The Met Gala is back — and from the guest list to the red carpet, this year’s ball was bigger than ever before.
After several pandemic-related delays, “fashion prom” returned to its traditional spot on the first Monday in May for 2022, with “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” as the evening’s theme, “gilded glamour” as its dress code and a coterie of A-listers on hand to co-host, including Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Regina King.
And predictably, the carpet was pretty spectacular. Below, see our best-dressed picks from the evening, including Lively’s Lady Liberty-inspired Atelier Versace look, Kim Kardashian’s ode to Marilyn Monroe, Alicia Keys’ Empire State-minded Ralph Lauren gown and more.
Blake Lively
This gala co-chair absolutely understood the assignment. An homage to New York City landmarks, her Atelier Versace look included an Art Deco bodice inspired by the Empire State Building and a tiara and skirt that nodded to the Statue of Liberty — the latter quite literally, by transforming from copper to green in the middle of the red carpet. The train was even embroidered with the same constellations painted on the ceiling of Grand Central Station.
Kim Kardashian
Nodding to the night’s “In America” theme in a very different way, the reality star paid homage to Marilyn Monroe in the exact dress the blond bombshell star wore to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy in 1962. As the multimillion-dollar museum piece couldn’t be tailored, Kardashian lost 16 pounds in three weeks to fit into the historic garment — and even dyed her hair platinum to fully embody the “Some Like It Hot” star. Now that’s commitment.
Alicia Keys
The “Empire State of Mind” singer repped the the concrete jungle where dreams are made of with her sparkling silver Ralph Lauren gown and sweeping cape featuring the Manhattan skyline rendered in crystals. Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New Yoooork!
Billie Eilish
With its corseted bodice, long lace sleeves and padded bustle, the Grammy winner’s pastel-hued Gucci gown was a fitting choice for the Gilded Age-themed fête, and made Eilish look like she’d just stepped out of a John Singer Sargent painting.
Janelle Monáe
“This is gilded glamour from the future,” the musician said of their sleek, shimmering Ralph Lauren gown, which included a silver striped hood and bib. Gorgeous!
Kaia Gerber
Cindy Crawford’s model daughter, who attended the ball with boyfriend Austin Butler, looked like an Art Deco goddess with her waist-length curls and intricately sequined Alexander McQueen frock.
Jessica Chastain
Dripping in oxblood Gucci sequins from her turban to her toes, the Oscar winner beautifully captured the glitz and glam of Old Hollywood. Norma Desmond would be proud.
Gemma Chan
The “Crazy Rich Asians” star cut a striking figure in her Louis Vuitton lampshade dress and Art Deco-style scalloped cape.