Met Gala 2023: The Most Iconic Best and Worst Dressed Celebrities
From jaw-dropping couture to questionable choices, the Met Gala 2023 was a showcase of fashion highs and lows.
Met Gala 2023: Fashion’s Night of Triumph and Tumult
The 2023 Met Gala, often dubbed the ‘Oscars of Fashion,’ once again delivered a spectacle of style, personality, and boundary-pushing creativity in the heart of New York City. This year’s theme, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, paid homage to the late, legendary designer whose profound influence shaped decades of couture. Attendees ranged from world-renowned actors and musicians to supermodels and cultural icons, each interpreting the theme in their own way—some with breathtaking success, others with questionable results.
Best Dressed Celebrities: Red Carpet Royalty
From the classic to the daring, these celebrities set the tone for the evening, effortlessly merging Lagerfeld’s legacy with their own unique flair.
Dua Lipa in Chanel
Dua Lipa, one of the night’s co-hosts, wore a classic Lagerfeld Chanel bridal gown, originally seen on Claudia Schiffer during the Chanel couture fall/winter 1992 show. The look featured a lavishly embellished bodice and sweeping skirt, but much of the attention was stolen by her oversized Tiffany pendant. While the fashion press agreed the necklace was dramatic, critics felt the gown lacked the extra polish needed for such a momentous night and missed the matching jacket and hat from its first runway appearance.
- Classic Chanel silhouette
- Large Tiffany pendant as centerpiece
- Understated hair and styling
Nicole Kidman in Chanel
Nicole Kidman arrived in a flowing, blush-hued gown she had previously worn in the iconic 2004 Chanel No. 5 ad campaign. Though the gown was universally lauded, the styling—particularly the sandals and loose hair—was widely debated among fashion experts who felt an elegant updo would have better complemented its ethereal quality.
- Chanel gown from 2004 ad film
- Dreamy and romantic styling
- Criticized for heavy sandals and hair choice
Michaela Coel in Schiaparelli
Michaela Coel stole the spotlight with her bespoke Schiaparelli ensemble, shimmering with gold embellishments, sculptural bodice, and celestial details. Described as “goddess-like” and “jaw-dropping,” Coel’s look exemplified high fashion’s audacious spirit, embodying the kind of visual storytelling that makes the Met Gala singular.
- Golden, sculptural detailing
- Dramatic, custom look
- Evoked Lagerfeld’s boldness
Anne Hathaway in Atelier Versace
Anne Hathaway dazzled in a hybrid creation—the bold safety pin motif of classic Versace fused with the tweed and textile textures iconic to Chanel. The dress also featured delicate floral embellishments, striking the delicate balance between retro and revolutionary. Hathaway’s styling drew rave reviews for its nuanced nod to Lagerfeld’s multi-era influence.
- Blend of Versace and Chanel elements
- Floral detailing and tweed textures
- Sexy, retro silhouette
Jessica Chastain in Gucci
Channeling Lagerfeld directly, Jessica Chastain wore a dramatic Gucci gown and styled herself with platinum hair, black sunglasses, and gloves—a direct homage to the designer’s iconic silhouette. Playful yet elegant, her look was celebrated as creative interpretation, riding the line between costume and couture.
- Karl Lagerfeld-inspired platinum hair
- Elegant black gown and gloves
- Both witty and glamorous
Brian Tyree Henry in Karl Lagerfeld
A statement in men’s fashion, Brian Tyree Henry unapologetically embraced Lagerfeld’s signature drama, sporting elaborate layers, opulent accessories, and structured tailoring. Henry’s look was noted for its perfect balance between flamboyance and sharp tailoring, epitomizing what the Met Gala is all about.
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- Deco-inspired layering and detail
- Outsize accessories, powerful presence
- Expert mix of drama and polish
Gisele Bündchen in Chanel
Supermodel Gisele Bündchen brought “F You Glam” to the red carpet, stepping out as a vision in white Chanel. Her effortless elegance and superstar presence transformed an otherwise understated look into an indisputable highlight of the night.
- Classic Chanel lines
- Effortless supermodel styling
- Statement of post-divorce empowerment
Style Standouts and Power Couples
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade in Prada
The couple’s powerful choice of Prada matched their personal journey, reflecting unity and support for their transgender daughter Zaya. Their strong, structured looks—the bold coat and sharp silhouettes—became symbols of love, strength, and advocacy as much as fashion.
- Matching, statement-making Prada outfits
- Reflected unity and family support
- Sharp tailoring, bold accessories
Olivia Wilde in Chloé
Olivia Wilde offered a modern take on Lagerfeld’s vintage Chloé violin dress. Critics noted that the original, shorter version from the archives better framed the central motif; the floor-length tribute was seen by some as too literal, somewhat diminishing the quirky violin detail.
- Long, white gown with violin cutout
- Homage to Chloé’s archives
- Mixed reception for length and motif use
Failed Fashion Experiments: The Worst Dressed
Even in the world’s most glittering style showcase, not every gamble pays off. From odd silhouettes to uninspired styling, some looks missed the mark—to the dismay of both fans and critics.
Ice Spice in Balmain
Ice Spice wore a subtle Balmain gown, but many felt that the “Princess Diana” rapper’s bold personality was missing. Her straight hairstyle was a departure from her signature red afro, a change that critics agreed would have elevated the look and made it more representative of her style.
- Underwhelming Balmain dress
- Lack of signature Afro hairstyle
- Missed opportunity for high-impact styling
Ariana DeBose
Described as one of the event’s true fashion failures, Ariana DeBose wore a colorful gown overlaid with a jacket silhouette and fur accents. Bold yet jarring, the ensemble was criticized for both its gaudy palette and awkward construction, considered more confusing than chic by many viewers.
- Color clash and fur trim
- Out-of-place jacket motif
- Adverse audience reactions
Lily James
Lily James’s gown was not well received, largely due to the controversial choice of microbangs and excessive embellishments. Critics felt that, while she often shines on the red carpet, this particular styling overwhelmed her natural beauty and failed to capture the event’s spirit.
- Microbang styling
- Distracting, overdone details
- Did not suit her typically elegant brand
Marion Cotillard
French actress Marion Cotillard took a big risk with a pink “bowl cut” wig and an unfitted dress. Unfortunately, the look failed to resonate with viewers, garnering criticism for its awkward proportions and poorly executed styling.
- Pink bowl-cut wig
- Oversized, unfitted dress
- Unflattering silhouette
Alexandra Daddario
Alexandra Daddario wore a dress that, while intricately designed, featured a muted color that critics felt washed her out. The lack of vibrant color or standout accessories rendered the look underwhelming.
- Pale, unflattering color
- Highly intricate detail lost in styling
- Missed opportunity for impact
Margaret Qualley
Margaret Qualley’s look harkened back to 2016, missing the freshness and innovation expected of Met Gala standards. Her ensemble was critiqued for lack of originality and modern edge.
Analyzing the Lagerfeld Legacy: Theme Implementation
Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty gave artists and designers almost unlimited inspiration—from Chanel tweeds to bold, monochromatic ensembles. While many attendees nodded to Lagerfeld’s iconic aesthetic through gloves, sunglasses, and sharp collars, only a handful truly blended reference with reinvention. The night’s successes were marked by risky, original interpretation; its failures, by excessive literalness or lack of personal variation.
| Best Dressed | Worst Dressed |
|---|---|
| Anne Hathaway: Versace x Chanel hybrid, bold yet classic | Ariana DeBose: Awkward fur-trimmed gown, confusing color scheme |
| Michaela Coel: Gold Schiaparelli masterpiece | Lily James: Over-embellished, microbang misstep |
| Jessica Chastain: Lagerfeld homage, platinum hair | Marion Cotillard: Pink bowl-cut wig, shapeless dress |
| Brian Tyree Henry: Bold layering, Lagerfeld tribute | Alexandra Daddario: Washed-out color, missed impact |
| Nicole Kidman: Ethereal vintage Chanel | Ice Spice: Underwhelming, missing personal touch |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was the theme of the Met Gala 2023?
A: The theme was Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, serving as a tribute to the late designer Karl Lagerfeld’s career and aesthetics.
Q: Who had the most talked-about look of the night?
A: Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, and Jessica Chastain were widely praised for their bold, creative interpretations of the theme. However, Dua Lipa drew mixed feedback for pairing a classic gown with an oversized pendant.
Q: Which male celebrities made a strong fashion statement?
A: Brian Tyree Henry was commended for his Lagerfeld-inspired, dramatic tailoring; Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union also impressed in matching Prada ensembles, expressing unity and advocacy through fashion.
Q: Why are some outfits criticized as “worst dressed”?
A: Looks considered among the worst typically failed to interpret the theme memorably, presented awkward proportions, or relied too heavily on literal or uninspired styling decisions.
Q: How many celebrities are featured in this review?
A: The review spotlights 25 of the most memorable best and worst dressed celebrities from the 2023 Met Gala red carpet.
Conclusion: What We Learned from Met Gala 2023
The Met Gala remains a compass for fashion’s evolving landscape—showcasing how creativity, risk-taking, and personal style converge on the biggest stage. This year, classic elegance dueled with wild experimentation, highlighting both the timelessness of Lagerfeld’s vision and the ever-present possibility of missing the mark. For every jaw-dropping success, there’s a cautionary tale reminding us that fashion is as much about individuality and narrative as it is about trend and tradition.
- Karl Lagerfeld’s impact endures through bold interpretations and high-profile homages.
- The Met Gala serves as both a celebration and critique of fashion’s limitless potential.
- Ultimately, style is subjective—what thrills one may disappoint another, but all eyes remain glued to the red carpet for the next unforgettable moment.
References
- https://tulanemagazine.com/met-gala-2023-the-good-the-boring-and-the-extremely-weird-hyper-realistic-cat-suits/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g43757161/best-worst-dressed-met-gala-2023/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzinojPH2Ss
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/author/224541/tom-fitzgerald-and-lorenzo-marquez/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofnyjTUovf8
- https://www.thelist.com/1449210/best-worst-dressed-celebrities-2023/
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