It’s the first Monday in May, which means that it’s Met Gala time. Some of the biggest stars in movies, music, and fashion are hitting what appears to be a finger-painted carpet in looks corresponding to the evening’s “Garden of Time” theme. There was a pre-gala labor dispute, but the Condé Nast union secured its contract, meaning its members wouldn’t be picketing the event. However, pro-Palestinian protesters made their way to the Met, and what sounded like chanting could be heard in the background of the Vogue red-carpet livestream. Nothing could stop the show, though — not even Rihanna calling out sick — and A-listers arrived in their most glamorous florals.
In recent years, the Met Gala has become about more than just looking good. Stars are expected to show off their winning personalities. Did anyone have their Jack Harlow moment this year? You’ll have to be the judge of that, but here are some of our favorites.
Zendaya closed out the night with a second look
Let’s start at the end, because it was probably the coolest move of the night. Zendaya, who was co-hosting the event, was both the first and last person on the carpet. Once everyone had rolled in, the actress re-emerged on the carpet in a black Regency-inspired gown. That is how you show out at the Met Gala!
Lana Del Rey was a little dangerous
The singer wore Alexander McQueen, which included a stick motif that worked its way from the bottom of her dress to a headpiece. When she was interviewed by Vogue on the carpet alongside Kim Kardashian, she came close to taking the reality star’s eye out. Hopefully Anna Wintour has put her sunglasses back on already.
Kim Kardashian revealed that the Met Gala is just a family reunion for her
Kardashian told Vogue host and her friend La La Anthony that what she looks forward to the most at the Met Gala is “seeing my sisters.” When there are so many sisters and so many businesses to run, perhaps the best time to reunite is a multimillion-dollar museum fundraiser.
Cardi B made the biggest entrance
First of all, she was charging her phone when she arrived to the carpet. Relatable queen.
Once she got to what I imagine is a safe 40 percent, the rapper revealed her dress to the photographers. Her enormous black skirt took eight men to properly fluff out, and she wasn’t the only person who put men to work tonight.
Tyla had a team of men at her disposal
The South African singer had some difficulty walking the carpet, and that’s because she was “basically wearing sand.” She said the Balmain dress was inspired by the “sands of time,” which turned out to be a beautiful dress but not one that was made for going up stairs.
Lauren Sánchez and her fiancé made their Met Gala debut as a couple
Of the first-timers on the carpet tonight, none had us asking more questions than Lauren Sánchez. What would she wear? Would Keith McNally be booing her on Instagram? Would she get her man to appear in any carpet photos? Now we have answers: a safe but classy ballgown, no (so far), and no.
But Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter won Best Couple
Apologies to Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos, but this was the most powerful couple of the night. Do you think he wore an espresso-colored suit as a bit of promotion for his lady?
The Loewe bus was the hottest ride of the night
Not technically a carpet moment, but I’d be remiss not to mention the Met Gala’s most fun carpool: the Loewe bus. The brand sponsored the evening and brought along some of its favorites: Dan Levy, Ayo Edebiri, and both of the Challengers boys. Of course, we also have to shout out Omar Apollo for capturing this fabulous moment in the HOV lane.
Rita Ora wore some old-ass beads
I’ll admit that I laughed when Ashley Graham asked Rita Ora “What is happening? What are you guys wearing? How old is what you’re wearing?” Well, there’s egg on my face because Ora was wearing a Marni dress made from beads that date back to the “first and second century, B.C. … some are older than anyone on this planet.” Well, yes!
Josh O’Connor fawned over Zendaya’s look
The Challengers press tour might be over, but it lives on in my heart. The same can be said for Josh O’Connor, who is single-handedly keeping the Tashi/Patrick shippers fed. The actor’s jaw dropped when Variety’s Marc Malkin showed him a photo of his co-star’s first look of the night, a custom Galliano dress.
Speaking of press tours …
The Wicked girls arrived together because they will take every opportunity to remind you that their movie is coming out this Thanksgiving. Ariana Grande wore a Loewe gown made of real mother-of-pearl, which she said invoked “Glinda’s bubble.” Cynthia Erivo wore a two-piece Thom Browne number that featured, of course, pink flowers and green stems. These two should call up Margot Robbie to get advice on how to wear the same color for months at a time.
Greta Lee’s outfit was not meant for talking
At least, not into a mic. When she and Taylor Russell, both in Loewe, spoke with Ashley Graham and Gwendoline Christie, there were some slight technical difficulties. Lee realized she couldn’t hold the mic properly, and frantically worried how she would eat once inside. “Someone will feed you,” Christie reassured her.
Angel Reese scored an invite
The WNBA rookie made her Met Gala debut this year, just weeks after announcing that she’d be going pro in Vogue. It seems like Anna Wintour might be rooting for the Chicago Sky this season.
This is what a billionaire with a salmon empire looks like
You might not know who Gustav Magnar Witzøe is, but if I told you he’s the heir to a billion-dollar salmon farming empire, you’d believe me. That’s because he’s dressing the part. This is what the heir to a fish fortune should be wearing to the Met Gala.
This post has been updated.
