The Met Gala 2021: A Lexicon of Fashion

This year's Met Gala theme, ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’, had many fashion fans and casual viewers alike scratching their heads. But this broad theme lent itself to producing some jaw-dropping outfits.

Many celebrities, stylists, and designers brought their A-game, donning theatrical gowns and daring costumes in order to reflect the theme.

However, the year also heralded a lot of underwhelming and downright boring outfits, with viewers sad about the absence of popular attendees, such as Lady Gaga, Zendaya and Beyoncé.

The Greats:

Barbie Ferreira:

Wearing a Jonathan Simhkai, pearl-encrusted gown, thin eyebrows and eye-catching makeup, Ferreira looked as if she had stepped out of an old Hollywood movie.

Not only was this look vastly different to many we saw on the red carpet, but it also felt truest to the theme.

From the gorgeous bodice to the hanging pearl fringing, this old-Hollywood outfit embodied the theme and looked stunning.

Quannah Chasinghorse:

This up-and-coming Indigenous model was an unexpected contender for best-dressed at this year’s Gala. Clad in a gorgeous gold Peter Dundas dress, complete with chain accents and a cape, eyes were drawn to the IMG model.

The highlight of this outfit is, without a doubt, the abundant turquoise and silver jewellery worn by Chasinghorse, which highlighted her Native American Heritage and ties to the Navajo tribe.

It embodied the American theme, with the jewellery lent to her by her aunt, a former Miss Navajo Nation. By raising visibility for Indigenous culture, as well as turning heads, Chasinghorse is definitely one to watch out for in future events.

Nikkie de Jager:

The Dutch makeup guru wore a stunning blue tulle gown by Edwin Oudshoorn as a homage to transgender icon Marsha P Johnson, who was at the forefront of the Stonewall riots.

Different aspects of the outfit pay homage to the American icon, including Johnson’s signature flower crown and a sash with her iconic phrase, 'pay it no mind', towards the center of the dress.

Everything in this look, from the colour palette chosen, the mass of handmade silk flowers trailing down the dress, and de Jager’s flawless makeup, pulled together to honour a true American hero.

The not-so-greats:

Hailey and Justin Bieber:

The married couple took a change from their usual streetwear style, donning an all-black suit and dress respectively.

Despite Hailey heralding her inspiration as icons such as Grace Kelly, the couple lacked the impact so many others bought to the red carpet. Their plain outfits, which would have been more suited to a less prestigious fashion event, simply lacked the flair and attention to theme that so many others produced.

Edited by Maddy Burgess