DISCLAIMER: The way I rate these 2021 Met Gala looks has nothing to do with the person that is wearing them. This is not meant to hate on any celebrity, influencer, or designer. This is simply supposed to be a fun, light hearted opinion piece about the looks that were presented on the red carpet this year (not the people). Fashion is subjective, so please do not take anything personally if my opinions do not align with yours!
It has been about a year and a half since the shutdown of big events. Consequently, many people were excited that the Met Gala was returning after it was canceled last year due to COVID-19 regulations. However, there were many people who were gravely disappointed by some of this year’s Met Gala looks. So, like many other people on the internet, I took the liberty of expressing my opinions about some of the looks.
I have three things I will be critiquing these looks on:
1. How well does it follow this year's theme?
This year's Met Gala theme is “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion." It is based on the collection in the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you want to learn more about this collection check it out here. All you have to know is "America." This theme is meant to show off the different interpretations of America and its fashion.
2. Is it Innovative? Have I seen this before?
I expect either new, never seen before concepts, or old concepts and designs reimagined.
3. Most importantly, does it have that WOW factor that I’m looking for?
When it comes to events like the Met Gala, I have high expectations. I want big, bold, innovative looks. I want to be wowed, surprised and slightly scared. I want drama; I want a story, and I will not settle for less than that. This year, only a few reached this level of superiority.
Naomi Osaka
This champion tennis player, really wowed a lot of people with her Met Gala look. Personally, I really enjoyed her look too, however I wasn’t completely impressed by it. It was very gorgeous but I feel like I have seen variations of this before. The dress was inspiring in a sense, but did it have a huge WOW factor? I feel that the zipper is tacky and shoes definitely could have been changed. As for the theme, Namoi says that to her America means a blend of cultures. She says that this dress is a nod to her Haitian and Japanese heritage. I rank it 7/10
Kim Kardashian
The first time I saw Kim K's outfit I was in shock and I hated it, but the more I thought about it, the more I loved it. It scared me. I was confused. I had never seen anything like it, and it definitely had the punch that I was seeking. I give it a 9.5/10
Virgil Abloh
I do not know how not to feel about this look. It does not give me that “wow factor” that i am looking for, but it is something. Maybe it is the turkey looking thing on his
head or the off shades of white and blue, but something is slightly off putting about this. But you I have to admit, I LOVE the glasses. 4/10
Lily Aldridge
I'm pretty sure I have seen my mom wear this to work before. That's all I will say. 3/10
Nicloa Peltz
I am in love with this dress. While the construction is super simple, the print is to die for. It is definitely eye-catching, but only because of the print. Otherwise, it is something that someone could wear to prom. 5/10
Kim Petra
Kim Petra's look is the definition of bold. I think this look was the definition of jaw dropping. While this is not my favorite look, I am giving it a high ranking because it is sort of mind blowing and unlike any looks I have seen before. The idea of a literal head on someone’s chest doesn't sound high end to me, but Kim somehow pulls it off. I give it 9/10
Hailee Steinfeld
I really loved the concept of Hailee Steinfeld’s look. It had so much potential to really be impressive, but it just missed the mark. I wish the color was different and more vibrant, and the constitution was more appealing. However, I loved the intricacies and the uniqueness of this look but I am struggling to find a connection to the theme. 4/10
Billie Eilish
This year so many people praised Billie Eilish, American singer, for her met gala look. I however, think it is over rated. While the dress is gorgeous, I think the color of the dress washed her out and it was a predictable construction. It just didn't surprise me. For me, the only thing that gave me the “wow” was the volume of the dress, otherwise it fell flat. That doesn't take away from the fact that she looks stunning though! Definitely a 6/10
Iman
I am in absolute awe of Iman’s look this year. It really stood out on the red carpet and made an impact. I have never seen anything like this and was in shock when I saw it for the first time. I think it is an incredibly powerful piece and by far one of my favorites. She also has an incredible explanation for it, check it out here. I give her look 10/10