Monday night marked the first Met Gala since 2019, and the stars came out in full force, serving some jaw-dropping looks just as we've come to expect from the biggest night in fashion. Models, musicians, and actors all showed up wearing their interpretation of this year's theme—American independence—which was selected in honor of the opening of the museum's "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" exhibition.
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With such a broad theme, we saw everything from classic crystal-encrusted gowns to cowboy-inspired ensembles, all representing different facets of American fashion. It made for a very interesting and quite varied show of looks that truly kept us guessing as the somewhat abbreviated list of attendees, including Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Kim Kardashian, and Maluma, made their arrivals.
Noticeably absent, though, was pregnant Kylie Jenner, who was presumed to be attending but announced on Instagram that even though she's spent the past week in New York for fashion week, she "couldn't make it." But there were plenty of other celebs in attendance serving up style inspo. Check out some of our favorite 2021 Met Gala looks below.
Kim Kardashian was covered from head to toe.
Kim Kardashian made a major departure from her usual risqué and provocative Met Gala looks this year, in a head-to-toe black Balenciaga outfit that covered her entirely, including her face. Kim was presumably representing what she believes to be the future of American fashion, but onlookers couldn't help but notice that the look was in keeping with what we've seen from her husband, Kanye West—whom she filed for divorce from early this year—for the past few months. His influence is undeniable.
"There’s no logo, no face, but everyone knows it’s her,” a source told Page Six. “Kanye gave her the courage to push creativity and people’s imagination through art."
Lourdes Leon embraced the long hair trend.
Iconic singer Madonna's daughter, Lourdes Leon, made her debut appearance at the Met Gala and gave us total Cher vibes. Like Kim Kardashian, she wore ultra-long, straight hair, but her bejeweled hot pink two-piece outfit was the polar opposite of Kim's. We're thinking this Moschino look was inspired by the late '60s and early '70s.
Lil Nas X wore three different outfits.
Rapper Lil Nas X sported three different looks for the Met Gala, and they were all a massive improvement from his 'fit at the VMAs the night before. Although we're struggling to see the theme in any of them, he looked great.
Eiza González was all elegance.
Actor Eiza González was pure Hollywood glam in this deep red halter-neck Donatella Versace gown. She explained that she was inspired by the legendary Rita Hayworth, who also had Mexican roots. She looked absolutely flawless.
Rihanna's look was a surprise.
Businesswoman and singer Rihanna and her boyfriend, rapper A$AP Rocky, showed up late for the gala, and the Fenty Beauty founder made a major fashion statement in a voluminous Balenciaga gown that had total New York vibes. And, of course, she was also dripping in diamonds.
Iman stole the show.
The 66-year-old supermodel caused quite a buzz in this incredible feathered gold outfit and Harris Reed headpiece, which was intended to convey hope. "I thought it was beautiful because it really felt hopeful, a ray of light after all the darkness we felt. So, I thought this was a perfect outfit for it," she explained.
Serena Williams looked like a superstar.
Tennis player and businesswoman Serena Williams' Met Gala outfit looked to be inspired by hip-hop fashion. She wore a lacy catsuit embellished with stars and a floor-length feathered pink cape, with silver accessories and minimalist makeup.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stayed true to her message.
New York state representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez did not back down from her political stance, even for the Met Gala. She teamed up with Brooklyn-based design house Brother Vellies to create a traditional white gown with the words "tax the rich" scrawled in what looked like bright red spray paint across the back. She completed the look with her signature gold hoop earrings.
Simone Biles went over the top.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles attended the Met Gala wearing a totally over-the-top black and silver gown. The showgirl-inspired dress did overwhelm her tiny figure, but it doesn't even matter, because the Area creation is a work of art.
Alicia Keys looked powerful.
Musician Alicia Keys' fashion choices tend to be hit or miss, but this white two-piece outfit was perfection. She looked confident, strong, and powerful in the sheer button-up top and tulle skirt. We especially loved the crystal covering she wore over her hair and the red lip.
Maluma went as a rhinestone cowboy.
Colombian singer Maluma took the assignment very literally and dressed up like a cowboy for the Met Gala—except, of course, as a rhinestone cowboy. He even chose a warmer shade of blond for his hair, which seemed like a nod to the whole corn-fed American boy thing. It was interesting.
Natalia Bryant looked thrilled to be there.
Natalia Bryant, the daughter of Vanessa Bryant and the late Kobe Bryant, looked so happy to be at the Met Gala. She's starting her career as a model, so this had to be a big moment for her. She wore a 1960s-inspired avant garde dress.
Rosalía chose an interesting look.
Fresh off her win for best Latin video at the VMAs, Spanish singer Rosalía attended the Met Gala in a deep red leather dress with a trailing, fringed cape. She definitely remained true to her flamenco style, though we're not sure about her interpretation of the theme.
Anitta kept it classy.
Brazilian singer Anitta pulled off another beautiful look just one night after winning big style points at the VMAs. This black cutout dress from Cavalli feels very of the moment and was reportedly chosen by event organizer Anna Wintour herself.
Zoë Kravitz bared it all.
Teeny tiny Zoë Kravitz took full advantage of her petite frame and wore a completely sheer crystal dress from Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello that left little to the imagination. In fact, her entire back side was exposed in the still elegant creation. She was stunning.
Gabrielle Union turned heads.
Gabrielle Union undoubtedly had one of the most amazing looks at the 2021 Met Gala. The sculptural, iridescent creation took 1,400 hours to make and symbolizes how America is ever-changing. It was something really special to look at.
Jennifer Lopez took the theme seriously.
J.Lo and her stylist, Rob Zangardi, went all in with the America theme. The J.Lo Beauty founder invoked the Wild, Wild West in an intricate chocolate brown Ralph Lauren gown topped with a feather shrug, cowboy hat, and low-slung belt. Though it's not our favorite look of the night, we give her credit for understanding the assignment.
Lupita Nyong'o elevated denim.
You can't get more American than denim, and Mexicana Lupita Nyong'o knows it. She wore a beaded Versace gown constructed out of swirling denim panels. We love that she took an element of Americana and made it into high fashion. But honestly, it's the hair for us—that swirly 'fro is gorgeous.
Camila Cabello was a disco diva.
It's all about the music for Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello and her boyfriend, Shawn Mendes. She looked like she stepped straight out of the disco era in this sparkly purple two-piece ensemble, and though he's not pictured with her, Shawn wore a leather blazer and velvet trousers with no shirt, totally looking like a '70s-era rock star.
Kendall Jenner sparkled from head to toe.
Kendall Jenner cut quite the contrasting figure to her sister Kim in a crystal-encrusted Givenchy Haute Couture naked gown that was inspired by iconic American actor Audrey Hepburn. She looked absolutely ethereal.
