MET GALA 2022 // BEST DRESSED

- May 02, 2022

Happy First Monday in May! This year's Met Gala is celebrating the opening of the second part of The Costume Institute's annual exhibition at The Metropolitan Musem of Art titled "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion". This year's theme is Gilded Glamour, which is very fitting for what is traditionally known as "fashion's biggest night out", and always full of opulence and glamour. I love seeing all of the creativity and artistry that goes into the designs for this event. If you are interested in reading more about the history of The Met Gala and some of my favorite fashion moments through the decades, I would love for you to check out the article I wrote all about it back in 2020 here. For a look back at the 2021 event click here.

When it comes to the best dressed of the night, there were three looks that stood out to me among all else. My absolute favorite was Blake Lively, who was also one of the cochairs of this year's event. Every year she is always one of the highly anticipated guests of the night, never failing to make a showstopping moment in fashion history. This year for her custom Versace gown, she looked to the architecture of New York City for inspiration.

The embroidery of the train features constellations from the ceiling of Grand Central Station, the bodice incorporates some Art Deco motifs found on the Empire State Building, and the transformative copper and green colors of the overall design are inspired by the Statue of Liberty, as well as her jewelry. This is just a stunning dress that has so much symbolism behind each aspect of the design, it took the theme to a whole new level. It is evident how much time and care went into this gown by Blake and everyone at Versace. I love all of her past Met Gala looks, but this is by far her best!

For the past few weeks I have been hearing rumors of what Kim Kardashian was going to be wearing to this year's event, but it still didn't make it any less shocking when I saw these photos! Kim wore the iconic nude crystal dress that Marilyn Monroe famously wore when she sang "Happy Birthday" to President John F Kennedy in 1962 at Madison Square Garden. She borrowed it from the Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum for the occasion, marking the very first time it has been worn since Marilyn herself 60 years ago. It was made by Jean Louis, sketched by Bob Mackie, and purchased by Marilyn for about $1440 in 1962. In 1999, it sold at a record breaking $1.26 million, only to be topped in 2016 when it was sold again for $4.4 million - making it the most expensive dress sold at auction (twice). While it is a little late to be fitting for the Gilded Age, which is 1870-1890, this dress perfectly fits in with the theme of the exhibit itself - the evolution of American fashion. For Kim to be wearing this dress is so significant because in so many ways she really is like the modern-day Marilyn Monroe. Their reputations and public perceptions mirror each other so closely - love or hate them, they have both made an immense impact on pop culture, one that no one else has ever been able to replicate. I love that Kim paid homage to Marilyn Monroe with this one-of-a-kind piece of American fashion history in such a special way!

Billie Eilish was one of the only guests that I felt fit the Gilded Glamour theme perfectly, with a traditional style that is very reminiscent of the late 1800s, while still finding a way to put her own personal style into it. She wore a custom Gucci gown and corset, made with all upcycled materials for an eco-friendly approach. It has a classically feminine silhouette, but the addition of the black choker and messy up-do gives it a little bit of a modern punk edge - the two sides that encapsulate Billie's signature look and personality. I listed her at the top of my best dressed list at last year's event, with a stunning gown that was so different than anything we saw her in up until that point - but this outfit I think is even better than that because of the personal flare it has. It is such a beautiful design that fits Billie's style so well!