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Lucia Moss and Janani Pattabi
On the first Monday of May, the most affluent, well-known, elitists walk the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Donned in the most exquisite, handcrafted couture and wearing the most ornate and glittering jewels, followed by screaming mobs of paparazzi and news-outlets with blinding cameras hope to be the first to capture the custom designer looks and publish them for the world to devour.
What is supposed to be a fundraiser for the fashion institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met,) where tickets are $30,000 and tables go for $275,000, is really just a gross display and competition of material wealth and social class status. Celebrities, models, actors, nobility, politicians, artists, and more all come together in the name of accessible art, but are portraying the very opposite. They are in the most unobtainable clothes, sitting on the highest piles of the, —oftentimes unmerited— money, living fantasy lives that most of us will never get close to. Behind all the pretty is corruption, entitlement, privilege, and ignorance.
Although controversial, there is no doubt about the true artistry and imagination of humankind shown in the designs. However you view the Met, even if you don’t, there's no denying how iconic the evening is. While in past years fashion houses and those walking the carpet have been critiqued on their ability to accurately portray the theme, this year's theme should give them no trouble: Gilded Glamour.
Gilded Glamour
“Gilded Glamour” calls back to the United States’ Gilded Age, a period of time from 1870 to 1890 characterized by exuberant wealth, predominately in northern and north-western American societies. The turn of the century brought with it the boom of industry as “new money” financiers and businessmen quickly amassed large fortunes with their rampant monopolies. With great wealth came a great desire to flaunt. Wives of industrialists made frequent shopping trips to Paris for the latest fashions, and often changed outfits five to six times a day. The upper crust would spend thousands on rare jewels to decorate themselves with and signify their status to any onlookers. To top it all off, the wealthy often competed with each other to throw the most elaborate soirees with massive guest lists, with one striking example being the Vanderbilt house-warming party on Fifth Avenue in 1883, where the 1,000 guests were required to dress in historical costumes.
However, while the Gilded Age is often associated with the bountiful flowing of wealth to the coffers of the 1 percent, it’s also known largely for its devastating poverty, as ornate granite and marble mansions shared cities with crumbling tenement homes, packed to the brim with starving immigrant workers.
The term “Gilded Age” itself was derived by Mark Twain and Charles Dudle Warner and was meant to satirize the era’s social and economic problems that were “masked by a thin gold gilding.” This concept of flaunting wealth while major societal problems are taking place is what the Met Gala has increasingly been criticized for. For many, the event has been reduced to a blatant and sometimes tasteless display of wealth and fame and another way for celebrities to “claim” they’re supporting a good cause as an excuse to once again show the world that they remain at the top of the social food chain. This sharp divide between the illusionary opulence of the Met Gala and the harsh reality of American society was highlighted by 2021’s America-themed gala where as celebrities trotted up and down the beige carpeted steps, peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters were getting arrested right outside. The irony only continues this year, with inflation reaching breakneck heights and the US economy severely contracting. It’s no wonder people feel frustrated with the poor theme choice, especially when our reality seems to be mirroring the past a bit too much. This begs us to ask the question: Is Anna Wintour picking this theme on purpose?
Met Gala 2022
With a fitting, but promising (at least in a fashion sense,) theme, many are anticipating the return of the iconic Met Gala. In the year 2020, the Met Gala was canceled due to the worldwide COVID pandemic and in 2021 was not held in its typical month, but was pushed back to September for COVID guidelines and mandates.
No different than any Met since 1995, Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue, will chair this year's Met along with co-chairs Regina King, Blake Lively, Ryan Renoylds, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. This year’s honorary chairs, who were both the honorary chairs last year, are Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, and, for his 3rd time, Tom Ford, an American fashion designer.
Some of this year's attendees included former First Lady Hilary Clinton, the cast of Bridgerton, and more!
Fashion Review
Focusing back to the celebration of couture, designer’s creative minds, and the hard work of those who sleeplessly labor to construct the designs, here is the Champaign Central Chronicle’s best and worst dressed list. While we do not condone cyberbullying, or any type of bullying, we do condone tastefully critiquing works of art and how well they adhere to the Met’s theme. This is not an attack on the designers nor those wearing the designs, this is an attack on the designs themselves. This is to be taken lightly as we are amateurs, and can more often than not, be found in very questionable outfits ourselves.
While we pictured the Gilded Glamour theme to be a representation of the late 1800s, the theme was interpreted loosely, differently, or not at all. Here is our list of best and worst dressed.
Best Dressed
Dove Cameron
Artist of new single “Boyfriend,” Dove Cameron wore Iris van Herpen for her very first Met Gala. With her futuristic, laser cut metal take on the Gilded Age’s bustle, Cameron makes the top of our list. We adore the personal and modern take on gilded age fashion that Cameron wore with such confidence. This look, while it didn’t capture the glamour and glitter of the gilded age, perfectly captured the over the top fashion and exaggeration of the rear.
2. Billie Eilish
Indie pop singer-songwriter Billie Eilish walks down the red carpet in upcycled Gucci and one of the most on-theme looks of the night. The fabric, all already existing scraps, was fashioned into a classic late 1800s silhouette, bustle and all (which we were thrilled to see.) The light green, cream, and purple of the dress gives the look a very dreamy and romantic feel, while the black hair, done up in a period accurate ‘do, and choker give some contrast and edge to the look. The only critique we had with this look is that we wished it had more cohesiveness colorwise, maybe with the corset and skirt matching, or the two greens being either the same shade or repeated in another part of the dress. Along with that, we think Billie as a blonde may have added to the dreamy look of the outfit while further contrasting the choker. However, this was still a massive win and definitely one of the better thrifted looks of the night.
3. Cardi B
While rapper Cardi B’s Versace gown may have a more modern silhouette, we think it perfectly encapsulates the ideology of the wealthy during the Gilded Age: to look as rich and ostentatious as possible. The dress and gloves, made entirely out of golden chains, channels the wealthy socialites of the late 1800s, who were described as “dripping” with jewelry. The look was creative and aimed more at capturing the ideas of the Gilded Age, as opposed to just the “look.” Which is why Cardi B takes our 3rd place spot. Plus, the dress fits her gorgeously and she looks like a goddess in gold.
4. Emma Corin
Princess Diana in The Crown, British actress Emma Corin pulls all the attention her way with a creative twist on Gilded Glamor. Her Miu Miu look was inspired by the 19th century “King of Dudes,” socialite Evander Berry Wall, one of the best-dressed men in New York at the time. Wall’s influence is seen throughout Corin’s look in the silk tophat, oversized checker coat with large buttons, stockings, and the most dapper leather shoes. The outfit was not only spectacularly on theme, it also was a great twist on gender expression and gendered clothing, which made Corin stand out in the crowd of evening gowns.
5. Genesis Suero
The Cinderella of the Met Gala and overnight Twitter star, Genesis Suero managed to outdo most of the celebrities that showed up. The 2018 Miss New York winner and correspondent for Spanish broadcaster Telemundo for the night, Suero quickly became the belle of the ball when images of her dress began to pop up on social media. While the silhouette isn’t the most accurate to the time period, the fitted bodice and updo offer glimpses of the era. Plus, the extensively beaded gown, made by NYC-based designer Lucía Rodríguez, fits Suero perfectly and does align with the Gilded Age ideology of opulence and glamor.
6. Evan Mock
Coming in sixth as one of the most on-theme men of the night, Gossip Girl star Evan Mock surprises all in his yellow buttercream suit. Created by Head of State, this look was another creative play on gender with the addition of the corseted top. The collar being fitted is accurate to the era, but Mock added his own twist by having it flair out. The little cut outs in his pants also make the outfit more interesting to look at. Overall, I’m really glad that Mock put at least some thought into his look for the night, and applaud him for picking a more adventurous color than 90 percent of the men who showed up.
7. Blake Lively
Actress Blake Lively started the Met Gala with a bang as one of the earliest arrivals, and set a high bar in regards to looks for the rest of the night. The dress was inspired by the Statue of Liberty, which was gifted to America by France during the Gilded Age (so Lively is starting off strong theme-wise in our books.) Starting off made of shimmery bronze fabric, the dress transformed to a beautiful teal on the red carpet, symbolizing the oxidation of the Statue, which was such a creative move! The performance aspect of the outfit was giving rich, 1980s socialite energy and we were here for it. The only critique we had on the look was that it seemed to take heavily from the art deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s for its embellishments, which would be several years off-theme. We were also a little sad to see the bustle go during the transformation. Overall we definitely needed more bustles this Met Gala!
8. Shawn Mendes
Singer Shawn Mendes surprised the writers this year by not showing up in a basic suit, and we want to applaud him for doing more than the bare minimum. Wearing Tommy Hilfiger, Mendes quickly caught eyes for his “Disney-esque” navy and burgundy double breasted jacket. While one writer thinks he looks like George Washington, neither of us can deny that he came in fairly period appropriate menswear and looks quite stylish while doing it. Three cheers for another man who isn’t just wearing a black tuxedo!
9. Franklin Leonard
American film executive and founder of the publication The Black List, Franklin Lenoard also came through for the men of the night by trying something new. The exaggerated features are more reminiscent of a robe à la française than a Gilded Age bustle, but we still appreciate the effort in putting a creative twist on the standard black suit.
10. Nicola Coughlan
The only reason why actress and face behind Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown, Nicola Coughlan, is as low as she is on this list was because the two of writers of this review were split on whether or not this Richard Quinn look was objectively good. While we can both agree that the silhouette, with its puffed sleeves and exposed cups, along with the use of period appropriate duchess satin fits perfectly with the historical ties to the theme, we disagree on the overall aesthetic of the gown. One of us believes that the dress is a gorgeous splash of delicate feathers and that the pink and black satin work wonderfully together. The other thinks the dress is tacky and not pleasant to look at. Thus, Ms. Coughlan remains at the bottom of our best-dressed list.
Worst Dressed
Kylie Jenner
Although you would think that someone with as many resources as the youngest Kardashian, billionaire, and makeup mogul, Kylie Jenner, would be able to stay on theme, she sadly was not. While her dress, designed by Virgil Abloh for Off- White, is both stunning and meaningful (worn as a tribute to Abloh, who passed in 2021,) there is nothing gilded, nor glamorous about it. From the silhouette, the mesh t-shirt, to the veiled cap, Jenner comes in at the top of our worst dressed list. If she had simply added to the design, maybe some sleeves, or a bustle, she could have done a genius modern interpretation of gilded age fashion.
2. Kodi Smit Mc-Phee
Australian actor Kodi Smit Mc-Phee rubbed both these writers the wrong way. From the boots, to the jeans, to the gloves, to the blouse, (which, and this is the worst part, are all made out of leather,) it’s a no from us. While we understand that this look captures some American themes (hello jeans), that was not the theme of this year’s Met Gala. Overall, this look is not on theme and not something these writers recommend anyone wear to a high fashion event.
3. Amy Schumer
Oh Amy. The writers of this article are embarrassed both by and for actress and comedian Amy Schumer. Star of I Feel Pretty, Schumer came in Gabriela Hearst, in what was actually a very edgy and classic look; however, this is the Met, and this look is lazy. She could've added to it with a black top hat, a cane, or a pocket watch, to throw her outfit over the top all while representing men’s fashion at the time and playing with the ideas of ungendered clothing. While we understand, and agree with, Schumer’s strong dislike for the Met, we suggest she either stop coming, show up on theme, or say something more clever when bashing it.
4. Anna Wintour
The queen of the Met herself can be found within the bottom of the pile with this brightly colored and tacky patterned Oscar de la Renta number. Donning a feathered cape and tiara instead of her typical black shades, Wintour failed to meet the standards of her own theme. Sure, a cape isn’t horribly off theme, but nothing else about this screams gilded glamor.
5. Hillary Clinton
Her first met in 21 years, former secretary of state and United States Presidential 2016 candidate, Hillary Clinton, wore a berry red Joseph Altuzarra gown. Both the neckline and hem of this dress are home to 60 embroidered names, all belonging to women who have inspired Clinton, an inspiration for many women herself. The off the shoulder silk dress, inspired by the 1840s (we know, not on theme,) doesn’t quite flatter Clinton as it could have, giving these writers more reason for her to be amongst our worst dressed.
6. Gigi Hadid
Supermodel and new mother, Gigi Hadid, came in a Versace, floor length, red puffer, worn over a bright red, leather, corseted catsuit, and wearing an equally bright red lip. While we adore this piece, we have a few bones to pick, ones that are too great for us to look over, sending Hadid to our worst dressed list. Firstly, this outer layer is far too similar to the train that Cardi B sported during the 2019 Met, where the theme was Camp. This brings us into our second point, it's not on theme! A simple corset doesn’t make your outfit a rendition of gilded age fashion. While bold and stunning, this piece does not capture the opulence and glamour of the gilded age.
7. Niki Minaj
The rapper and icon, Niki Minaj, disappointed in her leather pants, tulle gown, ridiculously large belt, and baseball cap, which honestly just looks like a version of Jenner’s look. The odd gemstones on her upper body don’t quite give the glamour and shine we were looking for.
Favorite After-Party Looks
The glimmering theme didn’t carry over to the Met Gala afterparty, so we decided to list our favorite looks aesthetically and not by how they adhere to “Gilded Glamor.”
Imaan Hamman
Fun and fabulous, Imaan Hamman’s after party look is one that these writers wish to wear themselves. The halter neck, beaded mini dress almost gives a 60s does 20s feel. The beaded matching gloves and sparkly attached balaclava make the look all the more kooky and chic.
2. Duckie Thot
The epitome of glamor, Duckie Thot didn’t fail to turn heads in this light yellow, corseted gown with black accents and black gloves. With the addition of a chunky pink necklace and her hair done half up and half down, Duckie looks like the old Hollywood star of our dreams.
3. Bella Hadid
Keeping with her all-black theme shown in her Met Gala look, Bella Hadid showed up in this flirty noire number. Made up of mostly lace and flowy material, the outfit feels perfect for a late night party, while still looking effortlessly in style.
4. Anok Yai
Simple but effective, this stunning corset sets Anok Yai from the rest. The usage of sparse silver jewelry pairs beautifully with the rich texture of the gold corset, creating a visually appealing look.
5. Kylie Jenner
This was surprisingly a better look than her outfit for the actual Met Gala. Simple but elegant, this white satin gown fits Kylie perfectly and paired with her sleek, let down hair, makes her look ethereal.
6. Normani
Still surprisingly on-theme with the bold magenta of the jacket, puffed sleeves, and ornate embellishments, Normani looks gorgeous in this three piece get up. The boldness of the outfit places Normani on our list.
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