The MET Gala kicked off Monday night, opening the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual fashion exhibit. Delayed due to the pandemic, the ball was pushed to September instead of its original date, the first Monday of May. 

Known as one of the biggest nights in fashion, the 2021 patriotic theme left many stunned. This heavily anticipated event was titled “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” and showed a variety of attire from eye-catching to beautifully creative. Celebrities interpreted this American theme differently through their ensembles and many fans stormed the internet with their opinions.  

“I really enjoyed this year’s Met Gala!” Hills senior Sara Galbraith exclaimed, “Although I didn’t really see the ‘American Independence’ theme in many of the outfits, I still found most of the outfits to be beautiful.”

Generation Z has arrived! This year’s co-chair is composed of popular figures all under the age of 25. 

19-year-old Billie Eilish makes history as the youngest co-chair of the MET Gala. Her look was  crafted after Marilyn Monroe and the dress she wore to the 1951 Oscars. Eilish took inspiration from one of the biggest names in U.S. fashion and was seen in a stunning peach tulle ball gown. Her unexpected look was considered one of the best at the ball this year, the perfect representation of America. 

The other co-hosts include Timothée Chalamet, Amanda Gorman, and Naomi Osaka. They were chosen for not only embodying American fashion, but also sporting an individualist sense of style.

Another artist that shocked fans was Jennifer Lopez. She wore a cowboy hat and western-inspired dress paired with a faux-fur cape. Her ensemble definitely gave all the wild west vibes! Lopez took the “evolution through American fashion” inspiration more literally, but nonetheless rocked the red carpet. 

New York Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dominated the gala speculation with her “Tax the Rich” gown. In conversation with reporters, Ocasio-Cortez stated, “I think it’s time we bring all classes into the conversation.” 

She hoped to present an unforgettable political statement about taxation issues amongst American social classes. While she intended to spread the message to influencers and celebrities alike, critics called her claims cocky and hypocritical. 

The prestigious event charges upwards of $35,000 a ticket, and Ocasio-Cortez was surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the world. Commenters accused her statement to be “ignorant, inappropriate, and poorly communicated.” 

While her ensemble reflected America in a different light, it is certainly one for the record books!

Another look that caused some uproar from the fans was Kim Kardashian’s by Kanye West x Balenciaga. The look caught the eyes of many people because of how it covers Kardashian’s entire body, including her face in shoes. Fans were taken aback by the distinctness of her look compared to her other outfits from past years. 

The Met Gala presented the limits that fashion can take, and the creativity expressed through the designers clothing some of the most powerful people in the world. 

“I think it’s a cool form of expression,” stated Hills senior Maggie Chua. “A lot of the avant garde fashion is very interesting. I think they could’ve been more creative about how they chose the themes, though.”

The Met Gala is one of the biggest fashion events of the year and the 2021 American theme was certainly unforgettable. Even with the effect of the pandemic, there seems to be a small step every day towards normalcy, and the Met Gala showed how creative expression will continue no matter the circumstances.