Celebrities wore some truly showstopping outfits on fashion’s biggest night. And behind some of the most talked-about looks was something all fashion lovers can appreciate: stories and meaning. Some of the attendees gave nods to the theme, some honored historic figures (cue Kim Kardashian in Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress), and others found ways to think sustainably through fashion.
This year’s the theme was “Gilded Glamor,” and attendees were told to embody the Gilded Age of New York, a term coined by Mark Twain from the time period between from 1870 to 1890.
The Gilded Age was a time of innovation, industrialization, prosperity, and changes in society. It was also when fashion took on a whole new meaning. As wealth grew, so did the amount of mix and match fabrics used on gowns worn by the upper echelons of society.
This year many stars made sure their looks were eco-conscious and sustainable. Some chose vintage or repurposed items, while others were dressed in luxe fabrics that were pre-existing. This way of thinking fittingly pays homage to the Gilded Age and the innovation that occurred during it. Designers are tapping into that same creativity seen in the late 19th century by creating new garments with deadstock fabrics, upcycling and more.
Below, catch up on the stylish, sustainable looks from the 2022 Met Gala.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone reworked her Louis Vuitton wedding reception dress for the Met Gala, giving Gilded Glamor a simple yet chic twist. With sheer straps, delicate white buttons down the sides, and a feather trim, Stone pulled from her own existing wardrobe, giving her wedding dress (a garment that is typically worn once), a second life.
Louis Vuitton did not stop with Emma Stone. The brand shared on social media that each Louis Vuitton ambassador or friend of the house that walked the Met Gala red carpet alongside creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière, wore “an archival or previously worn look with a twist for the occasion.” The lineup included HoYeon Jung, Renate Reinsve, Phoebe Dynevor, Chloë Grace Moretz, Eileen Gu, Eve Jobs, Gemma Chan, Sophie Turner, Joe Jonas, and Cynthia Erivo.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish wore an entirely upcycled Gucci gown made from pre-existing fabrics. “We didn’t have to waste a bunch of stuff. It all already existed. I just wanted to be as eco-friendly as possible,” the singer said during the Vogue red carpet live stream of her look featuring a corset, lace sleeves, and ruched skirt.
Prabal Gurung & Guests
Prabal Gurung brought along a crew of stars wearing all up-cycled gowns. The list includes: Camila Cabello, Quannah Chasinghorse, Mindy Kaling, Grace Elizabeth, as well as actresses Deneé Benton, Kiki Layne, Ashley Park, and Michelle Yeoh.
Cabello made a statement that the Gilded Age was a time of industrialization and values of materialism that had since led us to the climate crisis today. The singer took to Instagram saying, “I wanted to do something that was sustainable and upcycled and covered in flowers because I feel like we are remembering now that the most valuable things are finite resources in the natural world.”
Gabriella Hearst & Guests
Gabriella Hearst arrived on the carpet with her crew, Amy Schumer, Venus Williams, and climate activist, Xiye Bastida all dressed in Chloé outfits made from deadstock (which are garments that did not sell or have never been worn). Hearst is a pioneer of sustainability and makes it a priority to create garments for her namesake label as well as Chloé using recycled materials and pre-existing fabrics.
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes not only channeled Mr. Darcy for the Gilded Glamor Met Gala, he also wore a Tommy Hilfiger suit made of deadstock materials.
Adut Akech
Adut Akech wore a vintage 2003 Christian Lacroix gown to the Gala. The dress was sourced from Shrimpton Couture, a vintage reseller, and worn backwards, giving it a whole new look.
Kim Kardashian
The most notable nod to vintage on the red carpet this year is Kim Kardashian’s historically famous, shimmering gown. Kardashian stepped out in Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 Swarovski-covered shimmering Jean Louis dress for the 2022 Met Gala, 60 years after the actress wore the gown to serenade President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden for his 45th birthday.
