The 2023 Met Gala was a stunning spectacle, with celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike gathering to pay tribute to the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala hosted the event to celebrate the opening of “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” an exhibition dedicated to the iconic designer that runs from May 5th to July 16th.
As the stars descended on the red carpet, Lagerfeld’s influence on fashion was evident in the dazzling array of outfits that graced the event. In this post, we’re excited to share the top trends we noticed, as well as some notable mentions of our very own ApparelMagic clients, Prabal Gurung and Jonathan Simkhai, whose designs have become a Met Gala staple.
A Nod to Lagerfeld’s Classics
The stars embraced Lagerfeld’s classic slim black jacket and pants, white shirt, and black tie look. In a tribute to the designer’s signature style, we saw various reinterpretations, such as Ke Huy Quan’s custom Dior suit and Bella Ramsey’s pearl-trimmed Thom Browne ensemble. Prabal Gurung and Jonathan Simkhai’s designs also honored Lagerfeld’s sartorial legacy with their sleek lines and minimalist sophistication.
Vintage Revival
The Met Gala showcased the timeless allure of vintage glamour, with celebrities donning outfits inspired by Lagerfeld’s designs from the 1950s to the 2010s. Naomi Campbell’s sequin-encrusted pink Chanel Haute Couture gown from Spring 2010 and Dua Lipa’s white tweed ballgown from Chanel Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 1992 were just a few examples of the vintage-inspired looks on display.
The Return of the Maxi-Train
Dramatic, larger-than-life trains made a statement at this year’s Met Gala, with stars like Rihanna and Bad Bunny stealing the show with their extravagant ensembles. Rihanna’s custom Valentino Haute Couture dress featured a flowing cape covered in appliquéd camellias, while Bad Bunny’s 26-foot flower train by Simon Porte Jacquemus added a dramatic flair to his backless white suit.
Pearls Take Center Stage
Pearls emerged as the must-have accessory for the evening, adorning gowns, suits, and even hair. Kim Kardashian’s champagne-colored Schiaparelli gown dazzled with looped pearl strands, and Lizzo’s black Chanel dress, an homage to a 1991-1992 runway look, featured pearl trim and a train, combining two of the evening’s biggest trends.
Feline Fancy
Lagerfeld’s love for his pet cat Choupette inspired many attendees to incorporate feline elements into their outfits. Doja Cat’s glittering Oscar de la Renta ensemble included feline prosthetics by Malina Stearns, and Lil Nas X wore a sparkling cat mask and a thong, with the rest of his body adorned in silver body paint, Swarovski crystals, and pearls. Jared Leto’s full-body costume resembling Lagerfeld’s Birman cat was the ultimate tribute to the designer’s beloved feline companion.
As the fashion world celebrated the genius of Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala, the event served as a reminder of the designer’s lasting impact on the industry. With stunning ensembles, bold trends, and the continued presence of iconic brands like Prabal Gurung and Jonathan Simkhai, the Met Gala proved once again that it’s not just a glamorous party, but also a showcase of groundbreaking fashion ideas that will influence the industry for years to come.
