The first Monday in May has all eyes looking at the steps of the famed Met Museum, not for art but for some serious high fashion worn by some of the most famous faces. The Met Gala is the annual event held to support the museum, each year with a different theme. But it’s become much bigger than just a fundraiser and is now considered one of fashion’s biggest events. Each year, stars make their way up the steps of the museum wearing designers’ interpretation of the theme, which is tied to the newly debuted exhibit. This year’s exhibit is “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” the second in a two-part series (part one was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” debuted in September 2021) and the theme for the event,Gilded Glamour.
While some themes of the past have been harder to interpret, this theme was seemingly easier, and yet there were plenty of unexpected choices. Latex has certainly had its place on Met Gala red carpets of the past, but it was unclear how it would fit into the Gilded Glamour theme. Leave it to two of fashion’s biggest stars to work latex into the theme.
First was Gigi Hadid, sporting a head-to-toe crimson ensemble. The monochromatic look, designed by Versace, featured a voluminous coat worn over top a corset and latex leggings. The corset featured boning details and a bust line designed with latex, which matched back to the leggings. The look was topped off by matching latex boots, completing the look although not quite meeting the theme.
Not to be outdone, Sza also played with latex and volume. Sporting a strapless, hot pink gown by Vivienne Westwood, the singer accessorized with black latex gloves, leggings and boots. The gown’s corset details, a signature of Westwood’s, nodded to the Victorian era, but was modernized with a thigh high slit to properly show off the leggings and boots.
Last but not least, actress Tommy Dorfman also opted for a latex-inspired spandex take on the gala’s theme. Her dress, a floor-length rubber gown in green featured cutouts at the bust and midriff, highlighted by contrasting gold stitching. The avant-garde interpretation, which was designed by Christopher Kane, was accessorized with black rubber gloves and Fred Leighton jewels from the 19th century, bringing in a literal piece of the Gilded Age.
Another look worth mentioning is Bella Hadid’s ensemble. The younger Hadid sister’s Met Gala look was equally as sultry, but instead of opting for latex, her bodysuit, which was designed by Burberry, was actually leather, although many sites have incorrectly reported it as latex.
We love to see so many different and interesting looks on the red carpet, even if they didn’t quite meet the assignment of Gilded Glamour.