Fashion’s biggest night is here and Black celebrities showed up in full force to the Met Gala 2023. The charity event is a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While the private gala is not open to the public, the arrivals are what really serve as the main event. On this year’s multicolored carpet, celebrities and designers showcased outfits elegant outfits that spoke to theme, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. The looks, as always, were beautiful and daringly creative with a touch of the unusual. While stars from all walks were in attendance, Black singers, actors and athletes turned heads as they arrived for the stunning event.
The Theme
This year’s Met theme honored designer, Karl Lagerfeld. He’s known for his role as creative director of Chanel. The brands well-known ambassador, Pharrel Williams, unveiled the theme in September and Monday fashion fans were treated to celebrity’s interpretations of the night’s concept.
Many attendees donned monochramatic black and white looks, several with a retro flair that exuded the Chanel aesthetic. However, it wouldn’t be the Met Gala without some unique twists along the way.
21Ninety has rounded up some of the best and most interesting looks from the night.
Best Met Gala 2023 Looks
Rihanna
While RiRi may have been one of the last stars to arrive to the Met Gala, she was fashionably right on time. Joined by her partner, ASAP Rocky, Rihanna donned a white gown and an intricate floral jacket.
Cardi B
Cardi B’s look was a real mix of softness and edge. She donned a latex-look skirt that paid homage to Chanel’s boy bag with larger than life flowers molded into it. Underneath her beaded bodice, the rapper wore a collared shirt and tie. Her silver wig was the literal cherry on top of the look that she said was a way to honor the night’s honoree, Karl Lagerfeld.
“It’s giving a little bit of everything,” Cardi B said.
Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor absolutely wowed in this structured menswear inspired look. She told red carpet host, La La Anthony that the entire ensemble, including the sunglasses, was an homage to Karl Lagerfeld. The netted birdcage over Taylors face added a touch of femininity and softness.
Lizzo
The “Good As Hell” singer showed up to the Met Gala dripping in pearls. Lizzo’s fingerless gloves were a nod to Karl Lagerfeld. She added a studded bootie to the look to add some edge to the softness of the pearls.
Kerry Washington
Actress Kerry Washington was striking in a lace two-piece look. Pairing the dainty skirt and bralette with a structured jacket helped add balance. And just look at those abs!
Yara Shahidi
The new Black Tinkerbell hit the multicolored carpet wearing Gaultier. She compared the challenge of making the Tinkerbell character her own with appearing at the Met.
“I think that’s even the task of the Met. You get a theme and you try to make it your own,” Shahidi said.
Halle Bailey
Another star redefining Disney classics was on the carpet for the Met Gala. Halley Bailey wore a gown with dramatic arms and hints of metallic detail. Bailey is set to debut as Ariel in the new “The Little Mermaid” later this month.
Anok Yai
Model Anok Yai’s Prabal Gurung grown was a structural masterpiece. The metallic bodice morphed into a fringed skirt and tulle train. As an added touch of drama, the statuesque beauty donned a nude netted eye piece that perfectly matched her gorgeous skin.
Brittney Griner
The WNBA player is back stateside and at the Met Gala after her detainment in Russia. Brittney Griner sported a nude colored suit that included a calf-length jacket.
Yung Miami
City Girls were definitely up as Yung Miami made her first appearance at the Met Gala. Her date for the night? Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Diddy. Recently Miami revealed that the two were officially no longer together. Red carpet host, Lala Anthony, had to ask the couple about their relationship status.
“It’s just a good date night,” Miami said.
La La Anthony
La La Anthony brought her hosting skills to the Met Gala carpet for the 2023 event. Anthony interviewed a variety of celebrities for Vogue’s special online carpet coverage. While she had a job to do, Anthony still delivered on the fashion front with a fun retro look by Sergio Hudson. Her white headband and ponytail was a real 1950s throwback. The host also wore a pair of cat eye sunglasses to complete the outfit.
Doja Cat
Leave it to Doja Cat to bring a unique element to the carpet. This was the singers first time attending the Met. While her color choice was similar to many other stars, her makeup set the performer apart. Doja paired her Oscar de la Renta beaded gown with feline facial prosthetics. A cat ear head piece and diamond forehead jewel were the perfect additions to complete the outfit.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis wore a Valentino gown in the brand’s statement pink. The dress was a sight to behold with a full neckline of feathers. Her statement earrings helped complete the look.
“I feel a little like a princess or queen or empress,” Davis said.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade always made a grand entrance at any function they’ve been a part of. At this year’s Met Gala, she turned heads in a red hot Prada ensemble that consisted of a red calf-length duster and a slip-looking dress within. Her long and wavy braids also elevated the look and gave it its chic vibe.
Keke Palmer
New mom, Keke Palmer not only wore a Sergio Hudson gown to the Met Gala, but the designer also accompanied her to the event. Keke’s bouffant hairstyle complimented her sleek, pastel beaded gown with a baby blue cape. She added a pop of neon pink with a pair of statement earrings.
Ice Spice
The newly crowned Princess of Rap—according to Nicki Minaj— didn’t miss the opportunity to slay in a sultry, all-white Balmain-architectured dress. The long-sleeved gown accentuated her features in a way that was both elegant, yet stunning. The “Munch” rapper also paired the look with her signature ginger-colored hair.
Janelle Monae
Always the risk taker, Janelle Monae donned an oversized coat with a hoop skirt underneath. She added chunky sneakers to the look for a bit of additional edge.
Quinta Brunson
When it comes to the red carpet, Quinta Brunson is no stranger to bringing her authentic self to the forefront. Whether she’s wearing a bold and colorful dress or a more classic, understated look, Quinta always manages to make a memorable statement. This year, her dramatic braided up-do and her Prabal Gurung-designed dress truly embodied who Karl Lagerfield was: fashionably bold.
Erykah Badu
Never one to be understated, Erykah Badu wore a unique fringed number along with white platform boots. She donned a headpiece matching her ensemble that almost completely covered her face. But there was just enough of her face showing to display that signature smile.