Fashion’s biggest night of the year took place on Sept. 13, 2021. As per usual, celebrities dazzled the red carpet with their extravagant attire. This year’s theme being American independence, watchers were somewhat underwhelmed because of how few attendees actually did “Met-worthy” looks in accordance to the theme. Nonetheless, certain looks from this year’s gala were absolutely brilliant.

Starting with the belle of the ball, co-chair Billie Eilish arrived in a dreamy blush gown designed by Oscar De La Renta. The dress features a corset style bodice and a majestic tulle skirt and train. The “Christmas Barbie” inspired hair and makeup pulls together the iconic diva look. While I love how royal the look is, I feel as though De La Renta could’ve picked a color which suited her better as the blush shade somewhat flushed her out. 

De La Renta designed model and actress Kaia Berger’s dress as well; a black gown also featuring a corset style bodice. Intricate ivy leaf embroidery laces the bodice which flows into a billowing skirt. This was one of my favorite looks at this year’s gala, considering how simple yet intricate the design was. This look tied to the theme as it was an “Old Hollywood” look inspired by Bianca Jagger’s 1981 Met gala outfit

Another personal favorite was that of American actress Yara Shahidi. Designed by Dior’s Maria Grazia, the Josephine Baker inspired dress is embellished with crystals, paired with a gold tulle veil and a Cartier necklace adding the final touch of sparkle. While I’m not the biggest fan of Grazia’s previous designs, I must admit that this look was absolutely stunning, being the perfect balance between luxe and grace.

Netflix actress and TikTok star Addison Rae showed to the red carpet in a Tom Ford red dress with a corset bodice. The intent was to pay homage to other vintage Old Hollywood looks, however that idea did not come through at all. Rae faced much backlash for supposedly copying reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian’s Christmas dress. As you may guess from this comparison, the dress was not Met-worthy at all. In fact, I wouldn’t even wear it to a high school prom. It is genuinely one of the worst Met Gala outfits I have ever seen considering how plain yet simply ugly it is from the atrocious color to the unflattering silhouette.  

The iconic supermodel duo, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, were seen together throughout the ball. Hadid wore a gorgeous ivory silk Prada dress, accessorized with leather gloves, a black hair clip, black tights, and crystal adorned pumps. Jenner wore an elegant look inspired by American sweetheart, Audrey Hepburn. Her crystal embellished dress was designed by Givenchy’s Matt Williams and glittered the red carpet along with her award-winning smile. Both Jenner and Hadid had charming looks for this year’s Met, however I feel as though they both could have gone bigger considering how impactful they are in the fashion industry.

Speaking of impact on the fashion industry, I was incredibly disappointed by model Hailey Bieber and singer Justin Bieber. With Hailey Bieber being one of the biggest models in the world, I was surprised that she showed to the Met in a rather plain Yves Saint Laurent strapless black dress, with the only real detailing being the risque neckline. Justin Bieber wore a classy black La Maison Drew suit with a wide leg. While it was a basic look, I did love how it was different from the classic suit and tie as it included a slightly oversized silhouette with a wide leg along with a pair of Nike sneakers. 

American rapper Lil Nas X stunned the Met red carpet with his three distinct Versace looks. Nas X arrived in a fit-for-a-king cloak, which he removed at the carpet to reveal a muscular gold metal armor. The suit received much criticism, however I believe that the bold choice went perfectly with Nas X’s confident new music era. His last look was a gold crystal adorned bodysuit, tying the three royal gold looks together. 

All eyes were on model and actress Iman when she showed to the red carpet in true Met Gala fashion, in a bustier and trouser set, accentuated by an extravagant feather cage overskirt and headpiece. The outfit was designed by Harris Reed alongside Dolce & Gabbana, taking 400 hours to make. Iman truly stole the show with her radiant golden look, surely lighting up any room she walked into during the night.

Overall, the 2021 Met Gala was one to remember. While this year’s gala was a tad underwhelming, certain looks from this year will go down in the books for their extraordinary design and glamour. In addition, I loved the designers’ play on “”Old Hollywood” inspired looks for the gala. As actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn once said, “Life is a party, dress like it.”