At the Met Gala cocktail reception, Jared Leto made a grand entrance dressed as Choupette, designer Karl Lagerfeld’s renowned cat, in a full white fur suit with lifelike eyes. The suit was too warm to wear during cocktails, but Leto refused to part with the headpiece, even as friends like Rami Malek and director Taika Waititi wanted to try it on. Guests entering the Metropolitan Museum’s Great Hall encountered eco-friendly decor featuring 100,000 recycled water bottles, courtesy of exhibit designer Tadao Ando.
The event honoured Lagerfeld, with around 400 attendees dressed in vintage attire from the fashion houses he worked with during his 60-year career. Among the unique outfits, Lil Nas X appeared in a crystal-covered cat outfit by Pat McGrath and Dior Men, while Rihanna made a grand entrance in a white camellia-encrusted jacket with a lengthy train gown, accompanied by A$AP Rocky. Janelle Monáe unveiled a transparent cage beneath her coat, while Jeremy Pope sported a 32-foot cape featuring Lagerfeld’s image.
Fashionably late, Rihanna and her Valentino couture shared the carpet only with her partner, A$AP Rocky, who donned a red tartan skirt over crystal-studded jeans and a train. Rihanna accessorized with a short Bulgari necklace featuring Akoya cultured pearls and pearl-shaped diamonds. Kim Kardashian opted for a pearl-encrusted Schiaparelli design, while others like Viola Davis wore a striking neon pink strapless gown with feathered details. Lagerfeld’s favourite colour, black, was also prevalent among guests, along with black-and-white combinations.
Serena Williams announced her pregnancy wearing a flapper Gucci look, while recently retired tennis superstar Roger Federer enjoyed a more relaxed experience at his second Met Gala. NBA player Russell Westbrook attended his third gala, and WNBA star Brittney Griner relished her first appearance, discussing her work with Bring Our Families Home. Lagerfeld’s cat, Choupette, did not attend but was represented by Doja Cat’s cat-eared hood on a sparkling white and silver-beaded dress by Oscar de la Renta.
The Met Gala raised $17.4 million last year for the museum’s Costume Institute, with ticket prices increasing this year to $300,000 for a table and $50,000 for a single ticket. The event coincided with the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.” This year’s hosts included Anna Wintour, Michaela Coel, Penélope Cruz, and recently retired tennis superstar Roger Federer. Guests like Broadway stars Josh Groban, Phillipa Soo, Ben Platt, and Jonathan Groff enjoyed a joyful reunion and shared their appreciation for Lagerfeld’s impact on fashion.
The Met Gala was abuzz with excitement and activity as the night continued. Guests eagerly awaited Rihanna’s arrival, who finally appeared after 10 p.m. in her stunning Valentino ensemble. Though late, Cinderella had arrived, and the other guests could now think of turning in for the night.
Many attendees took the opportunity to pay tribute to Lagerfeld through their wardrobe choices. Australian director Baz Luhrmann, who collaborated with Lagerfeld on a Chanel No. 5 commercial, praised the designer’s intellect and creativity. Luhrmann wore a high-collared, starched white shirt, part of Lagerfeld’s signature look, with his Thom Browne ensemble. Dua Lipa wore a white Chanel ballgown from the brand’s archive, while Nicole Kidman chose a look Lagerfeld created for her 20 years ago.
In addition to celebrating fashion, the Met Gala also served as a platform for a Broadway reunion. Anna Wintour, a Broadway enthusiast, invited actors from her favourite shows to the event. Broadway stars mingled in the Charles Engelhard Court and shared a joyful evening.
Some guests also recalled their past interactions with Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld’s relentless creativity inspired Hugh Jackman, while rapper Pusha T recounted a chance meeting with the designer in Paris, where they took a photo before Lagerfeld hurried off due to rain.
The Met Gala showcased unique and extravagant fashion, allowing celebrities and artists to honour the legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld. The night was filled with memorable moments, tributes, and reunions, all encapsulating the spirit of the fashion world and Lagerfeld’s lasting legacy.
