After much anticipation, The Met Gala returned last night for its 2021 iteration following a nearly 18-month pandemic-induced hiatus.
Also known as “fashion’s biggest night” or previously “The First Monday in May”, the Met this year took place on the second Monday of September, functioning as a grande finale to New York Fashion Week.
The theme this year is “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, celebrating American designers who are at the forefront of conversations around diversity, inclusivity, sustainability, gender fluidity, body positivity, and more.
“The framework of the show enables us to focus on the younger designers who are engaging thoughtfully and deeply with those ideas,” said Wendy Yu, Curator in Charge at the Costume Institute.
This gave the stars much room to play with their red carpet looks as everyone interpreted a classic American aesthetic in their own unique way. Of course, this being the biggest night in fashion after months of being hurdled up indoors, meant simple and understated was definitely not on the agenda.
Here are some of our favourite looks from the 2021 Met Gala red carpet.
