Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Met Gala had a theme titled "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" to pay homage to the late fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld, and his work in the fashion industry. Celebrities arrived in Lagerfeld-inspired ensembles, showcasing his enduring influence on fashion.
- Rihanna and A$AP Rocky stole the show with their late arrival, both dressed in Lagerfeld-inspired outfits. Rihanna wore an archival fur coat from Fendi's Fall 1997 collection originally worn by Naomi Campbell, while A$AP Rocky sported an outfit inspired by an ensemble Lagerfeld wore during a Chanel runway show in Tokyo.
- Other celebrities paid tribute to Lagerfeld's love for his cat, Choupette, by arriving in full cat costumes. Jared Leto donned a full cat costume and announced a partnership with Lagerfeld's company to co-create a film celebrating the designer's life and legacy. Lil Nas X also appeared in a cat-inspired look, designed by renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath.
The 2023 Met Gala saw a glamorous tribute to the late fashion legend, Karl Lagerfeld, with a theme titled “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”.
The event celebrated Lagerfeld’s decades of work in the fashion industry, including his roles at Balmain, Fendi, Chanel, and his eponymous label.
The Met Gala red carpet became a stage for celebrity guests to showcase their Lagerfeld-inspired looks and pay homage to the designer who passed away in 2019 at the age of 85.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky: A Stylish Tribute
Fashion icon Rihanna, known for her late arrivals to the Met Gala, made an appearance with her partner A$AP Rocky, both dressed in Lagerfeld-inspired ensembles.
Rihanna donned an archival fur coat from Fendi’s Fall 1997 collection, originally worn by Naomi Campbell and designed by Lagerfeld himself.
The singer added her own flair with layers of diamond necklaces, camellia earrings, white eyeshadow, and a bold red lip.
A$AP Rocky, on the other hand, sported a black blazer, white button-down, black leather tie, and a kilt, all designed by Gucci.
The musician’s look was inspired by an outfit Lagerfeld wore during a 2004 Chanel runway show in Tokyo.
Rocky updated the ensemble for 2023 with stacked Gucci belts and diamanté-studded jeans.
Jared Leto’s Feline Transformation
Jared Leto, the king of Met Gala surprises, arrived on the red carpet in a full cat costume, honoring Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette.
Leto’s initial cat-inspired outfit was later replaced by an all-black ensemble with a matching cape, featuring ornate detailing around the neckline and shoulders.
In addition to his feline transformation, Leto announced a partnership with Lagerfeld’s company to co-create a film celebrating the designer’s life and legacy.
As a true admirer of Lagerfeld’s work, Leto expressed his excitement to be part of the project and to honor the multifaceted artist and innovator.
The Met Gala red carpet became a stage for celebrity guests to showcase their Lagerfeld-inspired looks and pay homage to the designer who passed away in 2019 at the age of 85.
Feline References and Memorable Appearances
The Met Gala red carpet saw other celebrities paying tribute to Lagerfeld’s love for his cat, Choupette.
Doja Cat, Jared Leto, and Lil Nas X all appeared in full cat costumes.
Doja Cat wore a stunning Oscar de la Renta hooded gown with accompanying cat prosthetics, outshining the infamous “Cats” movie adaptation.
Lil Nas X bared it all on the red carpet, dressed in a thong, platform booties, silver body paint, and sparkly rhinestones with pearl detailing around his neck and face, embracing a glamorous cat persona.
The daring look was designed by renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath, who placed over 5,000 stones and 218,784 round flatback Swarovski crystals on the star over ten hours.
A Show-Stopping Finale
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky closed the night with their late arrival, living up to their reputation as Met Gala showstoppers.
Rihanna wore a Valentino gown and hooded coat adorned with a floral motif, reminiscent of the many muses, including Claudia Schiffer and Cara Delevingne, who had graced Lagerfeld’s couture shows as Chanel brides.
The Met Gala 2023 proved to be a dazzling tribute to Lagerfeld’s enduring influence on the fashion world, with celebrities donning archival pieces, creative reinterpretations, and feline-inspired outfits to honor the designer’s life and work.
