Met Gala 2021 saw the highly-anticipated return of A-List celebrities dressed in extravagant and sometimes questionable, costumes. Despite not being held as tradition on the first Monday of May, the Met Gala upheld its reputation of being the pinnacle event of the fashion calendar, for the good, the bad and the straight up WTF moments (not saying names). Following this year’s costume theme of “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, the leading designers of the industry collaborated with today’s biggest icons, to create a spectrum of standout looks and a meme goldmine. Here at CULTED, we’re breaking down some of the highlights of the night.
KIM KARDASHIAN
Once again, all eyes were on Kim Kardashian this year. Ditching her usual soft glam makeup and tight-fitted gown combo, the reality TV star turned heads in an all-black ensemble. Designed by Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia, the whole look brought Kanye’s DONDA album to life and, unsurprisingly, became one of the most memorable costumes of the night, maybe just for the memes.
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RIHANNA
Lighting up the Metropolitan Museum of Art once again, the pop-singer arrived in Balenciaga’s finest. The beautiful, black gown will be added to the archive of Rihanna’s shut-down Met Gala looks. Additionally, Met Gala 2021 was also Rihanna’s designer debut. Last night, Rihanna became the first pop star to have her designs exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art as Savage X Fenty showcased its lingerie.
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A$AP ROCKY
However, the statement diamond choker wasn’t the only accessory Rihanna added to her look as she turned up, fashionably-late as always, with beau A$AP Rocky. Juxtaposing Rihanna’s black ensemble, A$AP Rocky styled a vibrant, quilted blanket- courtesy of young designer Eli Russell Linnetz.
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KID CUDI
Kid Cudi outdid himself last night as he debuted his new acid-green hair, courtesy of the legendary Ibn Jasper, and a Louis Vuitton fit to create a street style dream. Giving the middle finger to toxic masculinity, the American rapper paid homage to 90s grunge with his dark eye makeup.
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BILLIE EILISH
Billie Eilish acts as the youngest co-host in Met Gala History. The nineteen year-old singer made her mark last night in a nude Oscar De La Renta gown, similarly to her Vogue UK cover earlier this summer, with a nostalgic nod to retro Hollywood.
