The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.
Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.
Sign up to our free EDM subscription today.
Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year, it’s the late, great Karl Lagerfeld who is being honoured, his five-decade-long career in fashion, and the considerable influence he had on the wider industry taking centre stage. Given that ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ is the theme, attendees dressed in their interpretation of the iconoclast’s legacy, some touching on his renowned work at Chanel, others on his work for Fendi, and some choosing to pay homage to Lagerfeld’s famously indulged cat (and constant inspiration) Choupette. (Here’s looking at you Doja Cat and Jared Leto).
Here, we round up all the best looks from this year’s ‘first Monday in May,’ each of which showcases why this event has become the most significant on the global fashion calendar.