Fashion's biggest night out came roaring back this year, canceled in 2020, and then only slightly postponed from its traditional May date. Nevertheless, the Met Gala, Metropolitan Museum of Art's signature True Fashionista event, returned this September, on a Monday at least, to the delight of all who appreciate fashion for the art that it truly is. How great is it that offerings from many designers who dressed this year's cavalcade of "It" peeps can be found at True Fashionistas, the best designer consignment store?
As a refresh (we know, we know, as IF you need it. Anyways…), this night of glitz and glamour is an annual fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The Gala raises so much money that the Museum can keep the cost of admission a "pay as you wish" donation-type system the rest of the year.
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP – AN ALL-AMERICAN AFFAIR
The scene to be seen event attracts a cavalcade of stars, young creatives, and industry stalwarts. This year the Gala is also a kickoff to an exciting two-part exhibition (a first for the Costume Institute) on the theme of American fashion that will run through 2022. Part one, "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion," staged in the Anna Wintour Costume Center, will remain on display when "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" opens on May 5, 2022. Then both shows will run through September 5, 2022.
CNN reports that ahead of the event, longstanding gala chair, Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour remarked that American fashion in 2021 has evolved into "a patchwork, reflecting the world we're all living in, as seen through many different lenses." This year of change also found Wintour passing on her usual Chanel in favor of a floral Oscar de la Renta gown -- a tribute to the late designer, who was a close friend of hers. No worries, Chanel fans, you can find plenty in stock at Naples' best consignment store, True Fashionistas.
This year's return to form went, in part, something like this:
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP - BALENCIAGA
After seven Met Gala appearances, Rihanna never fails to wow the crowd, her iconic ensembles some of the grandest ever to grace the red carpet. Flashback, for example, to her John Galliano for Maison Margiela gown at 2018's "Heavenly Bodies" exhibition or the sweeping scale of her magnificently embroidered Guo Pei finery at "China: Through the Looking Glass" in 2015.
Making her oh so fashionably late appearance, this former co-chair dazzled in a stunning black ruffled Balenciaga overcoat and matching hat. Accompanied by boyfriend A$AP Rocky swathed in an ERL quilt-inspired suit (it looks like just a quilt, did we say that), the pair concluded the evening of entrances on a brilliant high note.
Who else but Kim Kardashian to appear in Balenciaga as well? Her head-to-toe black ensemble that included a train was a head-turner, mainly since it covered her face as well as every inch of her body.
Other Balenciaga wearers included Tracee Ellis Ross in a gorgeous blue robe-inspired dress and Isabelle Hoppers in a red cake-like number.
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP – OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Anna Wintour was far from the only one paying tribute to the late designer. Event co-chair Billie Eilish paid the highest respects, resplendent in her lovely new blond 'do and custom Oscar de la Renta gown complete with a 12-foot train, accessorized with Cartier jewels.
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP – RALPH LAUREN
It's a party when J-lo shows up, and she ran with the American theme this year, sporting a Ralph Lauren ensemble consisting of plunging dress, faux fur, choker chain, and cowgirl hat. Oh, and on-again beau Ben Affleck as well. Yee haw!
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP – SIMONE BILES' 88 LB GOWN
GOAT gymnast Simone Biles appeared in an 88-pound number designed by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Pansczyk of Area. Her three-in-one ensemble consisted of a hand-embellished skirt covered in Swarovski crystals, the weight culprit, a mini dress underneath, and a glittering black catsuit decorated to look like a starry night sky. Admitting the dress might carry just a few extra pounds, Biles also commented, "I feel beautiful, strong, and empowered."
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP – STELLA MCCARTNEY
Second daughter Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter to VP Harris, showed up in bright red casual pants look, right down to the sneakers courtesy of Stella McCartney. McCartney also dressed actress Julia Garner in a shimmering translucent number.
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP – VERA WANG
National Youth Poet laureate and event co-chair Amanda Gorman arrived in shimmering cobalt Vera Wang complemented with a silvery laurel wreath headband.
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP – MICHAEL KORS
Michael Kors had a touch of sustainability in the recycled sequins that adorned the pink two-piece gown worn by Kate Hudson. The look, styled with a matching silk organza feather coat, was just the perfect True Fashionista look to match her style. Regina King also got her Michael Kors on with an outfit made from sable crepe that could easily pass for denim. Adding a delicate touch is the gold pinstripe embroidery.
MET GALA 2021 WRAP-UP – POLITICAL STATEMENT
An event like the Met Gala inevitably becomes a podium, and who better than attending politicians to do so? Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York's 12th District said her piece in a gown featuring suffragist colors with white ERA letters down the front and a cape embroidered with the phrase "Equal Rights for Women." Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez upped the game and annoyed a few watchdog groups with her custom Brother Vellies white gown featuring the words "Tax The Rich" written in large red letters on the back. Only AOC!
Get the Met Gala feels all over again with an outfit from featured event designers and more at True Fashionistas consignment store Naples. Shop our vast, authenticity guaranteed, regularly updated collection in-store, online, or in our eBay store.