Fashion’s biggest night of the year, the Met Gala, is held annually in New York City on the first Monday in May. The lavish event is strictly invitation only and a rare convergence of A-listers from all different fields. Stars of film, television, music, sports, fashion, politics, and the internet all mingle at this fundraising affair for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
Each year the gala has a different theme that dictates the attire worn. This year’s theme was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” based on a retrospective from the Costume Institute’s spring show of the legendary fashion designer’s work.
Karl Lagerfeld was a German designer who began his unprecedented 60+ year career in the 1950s working for top fashion houses Balmain, Chloe’, and Patou. In 1983, he joined Chanel and helped revitalize the brand and regain its position as one of the top fashion houses by overseeing every aspect of its creative output. At the time of his death in 2019 at age 85, Lagerfeld was not only still helming Chanel, but was the creative director for Fendi, as well as his own eponymous fashion label.
Known for his signature style that included a white ponytail, black suits with white high-collared starched shirts, dark sunglasses, fingerless gloves, folding hand-held fans, and a penchant for pearls, Lagerfeld’s legacy provided plenty of fashion inspiration for Met Gala attendees.
The Met Gala red carpet was, in fact, white this year with graphic red and blue lines running through it. The carpet featured both vintage creations from the influential designer as well as new ones reinterpreting his distinctive style.
The unconventional, over-the-top fashion may be the star of the evening, but a great look is not complete without the fabulous finishing touches of hair and makeup, and this year the glam did not disappoint.
Rihanna
Fashionably late, superstar Rihanna wore a white Valentino gown that showed off baby bump number two. The signature red lip and pearlescent eye makeup were from the mogul’s own brand, Fenty Beauty. Makeup artist Pricilla Ono used the Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored on her pout and Match Stix Matte Skinstick to contour and highlight.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner walked the red carpet in a Marc Jacobs body suit with matching go-go boots. It seems even A-list stars love a good bargain, as makeup artist Mary Phillips prepped the supermodel’s skin with L’Oreal Paris’ Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum before applying the brand’s Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation.
Cardi B
Cardi B honored the late designer Lagerfeld by wearing Lagerfeld’s signature colors as a black and white gown by Chenpeng Studio and sporting a silver wig. Makeup artist Erika LaPearl prepped the rapper’s skin with Murad’s Hydrating Toner to achieve a radiant glow.
Cara Delevingne
Another Lagerfeld-inspired silver wig seen on The Met stairs was worn by Cara Delevigne. Hers was short and shaggy to compliment her edgy eye makeup. The outfit she wore was a nod to one of the legendary designer’s iconic white shirts, and makeup artist Hung Vanngo used products under $20 from Cetaphil to prep the model’s skin.
Jessica Chastain
Yet another star to don a wig—this time platinum blonde—to pay respect to Lagerfeld was Jessica Chastain. The wig was styled by Renato Campora using products from Hair Rituel by Sisley Paris like the Precious Hair Care Oil. Makeup artist Kristofer Buckle used the actress’ go-to red carpet makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury, including the Beautiful Skin Foundation for a soft, matte glow.
Doja Cat
One of my favorites of the night was Doja Cat’s debut at the Met Gala dressed as Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette. She wore a shimmering Oscar de la Renta hooded gown complete with cat ears.
The makeup included hours of prosthetics done by artist Malina Stearns to create a feline nose. Makeup artist Ernesto Castillas applied Charlotte Tilbury products including the appropriately named Feline Flick Liquid Eyeliner in Panther for purr-fect cat eyes.
Paris Hilton
Another star making her debut at the Met Gala was new mom Paris Hilton in a Marc Jacobs black leather gown. The high, sleek ponytail was a nod to Lagerfeld’s own hairstyle according to Eduardo Ponce, who used Unite products like the 7Seconds Glossing Spray to style the look.
Ashley Graham
Model Ashley Graham arrived in a structural pink satin and black velvet Harris Reed gown. She wore her hair in a finger-waved flipped bob. Her cat eyes and pink pout were complements of makeup artist Ivan Nunez and the budget-friendly Revlon products ColorStay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black, ColorStay Lip Liner in Sienna, and Super Lustrous Lipstick in Bare it All.
Lil Nas X
Another favorite look of mine was Lil Nas X, who arrived with every inch of his body—from jewel-encrusted lips to rhinestone stiletto nails—bedazzled in metallic silver paint, crystals, and pearls. The look was created by makeup master and mogul Pat McGrath and was finished with an ornate pearl eye mask.
Quinta Brunson
Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson made her Met Gala debut wearing a voluminous, structural braided up-do accented with face-framing swirled edges and white feathers. Her hair was styled by Alexander Armand using Maui Moisture products. Makeup artist Jessica Smalls added a pop of drama to the soft pink makeup with Lilly Lashes.
Sydney Sweeney
Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney sported a voluminous blow-out adorned with a loosely tied black chiffon Miu Miu bow. Makeup artist Melissa Hernandez used Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation to create the perfect base for her soft, rosy champagne glam.
Ice Spice
Rapper Ice Spice also made her debut at the Met Gala in a full face of Maybelline makeup applied by artist Karina Milan. Her super glassy lips get their shine from the Lip Lifter Lip Gloss.
Kim Petras
Fresh off her Grammy win, singer Kim Petras wore a black and white Lagerfeld-inspired gown on the iconic Met staircase. Makeup artist Gilbert Soliz used products from MAC Cosmetics to create the frosty white shadow and contrasting black cat eyes to compliment the Marc Jacobs dress.
Emma Chamberlain
Internet star Emma Chamberlain was one of the few attendees that opted for color with her blue, polished, two-piece Miu Miu outfit. Makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan gave Chamberlain blue smoky eyes, fluffy brows, and a neutral ‘90s lip with products from Lancôme.
Lilly James
Lilly James gave modern-day Audrey Hepburn vibes on the Met Gala carpet with her sleek updo embellished with black leather flowers and baby bangs. Hairstylist Halley Brisker used Olaplex products, including the No. 9 Bond Protector Hair Serum to style the look. The actress’ makeup and escort for the evening were both Charlotte Tilbury.
Jennifer Lopez
Superstar Jennifer Lopez looked stunning in a pink and black Ralph Lauren halter gown with a floral collar and long black gloves. Her hair was swept up in a veiled leather beret. Makeup artist Ash K Holm used Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Brow Definer, Huda Beauty shadow, and products from Buxom on the lips to create the sultry look.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
