Glamour and chaos ensued once again at the Met Gala this year. But amidst all the noise were several impressive fashion tributes
The Met Gala 2021 saw some of Hollywood’s biggest starts strutting down the red carpet in ensembles that had a theme of ‘American independence’. Gen Z darlings – singer Billie Eilish, tennis star Naomi Osaka, actor Timothée Chalamet and poet Amanda Gorman – co-chaired the mega event this year, which also celebrated the opening of the institute’s major annual exhibition. Mechanical babies, political statements and masked kisses are some of the most outlandish highlights the red carpet witnessed that evening – but here, we zero in on the best fashion tributes by celebrities.
Alton Mason / Prince
Some of the male celebrities played the part too in honouring Hollywood’s past. Model Alton Mason added a glamorous aplomb to the the carpet in a custom white Theophilio suit, which featured a high collar, over-the-top fringe cuffs, and highly detailed beading flowing down the sides of his sleeves and pants. Make no mistake, the outfit shouted iconic star “Prince” on so many levels, and Mason truly did justice to the irreplaceable singer’s sense of style.
Billie Eilish / Marilyn Monroe
Billie Eilish’s outfit was dubbed as one of the best that evening – for good reason. The young singer stopped the show temporarily with her Marilyn Monroe-inspired ensemble with all the necessary fixings. Her gorgeous custom Oscar de la Renta gown was a nod to Monroe’s iconic dresses, and Eilish even turned up with coiffed platinum hair – echoing the Hollywood star’s signature style.
Emily Blunt / Hedy Lamarr in Ziegfeld Girl
Emily Blunt added all the glitter to the red carpet with an ensemble that drew design cues from Hedy Lamarr’s costume in Ziegfeld Girl. Her Miu Miu jeweled gown, paired with a sinuous white cape and statement headpiece, emulated Lamarr’s iconic look in the 1940’s film. Blunt added a modern take to her look with pearls in her headpiece and glittery eyeshadow.
Gemma Chan / Anna May Wong in The Thief of Bagdad, 1924
Gemma Chan had heads turning that evening as she paid tribute to Anna May Wong, the very first Chinese-American movie star of Hollywood’s golden era. The striking sequin mini dress worn by her was perfected by the hands of Prabal Gurung, and featured a crystal dragon motif paired with a long green train. Wong was highly acclaimed for fighting back against the stereotyping she faced in Hollywood.
Jennifer Hudson / Aretha Franklin
It was only deserving of Jennifer Hudson to paint the town red as she channeled Aretha Franklin; the singer recently received critical acclaim for portraying the late Franklin in her biopic. Hudson showed up in a red AZ Factory dress, paying homage to some of the “Queen of Soul’s” most memorable outfits.
