Best Dressed: Met Gala 2023

It’s the day after the Met Gala, and after years of lukewarm sentiments to most major red carpet moments, this is the year that has won my full attention.

To be clear: this year’s theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” isn’t without controversy or fault. I’d be remiss not to acknowledge my own hypocrisy in finding genius (and where possible: collecting) in the work of a man so deeply problematic. Surely, there were more singular designers worth highlighting—equally talented and far less consumed by apparent misery and oft-hateful rhetoric—but the industry at the helm of a persistent guard will remain as is until its next wave. None of this is to undermine Karl Lagerfeld’s prolific career, of course: his influence is boundless and still determines the course of taste today. Is it possible to look past the man and still celebrate the work of the teams and craftspeople who brought his vision to life, though?

I’m not quite sure what the answer is, but I welcome surer, firmer thoughts below. In the meantime: these were my favorite looks of the night—unequivocally best-dressed Met Gala attendees in my eyes.

Jennie Kim in vintage Chanel Couture (circa 1990)

Devon Aoki in Jeremy Scott

Anok Yai in Prabal Gurung

Anne Hathaway in Versace

Margaret Zhang in Chloe (by Karl Lagerfeld)

Cardi B in Chenpeng Studio

Olivia Rodrigo in Thom Browne

Ava Max in Christian Siriano

Dua Lipa in Chanel Couture

Michaela Coel in Schiaparelli Couture

.   .   .

xx