Is Anok Yai The New Queen Of The Met Gala?
I was sceptical about this year’s Met Gala. With a theme like ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’, I had my concerns, as did the rest of the internet. I was apprehensive that it would be challenging to separate Lagerfeld’s contributions to the industry from his various offensive and harmful opinions. Mainly when producing the SSEDITORIAL best dressed Met Gala list. Despite my reservations about this year’s theme, I was impressed (yes, you, Anok Yai).
The night held so much room for interpretation; Karl Lagerfeld had such an extensive career and was responsible for some of the most famous iconography in the industry. As a result, we got a varied night of looks, yet all managed to be on theme. This year’s Met Gala had everything from Nicole Kidman re-wearing her iconic gown from a 2004 Chanel campaign to several Chanel brides and even a couple of Choupettes. But out of all of them, these had to be our favourites.
Dua Lipa
Met Gala 2023 Choice: Chanel
Stepping onto the Met steps in one of Chanel’s most famous bridal looks, worn by Claudia Schiffer in 1992, was one of the best archival moments from the evening. There is always a lot of pressure when co-chairing the Met Gala, but Dua Lipa’s look was flawless. The silhouette made a fun change from Dua’s usual Y2K style, swapping her pop-princess look for that of an actual royal. The dress was then accessorised with potentially the most beautiful Tiffany necklace I have ever seen, working perfectly with the regal look.
Rihanna
Met Gala 2023 Choice: Valentino
Rihanna’s looks are always unique, but this is especially true of the Met Gala. Her look by Guo Pei for the 2015 “China: Through the Looking Glass” event is potentially my favourite Met Gala look of all time. Rihanna and ASAP Rocky made a fashionably late entrance this year, but her look was worth the wait. The singer first stepped onto the white carpet in a 3-D floral hood and an elaborate train. She later removed the hood, opting to wear the delicate petals around her shoulders, revealing her gown’s beautiful bodice and growing baby bump.
Gigi Hadid
Met Gala 2023 Choice: Givenchy
Gigi Hadid channelled her sister Bella at this year’s Met Gala. While we have often seen Gigi favouring more vibrant looks at this event, her sister has consistently worn black. But with Bella absent this year, Gigi took it upon herself to represent in a monochromatic look. There was no better time to do so when the theme was Karl Lagerfeld. This sheer look featured beautiful draping that contrasted the structured corsetry beneath. The highlight for me, however, was the intricate embroidery scattered across the tulle.