The Met Gala is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated fashion events of the year, where fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike wait with bated breath to see what kind of looks the celebrities and designers will be showcasing on the red carpet. And this year, "in Honor of Karl," the 2023 theme pays tribute to the iconic designer Karl Lagerfeld.
Known for his bold designs, impeccable tailoring, and timeless pieces that continue to inspire fashion enthusiasts around the world, Karl's contributions to the industry—including his works with Chanel and Fendi as a creative director—are immeasurable. The fashion industry lost an icon in 2019 when he passed away. But at this year's Met Gala, attendees showed up clad in their own interpretations of his signature style in honor of the fashion legend.
Below, see the chicest, best dressed stars who stood out on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the biggest fashion gathering in New York City.
The Best Dressed Stars at the Met Gala 2023
1. Anne Hathaway in Versace
Is Anne Hathaway wearing... the tweed Versace gown? Yes, she is. The Hollywood star gave her iconic The Devil Wears Prada character a run for her money with a show-stopping Met Gala appearance featuring a strapless frock with sultry cutouts that extend into a thigh-high leg slit. The cutouts were held together by Versace's iconic gold safety pins, adding a bit of edge to the elegant ensemble. The use of tweed, of course, was a nod to the signature aesthetic of the late Chanel creative director. Breathtaking!
2. Song Hye Kyo in Fendi
A Fendi muse through and through, Hallyu queen Song Hye Kyo made her Met Gala debut clad in a dainty lace frock and a chained clutch both from the Italian fashion house's Couture Spring/Summer 2023. The K-drama actress, who became Fendi's first Korean global ambassador in 2021, teamed her Karl Lagerfeld-inspired 'fit with a long side braid and a hime cut hairstyle that gave her look a distinctly Asian twist.
3. Nicola Anne Peltz-Beckham in Valentino
Nicole Anne Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham were no doubt one of the best dressed couples to walk on the Met Gala red carpet this year, wearing coordinating outfits rendered in Karl Lagerfeld's signature black-and-white palette. The stylish actress, swathed in a ruched white Valentino gown, had a black velvet bow accenting her waist that also seamlessly matched her black choker necklace. Also adorning her delicate décolletage was a sparkly layering of diamond necklaces, including a statement cross that injected an edgy flavor into her monochromatic look.
4. Emily Ratajkowski in Tory Burch
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Also giving the iconic black velvet bow a moment was Emily Ratajkowski, who used it to accessorize her Audrey Hepburn-inspired hairstyle featuring a choppy fringe. Fun fact: It was actually inspired by a vintage Chanel runway image! Not to mention, the bombshell looked ethereal in a sheer skin-toned Tory Burch gown that fit her like a glove.
5. Priyanka Chopra in Valentino
Priyanka Chopra opted for a simple strapless black gown by Valentino for understated elegance, but her tufted cape with a statement bow, white opera gloves, and ultra-high slit were definitely designed to turn heads. The Indian-born beauty paired her glamorous look with bespoke Bulgari jewelry and called it a day.
6. Anok Yai in Prabal Gurung
American model Anok Yai showed up on the Met Gala carpet and instantly sent the internet into a frenzy with her jaw-dropping look featuring a sequined gold and silver strapless frock from Prabal Gurung. She easily stole the thunder with her dramatic gilded skirt moment that showcased her svelte figure. And lastly, can we just pause for a moment and appreciate that glowing skin? Beautiful!
7. Doja Cat in Oscar de La Renta
Doja Cat was quite literally dressed as a cat for the biggest night in fashion—but not just any cat, mind you. The rapper broke the internet by channeling Karl Lagerfeld's cat, Choupette, on the Met Gala carpet and she did it in the chicest way possible. The intricately beaded Oscar de La Renta creation, which also boasts of a face-framing hood with cat ears as well as a feathered skirt, took six months to make. And in our opinion, every second was well worth it given how the dress flawlessly hugged her curves.
8. Gigi Hadid in Givenchy
Trust Gigi Hadid to give a bombshell interpretation of this year's theme. A true-blue Karl Lagerfeld muse, the model arrived on the Met steps swathed in a sheer corset dress by Givenchy. Of course, she gave it the ultimate Chanel treatment by layering pearl necklaces and diamonds to complete her sultry yet edgy look.
9. Ava Max in Christian Siriano
Nope, that ain't Lady Gaga! Ava Max made her Met Gala debut and didn't hold back on the carpet with her custom Christian Siriano look. The Sweet But Psycho singer was a sight to behold in an all-white creation featuring sheer sleeves, a white column gown, and a voluminous tulle skirt attached from the back. Sticking to the theme, her gown and matching headdress had a divine peppering of pearls and sparkly embellishments that took things up a notch.
10. Rihanna in Valentino
Rihanna, as always, is one to make a fashionably dramatic entrance. Evidently inspired by Chanel's signature white flower that has become synonymous to the French fashion house, the music superstar donned an oversized cape decked with 30 giant camellia appliqués and a billowing train, which she initially wore with playful white-rimmed sunglasses decorated with false eyelashes. She later on undid her cape, flaunting her gorgeous baby bump and the set of pearl necklaces adorning her neck. A Met Gala moment that's definitely one for the books!
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