Playful, outrageous, and downright defiant of the status quo, the theme of this year’s Met Gala was Camp: Notes on Fashion – and with a theme like that, we were practically guaranteed to witness fashion’s flashiest night out. Cue ruffles, feathers, a flapper-style headpiece, a chandelier dress, and even an elaborately staged striptease. But despite the sheer star quotient translating to some truly imaginative looks, there was a handful of celebrities who stood out for more than just what they were were wearing. Let’s get you caught up.
The Not-So-Surprising
Scowling, standing with his hands clasped, and looking as far from camp as possible in a zip-up jacket, Kanye West was very, well, Kanye West on the red carpet. We cringed when he avoided eye contact with reporters, with Kim Kardashian having to answer all questions about his look on his behalf.
JAW TO THE GROUND over this look! @KimKardashian @kanyewest#MetGala#MetCamphttps://t.co/gRIbsjrLb4 pic.twitter.com/1foPLFHBRX
— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 7, 2019
The Meaningful
Everyone’s still talking about the flick of a wand that transformed Zendaya into a real-life Cinderella wearing a light-up gown by Tommy Hilfiger. But memorable magic tricks aside, there’s a meaningful backstory here.
“It’s the total opposite of every character I think she’s ever played and a huge stretch from K.C. Undercover,” explained her stylist Law Roach, in reference to the evolution of her career. “It’s almost like this is the last hoorah and the last time people will identify her as a Disney princess – which isn’t a bad thing.”
The OTT
Considering the size and scale of Cardi B’s burgundy gown, it’s no surprise that it has already been revealed it took 35 people more than 2,000 hours to make. But what we’ll remember long into the future? Just how many men – close to ten, reportedly – she needed to carry its train up the steps of the Met.
The Creepy
Hey, Jared Leto. It’s one thing to carry a clutch to the Met Gala. It’s a whole other thing to carry a likeness of your own decapitated head as a clutch to the Met Gala. Because, sometimes, two heads are not better than one.
The Shocking
We all knew that, of all the guests in attendance, Lady Gaga would do justice to the theme in a look that would long be remembered. What we did not, however, expect was this elaborately staged 16-minute entrance – complete with a striptease – to get to said look.
The Meme-Worthy
The evil stepsisters from Ella Enchanted, the twins in White Chicks, Velma and Daphne from Scooby-Doo, Lloyd and Harry from Dumb and Dumber – we didn’t expect to revisit this many pop culture references on Met Gala night, but the comparisons to the Jenner sisters on Twitter are hilarious.
#MetGala knew Kylie and Kendall looked familiar pic.twitter.com/M5rrIeAg4m
— Bradley Boo (@bradley_jah) May 6, 2019
The Awkward
Katy Perry singing “Chandelier” by Sia while dressed as a human chandelier should’ve been the most expected moment of the night – but it just felt awkward somehow.
You asked for it, here is Katy Perry as a chandelier, singing chandelier #MetGala pic.twitter.com/MsjBXHrT42
— Camille® (@HerWonkEye) May 7, 2019
The Relatable
If this year’s theme had you confused, you’re in great company. Céline Dion had an incredibly relatable reply when she was asked what camp means to her, as illustrated by her honesty in the interview clip, below.
The Long Overdue
It finally happened! The highly awaited public debut of Jamie Foxx and Katie Holmes as a couple also took place at the Met Gala, albeit off the red carpet. The two posed for photographers in front of a striking floral centerpiece in the Great Hall of the Met.
