2022 Met Gala Fashion Review
Is This The Worst One To Date?
I decided to take a day before writing this review, because I was so underwhelmed that I needed a full 24 hours to hype myself back up.
Anyway, the theme of this year’s Met Gala was ‘Gilded Glamour’ which I wrote a whole newsletter explaining, and as you may have already guessed, almost no one followed the theme.
I know there’s a lot of nuances that go into what a celebrity is wearing, but I still think we all need to do better. Whether it’s the fact that Anna Wintour approves approximately 80% of the looks or that celebrities come as guests of designers with little say about their look, there seems to be far too big of a disconnect between the theme of the event and even incorporating just one small element that has to do with it.
How has this women not become the national spokesperson for New York? I want to see her on those travel commercials different states and countries have to persuade people to come and visit. Anyway, this is dumb. While the Gilded Age primarily focused on the city of New York, I’m pretty sure most of these buildings weren’t even around during the time. Haute Le Mode pointed out that the Ralph Lauren store in New York is in a building that saw Mrs. Astor and her 400 as regulars, so it’s baffling that the designer didn’t pull from that. They could have at least made the embroidery gold instead of silver to reference the simplest interpretation of gilded. For literally any other New York related event, fine, but for the Met Gala? No.
I mentioned in my explanation of ‘Gilded Glamour’ that I thought Jeremy Scott at Moschino would do a good job interpreting the theme, and I think I jinxed that theory. However, this was the best Moschino look. I appreciate the bustle, and women at the time were adorned in jewels so I like the pearls, but there could have been far more. For a brand like Moschino, this is really underwhelming.
You can’t depend on Anna to wear something in theme, but you can depend on her to wear Chanel. This look is a play on a dress from the Spring 2022 Couture collection, and it wasn’t really made any better. Waist length shoulder cloaks and opera cloaks that were highly embellished were popular during the Gilded Age, but I’m just not impressed. I feel like a lot of people, in reviewing these looks, are really reaching for a reference, and I don’t want to be one of those people, but I am also desperate in finding some good. Anna wears a version of the same thing year after year, and I’m just bored.
While I do think this is a really interesting menswear look and I enjoy the cut of it, I’m not sure how this is relevant to the Gilded Age. It appears that Casablanca decided to take the easy way out by trimming everything in gold, and I’m also not sure what the vampire cosplay is meant to be doing.
Austin Butler made zero points for the Met Gala or the theme, but he made far too many points for adult, blonde men. How dare you look like that? The whole Elvis crew wore Prada, and none of it really made sense to me. I enjoy the cut of this jacket and I like that the thin, silk scarf is a little nod to Elvis, but it would have been nice to see this cut in a way more relevant to the time period. Also, this is very off topic, but ever since he filmed Elvis he’s changed the way he speaks, and if I knew him personally, there is absolutely no way I could take that seriously. What is going on. Here’s him prior to Elvis, and here’s him post Elvis; when he says, “it gives me chills right now” I lose my shit.
Is this a fun Gucci dress with a lovey color story and cute embellishments? Sure! But, I will not be trying to reach for a reference here. Also, we couldn’t have at least made the silver gold? Let’s at least do the bare minimum.
This is fantastic. My initial thought when seeing this look was a women’s bicycle costume of the 1890s, but longer. The reference is subtle, but it’s enough to work well. While the dress is referential of womenswear at the time, the shirt and tie also manage to tie in the structured and stiff menswear. The sleeve is great and I love the little Gibson Girl-esque hairstyle.
Bella said her look was an homage to sex workers of the Gilded Age, however I find the look very uninspired. Just days prior we saw Bella wearing vintage Dior by Yves Saint Laurent, and it had me anticipating what we’d see her in at the Met Gala; reader, I was very let down.
This was one of my favorite looks of the night; Billie really did her homework! This was the only Gucci look that felt relevant to me. This color story is really beautiful, but I do annoyingly wish the greens of the corset and lace sleeves matched. This dress is made from repurposed materials, and during the Gilded Age, a lot of women actually repurposed their clothing to create new pieces. The gathering and slight bustle of the skirt is great, and I also loved how she was posing in a way to make her posture look like the women of that time. The waist was snatched, the girls were sitting pretty, I’m here for it.
I know you typically hear me complain about boring menswear looks, but in this case, a simple suit is quite on theme. Multi-piece suiting was very popular for men during the Gilded Age, and then in the 1880s, the tuxedo was introduced. I think Ryan’s suit is cut nicely; I like the waistcoat, I like the pocket watch chain, and I like the brown velvet. Now, let’s talk about the main focus; Blake. So her inspiration behind this look had more to do with the architecture at the time than it had to do with the fashion. Although it’s giving me ‘Manus X Machina’, the body of the dress is supposed to represent the Empire State Building, while the draping, color, and crown are supposed to represent the statue of liberty. As the dress transforms, it changes color the same way that copper turns green after it oxidizes. The long train also reveals constellations from Grand Central Station; which wasn’t a thing during the Gilded Age, but go off. I kind of hate the dress after the transformation, but I do enjoy that the bow prior to it happening creates a bustle. Although maybe not entirely accurate, I like that Blake cares about her wardrobe choices and had a clear idea and vision behind her look.
It’s not giving Cher, babe. It’s giving, cut open a confetti cake. This isn’t great, and I wish the flowers wouldn’t have been concealed under this gathering; more of them would have been more relevant to the time, given the abundance of embellishments on women’s dress.
Sure, she’s gilded in gold chains, and the look is quite opulent, but this is so lazy for Cardi. Cardi and her stylist, Kollin Carter, have a really good creative relationship, and also have big pull; this does not represent any of that. We’ve seen Cardi pull major looks, not only at the Met Gala, but literally even just on Instagram, so this is disappointing.
It’s really interesting to see how many people wore runway looks instead of custom ones; just wait for the Louis Vuitton tragedies. Anyway this dress is giving Rei Kawakubo, lumps and bumps a little bit, and plays into the way women’s dress in the Gilded Age manipulated the body, however I’m underwhelmed. Area could have adorned this in so much more crystals and feathers; it’s what they’re known for after all.
You guys, I don’t hate this LOL; please don’t stop reading, hear me out. It’s very Versace, clearly, and you might be wondering how this related to the theme, so let me introduce you to Mata Hari; an exotic dancer, courtesan, and spy. This is maybe me reaching since she was active a bit after the Gilded Age, but it’s better for this to have been the reference, than there have been no reference at all. If you want me to sleep well at night, you’ll let me have this.
Not only is this the only custom (except not really custom, because the top is from Fall 2016) Louis Vuitton look of the night, it’s also the best Louis Vuitton look of the night; yeah, I know. I can see the vision on the top. 1890s top but make it cropped, and then we get to the bottom; it’s just a white skirt. Not only is the stark contrast in fabric irking me, but I also don’t understand why this couldn’t have been a bell skirt instead, or perhaps had a bustle slapped on the back?
This might be my number one look of the night. Emma is channeling Evander Berry Wall, also known as King of the Dudes; he was a New York City socialite know for his sartorial extravagance. This is such a niche and specific reference, and I’m obsessed. The top hat, the pocket watch, the cream tights, the little pointed boots— it’s all so fantastic. I also think the coat is so sweet, and I love the large buttons. Very well done. Here’s your regular reminder that this is a Harry Lambert stan account, and I want to be his bestie; styling king.
Here’s the first Louis Vuitton victim, and a clear explanation of why Nicholas is on my hit list; you will pay for your crimes. Apparently, this was her wedding afterparty dress. We love a sustainable queen, but, like, we would have instead repurposed it to create something more relevant and interesting, so, I don’t care.
This is a great menswear look. While the scooped, waistcoat style of the jacket and white shirt call back to the menswear of the time, the (very good) corset boning and tall, pie frill collar tie in womenswear. I’m not obsessed with the shoe, but overall well done.
You know what, I did enjoy these pannier skirts when I saw them on the runway, however, panniers happened like 100 years before the Gilded Age. Not only that, but this also has a bit of 1920s twinge. It’s just a bizarre choice. I don’t know why Nicolas does the girls so dirty every Met Gala; I keep thinking about how even his stuff at Balenciaga in 2006 was more relevant to the theme, so we know he’s capable.
If we’re not focusing on the theme, this was one of my favorite looks of the night. This coat is phenomenal, and I love the latex pant, and how the corset ties in the fabric of the coat. However, it’s clearly not relevant. This also reminds me of Cardi B’s Thom Browne, Met Gala look for ‘Camp: Notes On Fashion’, as well as something we’d see from Moncler.
This girl just does not care. She’s going to do something simple, and she’s going to look pretty, and you’re just going to take it. Well, I’m not taking it. This look referenced Jerry Hall, but literally, what does that have to do with anything?
I love Hamish Bowles, and he’s always going to understand the assignment! The suit is cut beautifully and the cane and top hat are relevant accessories. The gilded crown is also a sweet touch.
I bet you didn’t think the Louis Vuitton looks could get worse, well here we are! This is literally from a resort collection. A fantastic, up and coming actress, wearing a resort collection to the Met Gala; JAIL.
I’m so sorry I keep doing this to you. The only thing these looks prove is that sometimes, not even being the hottest Jonas is enough.
Jordan Roth commented on my Instagram photo once. Anyway, leave it to Jordan to always deliver a look. The fantastic thing about this skirt, is that prior to being transformed into a bustle, it was being used as a coat. Also here for the sequin, cinched waist.
There’s no doubt that Kaia looks lovely, but this is giving pre-raphaelite more than Gilded Age. It’s also just disappointing, because not only has Lee McQueen created pieces that would have been of relevance to the theme, but Sarah Burton has too; I don’t understand why one of those looks couldn’t have been used or re-interpreted.
I’ve seen a lot of people hating on this look, and I’m not all that mad about it. Could it have been better, could it have been more interesting? Yes, of course, but I still think it calls on the time period a lot more than other looks. I like the bustling created in the back, and black chantilly lace was really popular in the 1880s. Katy posted her inspo photo, but this black lace over pink satin reminded me of a beautiful gown from the 1880s made of the same fabrics; I literally just had it a couple of days ago, but I can’t find it now, so I’ll update if I do.
It’s really hard for long, grand trains to do anything for me after Rihanna’s Guo Pei moment, but I actually really love this. The ruffled pleating is a great reference, and Prada’s only good look of the night, honestly. Although the top feels very Prada, I do wish it would have been more than just a sheer tank top. I would have accepted even just some subtle boning or a higher collar.
This is Khloé’s first Met Gala, and after seeing her in this boring look, I’m not sure I’d want to invite her back. This is the first time the Kardashians have all been at the Met Gala together, and I feel like this was such a missed opportunity for them to show up as a full Gilded Age, high society family; give me Vanderbilt Ball!!! Bridgerton is obviously set in a different time period, but I enjoy how the families all have color schemes, and it would have been interesting to see them do something like that.
Let’s just get Pete out of the way real quick; it’s a boring black suit that could have been at least cut in a style more relevant to the time period. Now, Kim. Kim is wearing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic ‘Happy Birthday Mr. President’ dress, designed by Jean Louise, based off of a sketch by a young Bob Mackie. Let’s talk about the conservation of it all first. I know people are saying everyone’s overreacting, but I don’t think Kim should have worn this dress. It’s an artifact at this point, and even though she only wore it to climb the stairs before changing into the replica, she still could have sweat on it, some beads could have still been lost, the dress could have been ripped. Apparently she couldn’t close it up all the way, which is why she wore that god awful, Party City fur (allegedly Marilyn’s real fur, but I call bullshit). I also just don’t think it looks that great; Kim’s skin tone is clearly very different from Marilyn’s and she was also shorter than Marilyn, so the choice of wearing Pleasers was definitely a choice! Kim also talked about how she lost 16 pounds in three weeks to fit into this dress, and honestly, keep that shit to yourself; what a dangerous and toxic thing to brag about. Finally, it’s just not at all on theme. Sure it’s a big flex, I guess, but was it worth it? It would have been a bigger flex if she got Bob Mackie to make her a replica that actually fit and suited her more. Overall, it just didn’t hit the way anyone thought it would, and it’s probably one of my least favorite looks of the night.
Travis is wearing a beautifully tailored suit with a pleated skirt, and I think he looks great; it’s simple and to the point. Kourtney is wearing a deconstructed version of Travis’ look, and I also think she looks good. Honestly, this is the best she’s looked in a long time. The top feels like a reference to the shirtwaist ensemble of the 1890s, and the way the fabric gathers in the back of the dress is reminiscent of the ‘natural form’ silhouette. I’ll take it.
Yes, kris looks lovely, however this has nothing to do with the theme. The dress is clearly a reference to Jackie Kennedy’s Valentino gown, and with Kim dressed as Marilyn and Kris as Jackie, I’m not sure what kind of Freudian slip that is, but…
Sorry for the jump scare, but here’s Kylie looking like a god damn mess. It’s awful, but it’s also a strapless ballgown over a sheer t-shirt, paired with a fitted that is embellished with netting and flowers. It’s just not great, and she’s also not selling it to me at all.
Here’s Lenny Kravitz just being hot and creating his own theme. I guess the black lace is relevant, and I’m here for the corset, but really, my bias is showing.
I love this woman with all my heart, and I love this look for her. I think Lizzo is an under-appreciated fashion girl, and often times I really want more for her, but this is giving me everything I need. This beautiful coat is a play on chesterfield coats, and I love the gold detailing. The dress is just as good without the coat. Not only is the extended corset a great reference to the ‘natural look’, but the extended hips make me think of the 1860s crinolette, or half hoop, that predated the bustle. Continuing that idea of crinoline, is the dropped skirt. Overall this is fantastic, and another one of my favorites of the night!
Yes, she’s gold and gilded, but that’s just not cutting it for me. Like I mentioned before, it’s disappointing to see such underwhelming looks from a brand like Moschino. It’s also just another iteration of what we’re used to seeing from Meg, and like I’ve said before, I want more for her. Meg loves to show off her body, and the Gilded Age used women’s dress to manipulate the shape of women’s bodies in a variety of ways; I feel like something clever could have been done here.
It looks like something was being attempted here, but it just didn’t accomplish its goals. What really annoyed me is Nicki talking about how the breast cup size was too small for her; why the fuck did no one in a fitting address that and fix her CUSTOM look to actually fit her. Nicki also said she’d only wear this if she could wear the hat; the hat is the worst part, but okay.
Another winner in my eyes is Nicola Coughlin! The reference is subtle, but she’s got a gigot sleeve, also known as a leg of mutton sleeve, going, and I think it’s fantastic. The feathers are a fun embellishment, and I can’t tell for sure, but it looks like there’s some bustling going on. Not the most insane, but super sweet and she’s doing more than a lot of other people.
Looks like she’s trying to give Cher, I guess. This is so stupid, and it makes no sense. I really don’t have the strength to say anything more.
Thom Browne really came through this night. This trompe l’oeil suit dress is fantastic, and is a great take on men’s coats of the Gilded Age.
At this point, I would have preferred if she’d worn one of her Bridgerton costumes. Thankfully, this is the last Louis Vuitton look you’ll have to see in this review.
Riz said that he was paying homage to the immigrants of the Gilded Age with this look, and while I guess I kind of see that with the boot, it’s the top half that throws me off. This jacket and shirt just look like something he pulled out of his closet, and feel too modern against the bottom. During this time, there were coats that the working class was more prone to wearing, so I just wish this thought was executed better, because I think it’s a touching angle.
This is beautiful, and honestly the closest we’re getting to Matthew Williams’ couture collection for Givenchy, because at this point we’re never getting that collection. Anyway, she’s got the gigot sleeve going, and I enjoy how it connects up into a halter top. It’s not the most incredibly relevant look of the night, but the embroidery and fit are beautiful, and it’s enough for me.
Just another well cut, Thom Browne skirt suit; the top hat is great. What’s not to love?
Although the accuracy of the dress would have been more representative of the time period if it was less rounded in the front, it’s still a beautiful dress and homage. SJP spoke about how her and CJR created this dress to pay respect to Elizabeth Keckley. Keckley was a slave, and during her enslavement, she bought her freedom through her dressmaking abilities and talents. She went on to become a pioneer of American design, and designed dresses for women of elite society; first Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln, was one of her clients and close friends as well. Like I said, the dress is beautiful, and I love the pattern of the dress and how it resembles a grayscale. We love CJR in this house.
I mean, listen, on any other day, at any other event, I would have loved this. I want to reach and say that bright, rich colors were popular during the Gilded Age due to the invention of synthetic dyes, but I know better than that.
Shawn’s look is made from repurposed materials, and it’s also the best he’s ever looked at the Met Gala, so I’ll take it. Honestly, I’m here for the tall stiff collar, it feels relevant, and he looks like he’s having a great time.
I can’t believe this was the only Westwood look. The gathering of the skirt is there, and I suppose the reveal of the latex pant is a modern play on how skirts would reveal more fabric underneath, but it’s still kind of underwhelming when compared to other Westwood options. The hat also kind of reminds me of a modern take on the Gibson Girl.
I’m really happy I didn’t finish this yesterday, because it is a crime that I did not see this look earlier. This is really great. Not only is the suit beautifully fitted, but it also ties in the theme with the brand perfectly. The cut is referential of the Gilded Age, and the light gray color is an iconic Dior shade.
Here’s another fantastic fitting suit that’s cut in a style relevant to the Gilded Age. Just look how SHARP that jacket and shirt are.
I mean, she looks good, and I guess there’s a bit of a gigot sleeve and black lace, but it’s kind of boring.
Last but not least, we have yet another, well cut Thom Browne suit. I love the gold embroidery and tails here; the hair barrette is also a sweet touch. On a side note, Yahya is one of my favorites to watch when it comes to menswear.
We did it, we made it to the end. How are you doing? I could be better. Anyway, best dressed for me have to go to Emma Corrin, Lizzo, and Nicola Coughlin. Worst goes to Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and anyone in Louis Vuitton. Let me know your thoughts.
TTYL!!!
xx