Art by Stephany Torres
The Met Gala is historically known as the most fashionable night of the year, bringing celebrities and cultural leaders together to raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s costume institute. The 2023 Met Gala theme “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” however, brings justifiable criticism from viewers who feel disconnected from an exhibition highlighting a designer who spewed racist, xenophobic, and misogynistic comments.
Despite (or in spite of) the Met Gala’s problematic theme, the Latine community brought it when it came to looks that set them apart from the rest of the crowd. (And that Lagerfeld probably wouldn’t have agreed with in the first place because of the previously mentioned problematic behavior.) From backless tuxedos to full outfit changes and a little bit of leg, here are 8 of the best-dressed celebrities from our communities from the 2023 Met Gala.
Leave it to Bad Bunny to bring out the subtle and smart drip. His all-white-tweed suit, custom-made by Jacquemus, was business in the front and a full-on soirée in the back with its back cut-out design. The “un x100to” star’s sleek and polished look was complimented with a (26 foot!) statement rosette cape and matching white derby shoes. Iconic is an understatement.
Coined by the New York Times as “New York’s Princess of Rap,” Ice Spice was glowing in her custom Balmain gown. The form-fitting Swarovski crystal-covered gown featured contouring cutouts that outlined her frame, nodding to a subtle surrealism that had us hooked. In an interview with Lala Anthony, she mentions that this was a “super last minute” look, and honestly, if this is how a last-minute ensemble looks, we’ll happily wait until the last hour to get dressed if it means we’ll look this good.
In a sea of monochromatic looks of black and white— Salma Hayek’s glossy red bustier dress by Gucci had us in shambles. Several elements defined her look, such as the subtle rows of pearls draping off her shoulders, a ruffled skirt that opened to an intricate lace front to show off her matching platforms, and a waist-length ponytail embellished with crimson rosettes.
There’s a reason that Cardi B consistently lands on best-dressed lists when it comes to the Met Gala. Cardi B gifted us not one, not two, but THREE iconic and stylistically opposite looks that gave show-stopping excellence at its finest. The first look, a bubblegum pink plunging neckline dress by Miss Sohee was topped off with a matching tulle headpiece along a sleek and center-parted bun. On the carpet, however, her look transformed into a dramatic Chenpeng Studio gown with all-around floral detailing and a collared neck and tie reminiscent of Legerfeld’s iconic style. In her final look, Cardi B once again picked our jaws up off the floor with a body-hugging pink and black houndstooth dress that combined the elements from the first two dresses into an iconic final look.
Snaps all around for Jenna Ortega, who rocked a Thom Browne dress reminiscent of her signature Wednesday style. The dress was replete with ruffles, gold chains, and draped pearls that married into an asymmetrical skirt, trailing behind her in one dramatic swoop. The Gothic-chic frock was paired with black and white brogue platforms and sheer socks that gave a modern edge to this Victorian silhouette.
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He’s done it again, ladies and gents. The Last of Us star, Pedro Pascal, has set the internet ablaze with an unapologetically fierce look and enviously nonchalant energy. Pascal donned a full Valentino look, with a red hot overcoat atop a matching button down, a black silk tie with a gold metal V, and above-the-knee wool shorts that showed off just the right amount of Pascal’s legs. The patent leather combat boots with black, mid-calf socks were the perfect compliment to an otherwise subtly sexy look. We have no choice but to stan.
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After almost a decade since her last Met Gala debut, Aubrey Plaza made a stunning return to the Gala carpet. Plaza donned an all-white Stella McCartney gown that featured a plunging neckline embellished with chunky silver chain detailing that reappeared at her waist in a peek-a-boo moment. The White Lotus star paired this sleek floor-length gown with leather opera gloves and diamond jewelry, which honestly gave cool-girl supervillain vibes.
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Jennifer Lopez stepped out in a sultry, pink, and black Ralph Lauren gown, accessorized with a matching pink clutch, velvet black gloves, and a dramatic black veiled fascinator that figuratively and quite literally topped her look. Her sleek look also includes a feather detail at the neck, and a giant bow connecting a velvet black train to the back of her dress. Her looks make multiple statements and we’re here for the full conversation.
