crystals. Austin Butler, also in custom Margiela, exuded the charm of a handsome prince, completing the night’s parade of sartorial elegance.
As the evening drew to a close, the Vogue hosts welcomed Irene Kim, Maya Layne, and Florence O’Connor to share their experiences as Met Gala staffers. The trio revealed that amidst the grandeur, there were moments of lightheartedness, with cheese, chocolate, and surprisingly little panic.
With the departure of the last revelers and the dimming of the lights, the Met Gala 2023 came to an end, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable fashion moments and a testament to the enduring power of creativity and artistic expression.