This year, the Met Gala came out like a bang. There were some amazing looks and others that might be better in the archives. Unfortunately, I have not “made it” and was once again rudely left off the guestlist for the Gala (looking at you, Anna Wintour). Like many others, I had tuned in and stayed updated on all the looks from the comfort of my own dorm room. Here are my reactions, as a college senior!
- Billie Eilish- 10/10
Billie killed it with her subtle nod to Marilyn Monroe- very fitting for her new brand. I seriously needed like three days to emotionally recover from this complete slay. I think that I might try to channel her look for graduation. Classy, elegant, and iconic. I honestly love her new aesthetic; only a true baddie can go from dark emo aesthetic to a sunny glamorous one. I think it is also well reflective of her new music style!
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez- 6/10
I love a good political statement just as much as the next person. But something about wearing a dress about wealth inequality that costs more than what I make in a year isn’t it. In any event, the theme of America does fit with the message “Tax the Rich” and the wealth inequality issue that is present in the United States. The cut of the dress was gorgeous and she killed the look. While I think it was an interesting, subtle way to point out an issue in modern America, it comes off as hypocritical when worn by someone who was invited to the Gala.
- Kendall Jenner- 7/10
I love how the dress imitated Audrey Hepburn’s My Fair Lady gown. It was a nice flashback and nod to one of my favorite films. While Kendall killed the look for sure, I feel that it could have been more tasteful with a liner underneath the dress. Honestly though, good for Kendall, I would never be able to pull off that look.
- Lil Nas X- 100/10
Once again, the king has exceeded my expectations. His sequence of outfits told a story, which is a statement that is both tasteful and important. His outfits gave a three-part story of being gay in America and pointed out the different challenges that are faced. I especially loved the final outfit, the dazzling skin-tight bodysuit. We all love a good robe too- it looked like it would have been the most fun to march around in.
- Megan Thee Stallion- 10/10
I could go on for hours about how much I love Megan’s dress. First of all, I love the softer pink look on her. I feel it is more of a different look for her that I loved to see. Her hair and makeup were flawless. She looked like true royalty- I hope that her dress will be included in the costume gallery! Her dress, designed by fashion design company Coach, was a more subtle nod to the American theme.
- Lilli Reinhart- 10/10
I was obsessed with Lilli’s dress and loved how it incorporated all of the US state flowers in an elegant design. It was also designed by Christian Siriano, who I absolutely adore! This dress was a unique way to incorporate the American theme with style. Also, completely educational ― who knew all the different types of flowers that represented the states? Her dress inspired me to go back to my 4th-grade social studies lessons and learn all the state flowers again. Not to mention, as this is a stretch, but it really resonated with me as someone who lives in the Garden State!
- Kim Kardashian- 10/10
Honestly, this looked so comfy. I would absolutely wear this outfit, especially to my 5 pm lecture in Hardenberg. Kim killed the look, and she definitely made a statement. By covering her face, she pronounced her silhouette as a nod to American icons who can be recognized just by their body shape.
I can’t wait to see the exhibit at the Met in the coming months! Fashion truly is an important aspect of art and American culture. The Met Gala is a nice reminder of that! The event also raises funds for the Costume Institute which doesn’t get included in a lot of museum donations.