Celebrities at the 2023 Met Gala ditched handbags and embellished nails for a heartwarming trend: holding hands. From Chemena Kamali and her girl squad to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, this gesture of affection showcased the importance of companionship and support.
The 2023 Met Gala red carpet was filled with stunning celebrity looks, from Zendaya’s custom Margiela and vintage Givenchy dresses to Jennifer Lopez’s sparkling Schiaparelli number and Bad Bunny’s sculptural Margiela suit. Florals were a major trend, with Nicki Minaj in a hand-painted Marni dress and Gigi Hadid in a three-dimensional Thom Browne ballgown. But there were also unexpected and avant-garde moments, like Lana Del Rey’s veiled Alexander McQueen look with an antlered headpiece and Tyla’s skintight Balmain gown. The best-dressed men of the night included Josh O’Connor in Loewe, Morgan Spector in Willy Chavarria, and Stefon Diggs in H&M.
Jordan Roth, president of Jujamcyn Theaters on Broadway, made a dramatic entrance at the Met Gala with his floral-inspired couture cape designed by Valentino’s former creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli. The cape symbolizes the lifecycle of a flower, from blooming to decay. Over 20 meters of brown tulle and 120 meters of silk taffeta were used to create the intricate piece, which took over 1,800 hours of work. Roth found the theme of the Met Gala, “Garden of Time,” to be achingly poetic and chose to use a decaying hooded cape to represent the transience of life. For Roth, the cape also holds a special significance as it marks the end of an extraordinary chapter at Valentino.
Lana Del Rey graced the Met Gala 2023 with an ethereal and romantic fashion statement, donning a custom Alexander McQueen gown inspired by nature. The intricate dress featured hand-embroidered bronze-bullion hawthorn branches and a dramatic headpiece, creating an unforgettable look.
The Met Gala 2023, a night of fashion and glamour, celebrated the Costume Institute exhibition titled “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” With the dress code “The Garden of Time,” attendees showcased a myriad of looks inspired by florals, clocks, and historical references. From Zac Posen’s stunning denim gown on Da’Vine Joy Randolph to Billie Eilish’s sand-inspired Jun Takahashi dress and Zendaya’s captivating Margiela couture gown, the Met Gala runway was a testament to creativity and artistic expression.
Sudha Reddy, a Hyderabad-based businesswoman and philanthropist, made a grand appearance at the Met Gala 2023, showcasing her exquisite personal jewelry collection alongside a custom ivory silk gown by Tarun Tahiliani. The gown featured intricate embroidery, 3D butterflies, and a trailing cape, while the necklace she wore, named ‘Amore Eterno,’ boasts 25 solitaires totaling over 180 carats. Reddy also sported a heart-shaped diamond ring and a yellow diamond ring, completing her extravagant Met-ready look.
Thai actor and singer Vachirawit Chivaaree, known as Bright, made his Met Gala debut in a custom Burberry ensemble designed by Daniel Lee. The pleated georgette jacket and wide-legged silk tuxedo trousers featured tonal bullion embroidery and a stripe, respectively. Bright completed his look with black square-toed loafers. The Asian icon’s Met debut is expected to raise his profile in the United States, solidifying his status as a global star.
The cast of Broadway’s ‘The Wiz’ made a grand entrance at the Met Gala, adorned in captivating red-carpet looks designed by up-and-coming label Tanner Fletcher. This marked the first Met Gala appearance for the musical’s stars and the debut for Tanner Fletcher on the prestigious fashion stage. Inspired by the Garden of Time dress code, Tanner Fletcher showcased their signature whimsical and nostalgic take on 1950s styles, incorporating layers of tulle, silk, ruffles, and florals. Each design paid homage to characters from the beloved musical, with references to J.G. Ballard’s story and the vibrant growth of a flourishing flower garden.
Model Amelia Hamlin made a stunning debut at the Met Gala, gracing the ‘Enchanted Forest’ red carpet in a breathtaking terrarium dress by Jun Takahashi. The ethereal gown featured sheer fabric adorned with bundles of roses and delicate butterflies, perfectly embodying the theme of the evening and paying homage to the Costume Institute’s exhibition on Karl Lagerfeld.
