Met Gala honours American fashion in 2021 return

Met Gala honours American fashion in 2021 return

After a yearlong delay due to COVID-19, this year's Met Gala kicked off Monday with a theme celebrating American fashion and a bevy of surprise superstars. 

Typically taking place on the first Monday in May, the 73rd annual exhibition was split into two parts for 2021 after its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic. Its theme, "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion," is simply Part 1 of a larger, two-part "In America" show.

And unlike past shows, this first part will last a full year, coinciding for several months with Part 2, "An Anthology of Fashion," which will open in early May — when, everyone desperately hopes, a full-sized Met Gala can be held.

In lieu of that full-sized event, Monday night's festivities kicked off with a marching band and gymnasts — and early carpet walkers in sultry, sparkly looks. This year, the gala is co-chaired by Timothée Chalamet, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman and Naomi Osaka. Honorary chairs are Tom Ford and sponsor Instagram's Adam Mosseri, alongside Vogue's Anna Wintour, who has served as chair for every Met Gala since 1995.

Keke Palmer wore a stunning, earth-tone body-hugging dress with a train at the annual event. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Keke Palmer was one of the first stars to arrive, wearing a stunning, earth-tone body gown with a train by Sergio Hudson. The designer's star rose earlier this year when he dressed both U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris and former first lady Michelle Obama. 

Co-chair Timothée Chalamet upheld his fashion reputation with a streetwear-inspired look. ( Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Dune star Timothée Chalamet turned heads with his all-white ensemble, finished by a pair of Converse high-tops. 

Chalamet has become somewhat of a force in the fashion world, lauded by numerous outlets as one of the best dressed men in Hollywood. When announcing his Met Gala hosting-duties, Vogue noted his "unexpected mix of streetwear, lack of a stylist and embrace of avant-garde labels," as setting his style choices apart. 

Eilish said it was time to experiment with a different expression of femininity in her fashion. (Theo Wargo / Getty)

Singer Billie Eilish, meanwhile, stunned with a flowing gown replete with a flowing train, requiring helpers to carry and smooth it out as she entered the event.

In choosing the Oscar de la Renta-crafted dress, Eilish said she felt like "it was time" to explore a different version of femininity, diverging from her typically streetwear-inspired past outfits. 

Rapper Lil Nas X's outfit was pure gold, and led to a number of costume changes. ( Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Rap star Lil Nas X glittered in gold, showing off in a one piece suit that was only revealed under a full body cape and golden suit of armour. 

Co-chair Amanda Gorman wore a custom blue Vera Wang dress for the event. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Co-chair Amanda Gorman, meanwhile, was breathtaking in custom Vera Wang, with a diamond laureate in her hair.

Gorman's dress, which included more than 3,000 hand-sewn crystals, was made to evoke a starry night sky. She told Vogue she felt like Lady Liberty, reimagined. Her crown, the star poet said, was a nod to publishing. 

Tennis star Naomi Osaka said her outfit was inspired by her Japanese, Haitian and American roots. ( Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

The final host, Naomi Osaka, wanted to celebrate all her cultures — Japan, Haitian and American — and picked a Louis Vuitton gown designed in collaboration with her sister, Mari Osaka.

It was a swirling blue, aqua and purple print, with long, black ruffle sleeves and a wide red sash.

Canadians Grimes, Elliot Page and Dan Levy turned heads with their unique fashion choices. (Theo Warger/Getty Images, Mike Coppola/Getty Images, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

A number of Canadian stars also made a splash with their fashion choices. Singer Grimes showed up in a Dune-inspired dress, Elliot Page modelled a simple, tie-less black suit and Schitt's Creek actor Dan Levy shocked in a blue confection from Loewe.

It had, according to the brand, "printed leg of mutton sleeves" on a polo shirt with an appliqué of two men kissing.

Kirsten Corley and Chance the Rapper showed up in co-ordinating outfits. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Chance the Rapper, along with his partner Kirsten Coley, appeared in co-ordinating black outfits. 

Yara Shahidi said she was inspired by civil rights activist Josephine Baker for her dress. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

And Yara Shahidi wore silver custom Dior complete with a headpiece, saying she was inspired by Josephine Baker. 

Met Gala overseer Anna Wintour wore a floral-inspired outfit. ( Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Wintour arrived early, with a wave to the crowd, accompanied by her pregnant daughter, Bee, in a floral design with ruffles at the neck.

Considered fashion's biggest night, A-list guests from music, film, TV, tech and beyond are encouraged to embrace the theme of the new exhibition each year as they slowly make their way up the museum's red-carpeted stairs.

Interpretation is everything when it comes to how they dress — and how they enter.