For the first time in two years, the beige carpet rolled out to welcome celebrities to the 2021 Met Gala. The annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute was previously postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year “the Oscars of the fashion world,” returned with the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Needless to say, there were showstopping looks from every celebrity, including those paying homage to LGBTQ+ history, figures, and movements.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X is the gift that keeps on giving. The young rapper wowed the cameras with not one, not two but three outfits while walking the carpet. His looks for the night were all designed by Donatella Versace.
For his first outfit reveal, Lil Nas X wore an intricate cape complete with ornate and a long flowing cape. After removing the cape, attendees were shocked to see a solid gold suit of armor underneath. Then, the “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” singer decided to shed the armor and donned a gold and black bodysuit.
While this may have been Lil Nas X’s first time at the event, we know it won’t be his last!
Dan Levy
“Schitt’s Creek” star and creator Dan Levy made a splash on the carpet with a custom look by Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson.
The ensemble was inspired by works from artist and LGBTQ activist David Wojnarowicz and aimed to celebrate queer love. Levy’s outfit was “crafted with the brief of imagining what a gay superhero might wear,” Anderson wrote on Instagram. The front depicts the image of two men kissing amid a background featuring world maps and seas.
Cara Delevingne
Clad in a white bulletproof vest, white pants, and platform pumps Delevingne made a statement at this year’s event with the phrase “Peg the Patriarchy.” The outfit, designed by Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri went viral online, not only for the chic look but also for its bold message.
“Peg the patriarchy. It’s about women empowerment, gender equality,” said the legendary model and actress on the carpet. “It’s a bit like, stick it to the man.”
Nikkie De Jager
Better known as the beauty guru NikkieTutorials on YouTube, Nikkie de Jager turned heads with a beautiful tribute to the legendary Marsha P. Johnson.
In January 2020, De Jager uploaded to video to her cult beauty channel revealing she was a part of the trans community. With Johnson playing a major role in the Stonewall Riots in 1969, Nikkie wanted to honor someone who “paved the way for some many of us.”
“I hope I made my community proud,” Jager wrote on Instagram with full length photo of her gown by Edwin Oudshoorn. The inspiration came from Johnson’s signature flower crowns with discarded flowers from Manhattan’s Flower District. And who could forget Johnson’s famous saying, “Pay it no mind.” This was also incorporated with a large sash adorning de Jager’s skirt.
Symone
Meanwhile “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 13 winner Symone stole the spotlight with her Moschino gown with gold chains.
“Giving golden @moschino Barbie for her first MET GALA, honey!” the popular drag artist wrote on Instagram. “Thank you so much @jeremyscott for taking ya girl to the Met! I had a night I will never forget!”
This solid look proves all that glitters is gold!
Check out the latest Drag Society collaboration here!