The 2021 Met Gala
Diverse, vibrant, beautiful, and intersectional.
The 2021 Met Gala took place on Monday, September 13, 2021 with the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” The extravagant event, a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, brings together the top names in fashion and Hollywood to celebrate style in boundary-pushing ways. Pop stars, actors, supermodels, musicians, and athletes all offered their own unique take on the all-American theme.
The Gala was hosted by actor Timothée Chalamet, poet Amanda Gorman, singer Billie Eilish, and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Taraji P. Henson, Saweetee, Serena Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Megan Thee Stallion, Serena Williams, and Iman, among others, attended the iconic event.
Event Highlights
https://youtu.be/dzRUHWDwBt4
The gala began with the all-Black Brooklyn United Marching Band.
Although the event was postponed last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it garnered a bit of criticism this year due to the lack of attendees wearing masks. On the other hand, many used their outfits to raise awareness about social and political issues.
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a white gown emblazoned with the words “Tax the rich,” making a statement about wealth inequality in the U.S.
Representative Carolyn B. Maloney’s dress featured the statement “Equal rights for women.” She also held a tambourine with the words “ERA yes,” alluding to her support of the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Makeup artist Nikkie de Jager used her dress to pay homage to transgender rights icon Marsha P. Johnson, whose middle initial famously stands for “Pay it no mind.” Johnson is one of the transgender women praised for her role in the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, and is known for creating a housing a support shelter for LGBTQ youth and sex workers in 1970.
Vogue followed rapper Lil Nas X as he got ready for the Met Gala.
Naomi Osaka brought her Japanese and Haitian background together in an ensemble by Louis Vuitton; Amanda Gorman wore a Statue of Liberty-inspired dress designed by Vera Wang; supermodel Iman wore an oversized feathered headdress, gold corset, and feathered, wire-framed ball skirt; model Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, sported an all-red Adidas outfit; while Lil Nas X wore three transformative Versace outfits.
If you missed the excitement, you can watch the 3 1/2 hour event at www.vogue.com/video/watch/the-2021-met-gala.
