“Gilded Glamour” was the theme for the 2022 edition of the Met Gala — also often referred to as the Super Bowl of fashion among the American media circuit. And while the theme technically refers to the Gilded Age in American history from 1870 to 1900, it did seem as though attendees took it to mean everything and anything in excess.
This year’s first Monday in May was anything but simple. Co-chairs Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds kicked things off into high gear with a somewhat strict adherence to the theme. Reynolds kept things simple and appropriately white tie with an outfit by Ralph Lauren, while Lively perhaps took some liberties in more ways than one. Her Atelier Versace gown transformed mid-way from a bronze to a stunning turquoise that’s said to be inspired by New York’s architecture, specifically the oxidisation of the Statue of Liberty as we now know it to be.
As mentioned, white tie might have been the dress code for the men, but that did little to stop some from turning up in more exciting looks. Corsets on men were quite a thing with stars the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Evan Mock, and Ben Platt putting their own respective spins on the feminine garment and incorporating it into suiting. Sebastian Stan took to the red carpet in Valentino’s hottest colour of the year: hot pink taken from the house’s autumn/winter 2022 collection that was recently shown this past fashion week.
But of course, the ladies took it home with various interpretations of the theme. Billie Eilish’s custom Gucci ensemble not only referenced the right era, but was also composed of upcycled materials. French luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton took note of the opulent aspect of the theme and dressed Sophie Turner, Gemma Chan, and Emma Chamberlain in some of the best looks of the night.
All in all, we’re thankful for the return of fashion’s biggest night.
See our edit of the Met Gala 2022 looks that mattered in the gallery below.