The 2022 Met Gala was held in NYC on Monday, May 2 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This annual event finally made its comeback after a two year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The anticipated fashion affair’s 2022 theme was dubbed “Gilded Glamour”, which corresponded with the museum’s accompanying exhibit entitled “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”
The Gala’s theme was a hat-tip to the American historical period known as the “Gilded-Age”, which lasted roughly from 1870-1890, and was originally coined by American literary godfather Mark Twain. Extravagant celebrations and gaudy fashions characterized the era, marked by new economic growth and financial success experienced in industrial New York.
Corsets, silks, velvets, and rich color palettes are but a few of the prominent wardrobe staples in which the era was known for. Vogue even noted that “for the upper echelon, fashion during that period was one of excess.” The Gilded Age was spearheaded in New York City, which just so happens to be the nation’s fashion capital. Men and women alike were prospering and experiencing monetary growth that manifested into the clothes they wore. It was during this period that the hub for haute couture, Vogue Magazine, was established.
It is no surprise that the first Met Gala since the global pandemic was defined as a “white-tie” event, AKA an event yielding the most formal attire. This year’s Gala showcased flamboyant styles that omitted an intense grandeur to celebrate the celebration’s return!
Now that I’ve had a few days to decompress, analyze, and form an opinion, I’m ready to share my take on the 2022 Met Gala. I’m so excited to list 10 of my favorite looks of the night, but let me make this clear:
there will be no “worst looks” discourse.
I’ve always been taught:
“if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” 😉
So in no specific order, I present to you:
10 OF MY FAV “GILDED GLAMOUR” LOOKS
1. Blake Lively in Versace
Fashion jetsetter Blake Lively had co-creative direction over her 2022 Met Gala ensemble. Lively told Cosmopolitan that her dress was inspired by the Statue of Liberty (hence the bronze to aqua-green color change!), as well as architecture around New York City.
2. SJP in Christopher John Rogers
Style icon and “Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker payed homage to Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, the first black female fashion designer to work at the White House, in this black and white bustier dress inspired by Keckley’s famous designs of the mid-19th century.
3. Cardi B and Donatella Versace in…. Versace!
Live on the red carpet, Cardi B shared with commentator LaLa Anthony how ecstatic and honored she was to be chosen by Donatella to flaunt this guiltlessly gaudy gown. Donatella (who looked amazing herself!!) decided to spend her birthday accompanying the Grammy winning rap-star on the infamous Met steps, and I’m sure it was a bday to remember!
4. Cynthia Erivo in Louis Vuitton
English actress Cynthia Erivo graced the Met with her feathers, lace, and frills, inspired by the style found in Black Creole culture, which swept the south during the Gilded Age in the North.
5. Gigi Hadid in Versace and Bella Hadid in Burberry
It must be difficult competing toe-to-toe with your sibling every year at fashion’s biggest event, however this duo makes it look easy. The two sisters encapsulated the dark side of Gilded Glamour, twinning with their latex and corset details.
6. Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent
The queen of the soft-girl aesthetic, Hailey Bieber, stayed true to her personal style in this angelic, “Old Hollywood”, high-slit, silk gown.
7. Kid Cudi in Kenzo
Music mogul Kid Cudi and creative genius Nigo of Kenzo teamed up to style Cudi in this version of an archive Kenzo cape ensemble, which was originally black. Cudi suggested the electric blue color, which he detailed to Vogue represents the happy space that he’s in right now 🙂
8. Jodie Turner-Smith in Gucci
All eyes were on “Queen and Slim” star Jodie Turner-Smith as she strutted the Met steps in this dazzling fringe number, complete with an accompanying pleated-blush train.
9. Janelle Monet in Ralph Lauren
Every year, world renowned vocalist Janelle Monet leaves a remarkable impression at the Met with her innovative couture. This year was no different, as Monet merged Gilded Glamour with her knack for futuristic fashions to stunt in this jaw-dropping gown. The artist even mentioned to the Associated Press that she “came here from the future.”
10. Evan Mock in Head of State
Model and “Gossip Girl” actor Evan Mock was one of the few attendees who was actually on-theme this year! Mock was styled in a butter-colored suit by emerging brand “Head of State”, which according to their site, stands as a “representation of postcolonial African youth culture today.”
KynCamille.com 
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