Met Gala attendees are notorious for ignoring themes. The annual event raises money for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and guests are asked to dress in accordance with a specific theme that pays tribute to the current exhibit.
This year, the exhibit is “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” and the accompanying dress code was gilded glamour. The Gilded Age refers to the late 1800s to early 1900s, a period of great economic growth and technological advancements. The fashion back then was rooted in excess and extravagance: think bustles, ruffles, and fringe galore.
The Met Gala theme isn’t necessarily a requirement to follow. It is, however, a strong suggestion. Think of the Met Gala like a costume party: Some people will go above and beyond, planning their outfits for months ahead of time. And others will rummage through their closet at the last minute only to throw something together that’s more of a regular going out look than an actual costume.
The 2022 Met Gala served an onslaught of underwhelming ensembles that felt more Gatsby than gilded. Gorgeous as the gowns may have been, they simply didn’t fit the theme. But it wasn’t a total loss.
A host of celebs managed to stay on theme for their Met Gala fashion moment, including Billie Eilish, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more. Keep scrolling for the full list of style stars who nailed the gilded glamour theme.
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Lizzo at the 2022 Met Gala
Lizzo wore a Thom Browne creation, complete with a hand-embroidered gold and black coat and black dress. The ornate pattern and oversized nature of the outerwear felt right on theme.
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Blake Lively at the 2022 Met Gala
Blake Lively was literally the Statue of Liberty in her two-in-one look by Atelier Versace. The rose gold colour mimicked the original copper tone of the famed statue, and the striking turquoise hue reflected the current colour of Lady Liberty. The train and gloves made it an obvious gilded glamour top contender.
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Billie Eilish at the 2022 Met Gala
Billie Eilish stepped out in a Gucci gown in a soft pastel palette of teal, champagne, green, and periwinkle. The lace sleeves and choker make for theme-appropriate finishing touches.
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Laura Harrier at the 2022 Met Gala
Actress Laura Harrier chose a look by H&M in collaboration with designer Victor Glemaud. The corset silhouette and gloves completely met the moment.
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Sarah Jessica Parker at the 2022 Met Gala
Leave it to SJP to channel peak gilded glamour in this floor-sweeping number by Christopher John Rogers. Philip Treacy designed the tall, opulent headpiece.
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Nicola Coughlan at the 2022 Met Gala
The “Bridgerton” star brought out gilded glamour markings like a big skirt, feathers, and puffy sleeves. Her look was designed by Richard Quinn.
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Kiki Layne at the 2022 Met Gala
Kiki Layne tapped Prabal Gurung for this elegant pink gown. Between the floor-sweeping skirt, elaborate floral details, and silky opera length gloves, this look incorporated several on-theme elements.
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Paloma Elsesser at the 2022 Met Gala
The 30-year-old model slipped into Coach for her Met Gala appearance. The corset and pearl choker are emblematic of fashion from the Gilded Age.
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Sydney Sweeney at the 2022 Met Gala
The “Euphoria” star also had a two-in-one look on the red carpet, arriving in a white Tory Burch gown with a detachable skirt. The second ensemble became a fun minidress, which highlighted her strappy silver heels.
Getty / Taylor Hill
Chloe Fineman at the 2022 Met Gala
The SNL cast member wore a voluminous black and gold gown by Miss Sohee. The subtle puff sleeves and pearl necklace provide even more of that gilded glamour feel.
Getty / Taylor Hill
Thomas Doherty at the 2022 Met Gala
The “Gossip Girl” star looked like he stepped right out of the Gilded Age in a grey wool tailcoat with matching pants by Dior. The white, slightly oversized bowtie and black patent leather shoes embodied the gilded glamour theme.
Getty / Taylor Hill
Franklin Leonard at the 2022 Met Gala
Bustles were big in the Gilded Age, so film exec Franklin Leonard was at least historically accurate in that regard. He revealed on Twitter that he was inspired by both Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.
