Review | ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ Met Gala 2023

Fashion’s most exciting night of the year brings more entertaining and inspiring looks to the table

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Gloria Namgung, Editor-in-Chief

The Met Gala is notably fashion’s biggest night, held in New York City. This gala is for the benefit of fundraising for one of New York’s popular spots to visit, the Metropolitan Museum where the Met Gala is held each year on the first Monday of May.

Each year, the event and its attendees celebrate a theme that is carefully chosen by Andrew Bolton, chief curator of the Costume Institute. A-List celebrities, well-known musicians, and many more participate to showcase their looks created by renowned designers and stylists who take months to prepare for their work to be displayed. This year’s theme was ultimately chosen as “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”.

Karl Lagerfeld was formally a German fashion designer and the creative director of Chanel in his lifetime. Lagerfeld made known his impact on the fashion industry through the various Chanel runways he constructed from 1983 up until his death. Lagerfeld was well-known for his high-end fashion “haute couture” which is clearly demonstrated in his runway looks.

Although Lagerfeld was undoubtedly one of fashion’s biggest figures, it is important to know his “long history of making derogatory comments against sexual-assault survivors, immigrants, and fat people, among others” according to The Cut. While it is appropriate to praise him for his incredible line of work throughout his career, it is equally as appropriate to hold him accountable for the exclusivity and discrimination he exercised as well.

It is safe to say that many of the celebrities who attended the event followed the theme in remembrance of Lagerfeld and his legacy. Many looks were captivating and compelling to the eye, each in their own special and distinct way.

One of my favorite looks of the night was on the internet’s “it-girl”, Emma Chamberlain. Chamberlain wore a custom-made baby blue set with a cropped blazer and thigh-high leg slit maxi skirt by Miu Miu. The accessories cohesively tied it all together, with a matching baby blue headband, buckled belt and platform heels. The smaller details like her rhinestone undershirt and jewelry complimented the look whilst not overpowering it and distracting from the classiness and timelessness of it.

One look that instantly captured everyone’s attention was the ginormous cat costume worn by actor Jared Leto. Leto arrived at the gala as Choupette, Lagerfeld’s pet cat. I personally thought it was a very bold and different approach in comparison to the other stars that presented their outfits. Although it could be arguably looked at as “weird” or “not on theme”, I find the beauty of it in the story that led up to producing the costume and the real personal connection it has to Lagerfeld.

My favorite look of the night was worn by actress, singer and entertainer Keke Palmer. Palmer stunned with her Sergio Hudson strapless gown covered “with more than 12,000 Swarovski crystals and pearls” as reported by Page Six Style. I was most drawn to this look because it encapsulated classy, chic and elegant in regard to Lagerfeld and the work that he put out in his many runways. Palmer’s hairstyle perfectly matched the hair that was shown in Lagerfeld’s Chanel shows as well which was relevant and applicable.

Overall, the 2023 Met Gala was undeniably filled with various works of art through clothing and fashion in memory of Karl Lagerfeld. This year’s gala created more statements and impressions that will be looked back on in upcoming years as an influence and inspiration in the space of creativity and challenge for people to enjoy.