Gigi Hadid’s Met Gala 2023 Look: The $10 Calzedonia Tights Phenomenon

How Gigi Hadid turned an affordable fashion staple into a Met Gala must-have accessory at fashion's biggest night.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

How Gigi Hadid turned an affordable fashion staple into a Met Gala must-have accessory at fashion's biggest night.

Gigi Hadid’s Dazzling Statement at the 2023 Met Gala

Every year, the Met Gala serves as the highest stage for sartorial creativity, and in 2023, Gigi Hadid made headlines not just for her show-stopping Givenchy gown but for her embrace of an unexpected accessory: ultra-sheer Calzedonia tights costing only $10. This audacious pairing of accessible hosiery with couture left the fashion world buzzing over both her look and the broader cultural impact of such a simple, everyday piece gracing fashion’s most exclusive red carpet.

The Met Gala 2023: Honoring Karl Lagerfeld’s Legacy

Held on the first Monday in May, the 2023 Met Gala paid tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld, featuring a guest list adorned in pieces inspired by his iconic designs and style language. The event’s dress code encouraged attendees to channel Lagerfeld’s legendary aesthetic, resulting in a night of bold, innovative, and sometimes deeply personal fashion choices.

Breaking Down Gigi Hadid’s Met Gala Look

Gigi’s 2023 Met Gala ensemble captured attention for perfectly balancing high drama and modern accessibility:

Givenchy Custom Gown: A sheer, black tulle silhouette with a dramatically embroidered train and a strapless bustier foundation. The transparent skirt featured distinctive hip cutouts and a ruched center, conjuring a subtle gothic glamour.
Calzedonia 8 Denier Ultra Sheer Tights: Retailing for only $10, these tights emphasized her legs and added a refined edge beneath the sheer gown.
Accessories: Matching tulle gloves, a lustrous pearl and diamond choker, diamond stud earrings, and classic pointed-toe black pumps completed the ensemble.

Many witnessed how she managed to radiate sultry sophistication while styling a budget-friendly staple in a way that felt surprisingly fresh for such a high-profile event.

A Closer Look: Calzedonia 8 Denier Ultra Sheer Tights

The particular tights Gigi opted for were Calzedonia’s 8 Denier Ultra Sheer Tights. Here’s what sets them apart in a world overflowing with hosiery options:

Luxurious Sheerness: Designed to appear almost invisible, creating the illusion of a second skin without compromising on strength or elasticity.
Durability: Made from a particularly resilient fabric blend, these tights resist runs and tears when handled with care, even though they are exceptionally delicate.
Support & Comfort: Featuring a thicker waistband for added support and a cotton gusset for breathable comfort during even the longest nights.
Invisible Toes: Perfect for pairing with open-toe footwear, offering seamless integration with any shoe style.
Inclusivity: Available in seven different shades designed for a variety of skin tones, making them both versatile and inclusive.

Other Celebrities Who Love Calzedonia

Calzedonia’s rise isn’t limited to just Gigi Hadid. The brand has caught the eye of other stars, including:

Hailey Bieber
Madison Beer
Bella Hadid
Kendall Jenner

These tastemakers routinely turn to Calzedonia for reliable tights that blend performance with style.

Calzedonia: From Runway to Real Life

Founded in Italy, Calzedonia has long specialized in high-quality hosiery, seamlessly fusing fashion-forward design and affordability. The brand’s longstanding relationships with top stylists help ensure its tights are regularly incorporated into iconic looks—gracing not only red carpets, but also the Instagram feeds of millions.

Why Are Calzedonia Tights the Celebrity Staple?

Across the industry, both celebrity stylists and their elite clients praise Calzedonia tights for key reasons:

Reliable Craftsmanship: Trusted by veteran stylists such as Yael Quint and Natasha Colvin, Calzedonia tights are a backstage hero for their quality and resilience.
Broad Appeal: The available colorways and deniers (thicknesses) mean there’s a perfect pair for virtually any occasion and outfit.
Accessible Price Point: They provide red carpet results at a price that’s attainable for everyday consumers.
Versatility: Calzedonia tights are a seasonless wardrobe staple, equally suitable for fall layering or spring styling.

More Must-Have Calzedonia Styles

Sheer Polka Dot Tights: $20 – Adds a playful pattern for extra flair.
30 Denier Total Shaper Sheer Tights: $25 – Offers shaping support along with a sheer finish.
20 Denier Sheer Back Seam Tights: $20 – Features a lengthening seam at the back for vintage-inspired glam.

How Gigi’s Look Changed the Conversation

For years, the Met Gala has been a playground of the world’s most exclusive labels and bespoke pieces. So, when a figure as globally recognized as Gigi Hadid walks the carpet in something as affordable and accessible as $10 tights, it becomes a deliberate style statement—celebrating inclusivity and reminding fans that chic is not exclusively for the privileged.

The Democratization of Red Carpet Fashion

Gigi’s outfit demonstrates a powerful message:

Luxury and accessibility are not mutually exclusive.
Everyday pieces can be elevated to high fashion with the right styling and confidence.
Consumers can now mirror red carpet looks with ease, blurring the lines between celebrity and street style.

Gigi’s Past Met Gala Looks: A Timeline

Year	Designer	Look Highlights
2023	Givenchy	Black sheer gown, Calzedonia tights, pearl jewelry
2022	Versace	Burgundy catsuit, voluminous puffer coat, matching red pumps
2021	Prada	White strapless gown, black opera gloves, red ponytail

This table shows Hadid’s ability to continually reinvent her red carpet style with objects both high-end and accessible.

Style Notes: How to Wear Ultra-Sheer Tights Like a Celebrity

If you’re inspired by the Met Gala’s mix of extravagance and attainability, here are some pro tips for incorporating ultra-sheer tights into your everyday looks:

Layer with Bold Pieces: Pair sheer tights with statement evening dresses, bold skirts, or tailored shorts for a night-out aesthetic.
Choose the Right Footwear: With their invisible toes, Calzedonia tights work especially well with pointy pumps or sandals.
Play with Skin Tones: Select a shade that closely matches your skin tone for a more seamless effect.
Mind the Details: Even the sturdiest tights can tear if handled roughly or caught on jewelry. Take extra care when putting them on—especially if you have long nails!
Experiment Year-Round: Ultra-sheer tights are not just for cold weather—use them to add subtle coverage or polish all year long.

What Makes Calzedonia a Celebrity and Stylist Favorite?

According to insiders in the styling world, Calzedonia’s appeal is both practical and fashion-forward. Celebrity stylists love the brand for its predictable quality, impressive color range, and “invisible” look that flatters legs while supporting the outfit’s architectural lines.

Tips from Fashion Editors

The 8 denier option is best for that “barely there” look.
Invest in several pairs, since tights can offer both warmth in winter and a sleek finish for spring and summer.
Keep extras in your wardrobe for unexpected events—the celebrity way to always stay prepared!

The Meaning of Affordable Glamour

Gigi’s 2023 Met Gala look speaks volumes about the fashion industry’s ongoing shifts:

Inclusive Glamour: Bringing affordable items onto exclusive red carpets paves the way for fashion lovers everywhere.
Trend-Setting Through Accessibility: When stars champion accessible products, they redefine what’s considered status-worthy and create waves that ripple through street style and retail trends alike.
Empowerment via Style: The democratization of fashion empowers consumers to engage creatively with trends previously reserved for runways and celebrities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gigi Hadid, Calzedonia, and the Met Gala Look

Q: Where can I buy the Calzedonia tights worn by Gigi Hadid at the Met Gala?

A: The exact Calzedonia 8 Denier Ultra Sheer Tights are available for $10 from Calzedonia’s official website and select retail locations. Styles worn by other celebrities are also widely available.

Q: Are Calzedonia tights really as durable as claimed?

A: According to celebrity stylists and fashion editors, Calzedonia tights combine exceptional sheerness with impressive strength. However, caution is still needed while wearing or handling them, especially with sharp nails or jewelry.

Q: What makes Calzedonia different from other tights brands?

A: Calzedonia distinguishes itself with a focus on inclusivity, a broad range of skin tone options, affordable pricing, and a reputation for collaborating with top stylists to land their tights in headline-making celebrity looks.

Q: Can I wear ultra-sheer tights like Gigi’s all year round?

A: Yes! Ultra-sheer tights are a versatile staple, useful for everything from adding subtle polish or coverage in warmer months to layering for warmth in winter.

Q: What else did Gigi Hadid wear with her Met Gala tights?

A: Along with her Calzedonia tights, Gigi wore a custom Givenchy gown, pearl and diamond jewelry, sheer gloves, and classic black pumps, perfectly fusing luxury and accessibility in one look.

Final Word: Fashion’s New Direction

Gigi Hadid’s 2023 Met Gala turn with Calzedonia tights was more than a style moment—it was a cultural flashpoint, marking a fresh direction for celebrity fashion. The choice to highlight such an accessible accessory has already begun influencing both the aesthetic and attitudinal shifts in the world of style, encouraging countless fans and aspiring fashionistas to believe that affordable glamour truly belongs to everyone.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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