After a COVID-19 cancellation in 2020, the Met Gala is back, baby.
The annual showcase of fashion, art, celebrity and whatever else Anna Wintour has up her sleeve took place Monday night, four months removed from its usual May date, but the September weather didn’t chill the looks that were turnt out.
With the theme of “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” the stars were able to pretty much do whatever they wanted—and do what they wanted they did.
Few masks were in sight on the runway as musicians, actors, athletes, models and designers walked the stairs of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. But the out-of-focus masked staff and photographers in the background betrayed the fact that we’re very much still in a global pandemic.
Even in a pandemic, we do love to watch a bunch of rich people wear some fancy outfits. Here are some of our favourite looks from LGBTQ2S+ stars at the 2021 Met Gala.
Schitt’s Creek star and overall Canadian treasure Dan Levy understood the assignment, and brought a stunning globe look. The design was inspired by the work of the late artist and ACT UP member David Wojnarowicz, specifically his 1984 piece “Fuck You Faggot Fucker.”
Levy wasn’t the only one to pay tribute to the past. Trans makeup artist Nikkie de Jager (better known by her YouTube alias Nikkie Tutorials) stepped out in a stunning tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, including the trailblazer’s famous “pay it no mind” response to questions about her gender.
Fresh off a wild night at the VMAs, Lil Nas X turned up in not one, not two, but three looks—because of course he did.
Elliot Page, in one of his first major public appearances since coming out as trans last year, kept it simple in a black Balenciaga suit.
Emmy nominee Mj Rodriguez knew how to strike a pose in Thom Browne excellence.
Frank Ocean made a rare appearance, complete with a robot alien baby (or maybe it’s Shrek?!).
Megan Rapinoe said, “In gay we trust,” and I’m gonna have to agree with that.
Meanwhile, Cara Delevingne said, “Peg the patriarchy,” and that’s… well… provocative.
The Try Guys Eugene Lee Yang stomped the red carpet in some pink pumps.
Kristen Stewart, fresh off of the Toronto International Film Festival debut of the Princess Diana biopic Spencer, was as hot as ever.
As was bisexual queen Tessa Thompson.
And of course another queen turned up: RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 winner Symone.
But my personal pick might have to be pop star Kim Petras serving absolute horse girl realness.
Honestly, here’s hoping someone brings a real horse next year.
Why you can trust Xtra
