Buttoned's Met Gala 2021 Picks
For two long years, the world has been deprived of the magic that is the Met Gala: a night when ordinary people, with ordinary fashion sense, get an inside look into the world of fashion. Monday night, we all watched in marvel as our favorite celebrities stepped out onto the world stage in outfits designed to make a statement—and statements they made.
In celebration of the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” exhibit at the Met, the theme of the night was American Independence, and some attendees did not hold back. While some looks were breathtaking, and some were clearly inspired by the theme, there were only a handful that delivered on both fronts and left us all speechless.
If you didn’t get a chance to sneak a peek at all of these iconic looks, don’t fret, Buttoned has you covered. We’ve curated a list of our top five looks from fashion’s biggest night so you can get inspired and be a part of the conversation. The celebs on our list not only understood the assignment, they finished it early and asked for extra credit. Here’s who we think takes the cake:
Kendall Jenner: It should come as no surprise that this Audrey Hephurn inspired look made the list. Jenner was quite literally glowing Monday night in this sheer Givenchy gown that gave a modern day twist to the dress Hepburn wore in “My Fair Lady.” Kendall is carrying the torch of American fashion icon’s and this look was just *chef’s kiss*.
2. Yara Shahidi: Actor and activist Yara Shahidi is next on the list, and we don’t think this one needs much of an explanation. Shahidi paid tribute to the American-born French activist and entertainer Joesephine Baker and dazzled the crowd in this elegant gown.
3. Billie Eilish: Marilyn, is that you? Billie could have fooled us on Monday night when she stepped out in this gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress inspired by American actress, model, and singer Marilyn Monroe. Eilish’s biggest statement of the night, however, wasn’t the look itself, but what it took to get the look. When asked to wear the dress, she insisted that she would only do it if the company stopped using fur—they agreed.
4. Timothée Chalamet: Now let's hear it for the boys. Timothèe Chalamet has made a name for himself over the past few years with his impeccable fashion sense. His all white look was dreamed up by French designer Haider Ackerman, whose inspiration to create the look was born out of his love for American fashion and its ability to fuse multiple looks into one.
5. Lil Nas X: Last, but certainly not least, Lil Nas X completely stole the show with these three unique Versace designs. Besides how bold each of these looks were, the deeply personal meaning behind them is what ultimately helped Lil Nas land a spot on our list. The outfit breakdown is designed to match his journey of coming out and breaking through his shell in the music industry.
Written by: Maddie McNamee
Edited by: Greta Gessert
All photos from Getty Images