Shining, emblematic celebrities swept the stage steps with shocking styles of flair and opulence. The Met Gala has captured these moments as the fount of fashion for decades. This event historically has taken place on the first Monday of each May. However, due to the pandemic, the Met Gala was rescheduled for September 13th of 2021. The theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” which Andrew Bolton, the museum curator,  named to be “undergoing a Renaissance” in an interview with Vogue. 

The customary purpose of the Met Gala is to fundraise for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It also marks the annual opening of the Institute’s fashion exhibit in New York City. Tickets are upwards of $30,000 a seat and name brands usually secure full tables for their invitees — approved by Anna Wintour, of course! This year’s attendance had classic celebrities, premier debuts, and even political activism. 

The lights, camera, and action of the event seemed almost movie-like as the credits rolled-in. Photos and headlines plastered as those of us without the golden ticket were left to ravage the tabloids for the who, what, and wear. 

Dressed to the nines, fan-favorites included: Billie Eilish, Kim Kardahsian, Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Hudson, Megan Thee Stallion, Karlie Kloss, Iman, Zoe Kravitz, Dan Levy, Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, Kaia Gerber, Normani, Lil Nas X, Timothee Chalamet, and Steph Curry. 

These iconic celebrities were expected to be in-attendance and reliably delivered. However, there were some other surprises in-store. Audiences were divided in the debuts of Emma Chamberlain, Addison Rae, and others amongst the tried-and-true famous crew. Since the pandemic, a new generation of internet-celebrities has proliferated. The pop-culture community is still impending their follow requests as audiences are divided in who qualifies as a “real celebrity”. While these celebrities may seem more authentic, they are similarly culminated through the means of beauty crews and photoshop.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US representative for New York’s 14th congressional district, captured the public eye fiercely with her one-of-a-kind look. She wore an ivory off-the-shoulder, button-down, fish-tail dress with ‘Tax The Rich’ scrawled across the back in red print.

A few things were to come from this bold move. Firstly, memes were made and spread like wildfire, per usual. Especially as her routine Twitter feuds with Donald Trump Jr. revamped. Secondly, fake news circulated and needs to be addressed. New York City representatives are routinely invited to the Met Gala, free of charge, as guests of the museum. Meaning that AOC did not pay the ticket price. 

The Met Gala is about setting the stage as it is one of the most photographed events of the year. All-in-all, over $16 million dollars was raised and lots of looks were left to be lionized.