The Met Gala, fashion’s biggest event, takes place on the first Monday of May each year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Even though it’s held in New York City, the gala will always command the world’s attention, especially because of its theme and the red carpet. This year’s festivities, and the accompanying exhibition at the Costume Institute, are set to honour the late Karl Lagerfeld and how his designs have influenced fashion over the last 5 decades.
You might not be familiar with Karl Lagerfeld, but you might be familiar with his creations. After all, he was at the helm of Chanel for 3 decades; helped design Fendi’s collections for over 50 years; and also had his eponymous fashion label for 30-plus years. It’s also hard to miss his signature look comprising a white ponytail, a tailored black jacket, and darkened sunglasses.
His lengthy career in the fashion industry has made him one of the world’s most illustrious and iconic designers, and his death in 2019 left a void that has yet to be replaced. Lagerfeld was also a staple at many Met Galas of the past; even if his presence was not there, plenty of A-listers have been dressed in Chanel over the years. It’s only fitting then that this year’s Met Gala is set to celebrate the late German designer who was the genius that made Chanel’s interlocking ‘C’ logo.
One figure that has consistently worn Chanel to the Met Gala multiple years in a row is the event co-chair, Anna Wintour. The Global Editorial Director of Vogue has attended the gala dressed in Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld more times than she has not worn Chanel, and it’s only fitting to dedicate the 2023 edition to the late designer.
If there’s one thing we can be certain of, is that many of the Met Gala 2023’s attendees will be wearing Chanel. Even though Lagerfeld won’t be able to personally design any pieces, they still have a massive archive that can be borrowed for one night on 1st May.
One celebrity who we’re almost 100% certain is attending the Met Gala in vintage Chanel is Kim Kardashian. The reality star turned beauty mogul shared with her 353 million Instagram followers about her visit to Karl Lagerfeld’s office in Paris “to get a little inspiration for the Met.”
Other attendees who will most likely attend Monday night’s event in Chanel include the brand’s ambassadors and Lagerfeld’s muses of the past, mainly Kristen Stewart, Tilda Swinton, Cara Delevigne, and Naomi Campbell. Guaranteed names include Wintour’s co-chairs: Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel, Penelope Cruz, and Roger Federer.
However, one Met Gala regular who has already announced her non-attendance is Blake Lively. The Gossip Girl alum told People Magazine that she will not be seen at the festivities on Monday night, and she’ll be “watching from the couch.” It’s surprising considering she was one of last year’s co-chairs, and her presence on the red carpet will be sorely missed. All that’s left to wonder is who will have their Rihanna-in-Guo-Pei moment at the 2023 Met Gala.
