The Met Gala 2021

September is a big month for fashion. This year, the Met Gala followed closely after New York Fashion Week. Taking place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York, the Met Gala is an event where fashion designers, models, and other Hollywood stars come together to fundraise. The event is run by Anna Wintour, a powerful editor who has worked with American Vogue since 1988. Each year there is a theme and for 2021, the theme was American fashion.

Every year there is quite a bit of controversy over whether or not the theme is followed. This year, it seemed like there had to be context behind the outfits to determine if the American Fashion theme was followed.

Controversy rose among a very specific look which was Kim Kardashians’s all black Balengiaga gown that covered her from head to toe. No one, including myself, quite understood the meaning or the point behind the look. With such an interesting appearance that sparked conversation in the media, I think some excitement was brought with Kim’s look for the night.

Some attendees that greatly attained the theme this year include Debbie Harry, Lili Reinhart. For these looks of the night, context wasn’t really necessary. Debbie Harry, in Zac Posen, wore an American flag inspired dress. There was clearly no misunderstanding regarding the American theme in what she showed up in for the night. As for actress Lili Reinhart, creativity was a huge factor in her outfit. Designed by Christian Siriano, she wore a dress that included every state flower. Opinions were pretty divided but personally, I admire the uniqueness to the look and the literal approach to the theme of the Met Gala this year.

With the theme focusing on America, influencers took this as an opportunity to spread awareness and appreciate their own culture. Naomi Osaka, a tennis star, honored her American-Japanese heritage while wearing Louis Vuitton. Quannah Chasinghorse showed up styled by Peter Dundas, clearly showcasing and honoring Native American culture. Although these looks for the night were a little underrated for the night, I think that this was such a positive and impactful approach to the taking on the American theme. Obviously the looks had relation to the theme of the Met Gala and uncovered a part of America that should be recognized.

Typically once the red carpet comes to an end, the event is pretty private. Besides photos or videos being released from the attendees, no one completely knows all the details that happen inside the actual event. I see this as a given opportunity for those who share similar lives, to enjoy some privacy with each other and to bond. This year’s Met Gala was especially very secluded due to COVID restrictions. With there being no Met Gala last year, this year's event was a big deal and will be remembered.