The Array of Interpretations at the MET Gala
Image Courtesy: Vogue
The highly anticipated 2021 MET Gala brought the biggest names in media together under the same roof. The expectations were high following the iconic Camp theme of 2019. This year’s theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Attendees were asked to think of “American independence,” which inspired a myriad of interpretations. Some took the theme literally, their outfits serving as nods to historical American trends. Others took the theme a more interpretive route and channeled their voices and creativity to represent American media, make social commentary, or condemn political injustices.
Arguably, one of the most abstract outfits that created a prominent divide in opinions was Kim Kardashian’s Balenciaga look. The reality star took to Instagram to share some fan theories about her bold choice. The most popular opinion regarding her outfit choice takes a sword to the American sexualization of celebrities in the public eye. The Kardashians, with Kim at the forefront, have historically set American beauty and body standards—so what better statement than to destroy and contradict the standard she has built for the night?
Image Courtesy: Vogue
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “tax the rich” gown is another contentious interpretation that has turned Twitter into a virtual battleground. The statement caused an angry uproar due to the irony of criticizing the upper-class while attending an event that requires the hefty donation of $30,0000. However, AOC was invited to the event, which excludes her from paying the generous entry fee. Despite this, many of her supporters are labeling the outfit as performative activism, as an evening spent socializing with the top 1% of Americans is antithetical to her role as a politician representing the working class.
Image Courtesy: New York Times
The same type of criticism was made for Cara Delevingne’s “peg the patriarchy” ensemble. Her custom outfit was designed by Dior, and one of the biggest fall-throughs with the execution of this interpretation was the lack of recognition the model and the designer gave to Luna Matatas, who coined the term and had it trademarked in 2018. The act of a white cis woman giving the term a platform without credit to the creativity of a plus-size woman of color contradicts the statement Delavigne was attempting to make in the first place. It seemed that the two most prominent attempts at political statements got lost in translation and flopped in the public eye.
Some celebrities took on whimsical reflections of pop culture. Sporting not just one but three different Versace outfits was Lil Nas X, who has been buzzing in the media due to the release of his first album, MONTERO. He made an entrance clad in a gold beaded cape and soon took it off to reveal a golden suit of armor. This was a suspected allusion to Star Wars, before the reveal of his third and final outfit change, a gold beaded bodysuit. His route was American superhero nostalgia and landed nothing but positive feedback from fans and critics.
Image Courtesy: Pop Sugar
Others assumed uniquely glamorous looks, including Riverdale star, Lili Reinhart, who appeared colorful and classy in a Christian Siriano gown, embellished with the official flowers of all fifty states. Additionally, Billie Eilish made a grand entrance in an Oscar De La Renta dress in reference to old Hollywood and Marilyn Monroe.
Image Courtesy: Daily Mail
One of the most underrated American looks of the night was Lupita Nyong’o’s denim Versace dress. What’s more American than elevated denim?
Image Courtesy: Tom + Lorenzo
The interpretations of the American Lexicon were vast, creating opportunities for self-expression in a time where patriotism itself seems up for interpretation. The 2022 MET Gala theme will be the same next May, hopefully giving attendees a second chance to carefully choose how they will represent American Lexicon . . . I’m looking at you, horse girl.
Strike Out,
Writer: Alyson Brinkley
Editors: Noelle Knowlton & Lexi Fernandez
Graphics: Allexandria Clemons
Tallahassee
