This year’s Met Gala was held on Monday, May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to raise money for the institute and celebrate the annual opening of the fashion exhibit.
The theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by the Costume Institute’s Spring exhibition exploring the history and influence of the Black dandy in Western fashion throughout the 1920’s and 30’s. Similarly, the dress code was “Tailored for you,” according to a CBS News article.
There was controversy about some of the outfits worn due to the celebrity’s misinterpretation of the theme’s true meaning. However, there were three people that encompassed the theme: Teyanna Taylor, Diana Ross, and Rhianna. While many wore clothing like suits, these three really incorporated the period into their attire.
Taylor wore: a red fedora with a feather on it, red flowers on both shoulders, a black and red long-sleeved suit and pants, red and silver heels, chains and a long red cape. On the red-carpet Taylor described her outfit as the “Rose in Harlem”, referencing the time and her 2018 song. All her clothing was styled by two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, and each piece paid homage to the Harlem Rennaissance.
Ross wore: a sweeping white gown, crystals and beads, and a wide white hat, with her entire outfit including feathers. Feathers were prominently displayed during the time. They were a symbol of status, wealth and power. While white was associated with beauty and purity.
Rhianna wore: a wide black hat, a black skirt suit, a cropped tuxedo jacket and below-the-bump pinstriped skirt and pointy-toe Oxfords. All the rich fabrics she had on were like the ones worn during the 20’s, but Rhianna’s was from Marc Jacobs.
While many struggled with how to represent this year’s theme, these three pulled it off effortlessly.