This past Monday saw the return of fashion’s biggest night out of the year; it has sure been a long time coming. For those of you who spent your Monday night productively studying in the library (as I probably should have been doing), MUSE is here to share some of the fabulous looks from the carpet and how they tie into this year’s theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” As VOUGE put it, this theme expresses “joy, rebellion, and nostalgia,” all of which were embodied in the creative designs and makeup looks that walked the carpet. MUSE looks at some of the most jaw-dropping designer interpretations of American fashion on a few of our favourite stars.

A New Generation of America and American Fashion

America is defined by the influential, and stars of the Gen Z era walked the carpet in fresh and modern interpretations of American Fashion. Justin and Hailey Bieber wore simplistic and formal complementary looks by Drew House and Saint Laurent. The team behind the Biebers’ look saw the young couple as the embodiment of modern American Royalty and dressed them accordingly. Emma Chamberlin in Louis Vuitton and Olivia Rodrigo in Saint Laurent made their MET Gala Debuts this past week. These rising style icons channelled a quirky, edgy, and cool aesthetic in their interpretations of American fashion. In addition, Gossip Girl star Jordan Alexander wore an eye-catching street-style inspired look by Christopher John Rogers, Troye Silvan stood out in a leotard style dress by ALTU, and Amandla Stenberg wore an eye-catching masculine-feminine look by Thom Browne. By pushing traditional fashion norms and dressing in expressive and effortlessly cool ways, the designers behind these looks expressed the new generation and definition of American fashion. 

An Ode to the Past

A major theme this year in paying homage to America was looking back on iconic fashion moments and trends of the past. Both Billie Eilish, who wore OscarDe La Renta and Meghan The Stallion, who stunned in Coach, took their inspiration from Marilyn Monroe, the classic American beauty who defined her era in more ways than one.Kendall Jenner’s Givenchy look was inspired by the Audrey Hepburn ‘My Fair Lady’ dress, another nod to Hollywood's silver screen and golden age. Gigi Hadid’s Prada look was created as a nod to the first ladies of the ‘50s and ‘60s and the classic simplicity of American fashion during this era. Yara Shahidi wore Dior in honour of 1920s Heroine Josephine Baker, and Barbie Fiera’s Honathan Simkhai look was a nod to the roaring ‘20s flapper. Kaia Gerber wore OscarDe La Renta, a look inspired by Bianca Jagger’s 1981 Met dress, and  Lourdes Leon wore Moschino paying homage to Cher. These looks honour the women that defined America’s past, showing how influential the history of style and femininity is on the American fashion world today.

A Futuristic Take

Grimes and Gabrielle Union in Iris Van Herpen and Hunter Schafer in Prada displayed futuristic interpretations of the theme, hinting at advanced technology and an America defined by the internet.

On Theme To A Tea

Imaan Hammam wore a Versace star-covered gown paying homage to the American flag. In eye-catching Peter Dundas Green, Ciara wore a football-inspired gown hinting at the massive role of sports culture and identity in the states. In Ralph Lauren, J Lo channelled her inner cowboy referencing the ‘wild west.’  

American Staples

These star-designer themes focused on American fashion staples. Lupita Nyong’o wore a Versace denim look, Timothée Chalamet sported the classic Converse, and Kim K wore a quirky Balenciaga suit meant to be a full coverage T-shirt. What is more American than these everyday closet staples?

Political Statements

Saweetie in Christian Cowan, Amanda Gorman in Vera Wang, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Aurora James, Cara Delevingne in Dior, and Dan levy in Loewe. These stars made strong statements about the current political landscape of America, dressing to honour the America that they would like to see. 

Simply Stunning

Perhaps not entirely in line with the theme but breathtaking all the same…Lily-Rose Depp in Chanel, Normani in Valentino, Anok Yai in Oscar De La Renta, Whitney Peak in Chanel, Iman in Harris Reed, and Simone Biles in Area.To see more looks from the met check out this link!

HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: VOGUE