Whether you know the Met Gala as a black-tie extravaganza organized annually to raise money for the Costume Institute or simply as “the party of the year,” one thing is clear: its sheer star quotient means we can always expect plenty of head-turning dresses and celebrity moments.
While this year’s event was sadly meme-free thanks to the palpable absence of Kanye West and Jennifer Lawrence on the red carpet, some unexpected contenders stepped up to fill their shoes. Here, we pay tribute to those who made the night about more than just fashion.
P. Diddy's Breather
Sean “Diddy” Combs, complete with his embellished tuxedo and dramatic cape, took a moment to lounge on the iconic steps of The Met. There were some theories as to why: he was posing for an Italian Renaissance portrait, he was showing off his Louboutins, he was letting his date Cassie Ventura enjoy the spotlight. Turns out, the man was just plain tired.
I was getting tired so I laid down on the stairs!!! #METGALA pic.twitter.com/VvIePzdpPG
— Sean Diddy Combs (@diddy) May 2, 2017
Jaden Smith's "Date"
Not for the squirmish was the fact that Jaden Smith decided to accessorize his all-black ensemble with a mouth full of metal – and his recently shorn dreadlocks. The young star shaved his head earlier this month for an upcoming role and made the most of the Met Gala’s seemingly “anything goes” mentality, flaunting his former locks with the kind of swag that can only be expected of Will Smith’s offspring.
Selena Gomez and The Weeknd's Red-Carpet Debut
We’ve already seen plenty of public displays of affection by this young power couple, but this year’s Met Gala added a touch of glamour to their amour, thanks to their red-carpet debut as a couple.
Ditto for JLo and A-Rod
Between coy posts on Instagram and joint public sightings, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have had no qualms in making their relationship a secret. It all became red-carpet official, though, when the singer-actress walked with her “macho bello” by her side.
Not to Mention, Serena Williams' Baby Bump
While the Met Gala isn’t exactly synonymous with maternity moments, tennis superstar Serena Williams made hers look effortless. The event marks her debut red-carpet appearance since accidentally announcing her pregnancy on Snapchat.
Madonna's Mysterious Swig
Flanked by the fashion industry’s King of Gimmicks Jeremy Scott, Madonna took a swig of something that we can only assume is water. Her army-inspired bottle matched her (hideous) army-inspired ensemble to a T, with the whole thing being perfectly summed up by Sarah Paulson’s priceless reaction.
And, Finally, Karlie Kloss Getting Creative
Desperate times call for desperate measures, as proven by the rather unorthodox mode of transportation taken by Karlie Kloss to the Met Gala – a pedicab. And who can respect her outside-the-box thinking more than the weary victims of Dubai’s infamous traffic?
When there’s too much traffic en route to the #MetGala, you take a pedi cab 🌇🚲🚕 pic.twitter.com/0moZxjZojF
— Karlie Kloss (@karliekloss) May 2, 2017
