Press "Enter" to skip to content

What Was the Real Theme of the Met Gala?

Met Gala Fashion Opinions & The True Meaning of “Gilded Glamour” in 2022

By Keegan Donoghue ’22

Do you hear the people sing? This year’s theme for the Met Gala was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” or “Gilded Glamour”: a reference to the Gilded Age, a time when living the lavish, materialistic lifestyle was in, and being poor was out. During this year’s gala, New Yorkers climbed buildings and lined the streets to see the celebrity looks firsthand – and the pictures are something straight out of Les Misérables. This begs the question: are we returning to a time of political corruption and putting the rich and famous on pedestals? Or have we been so blinded by the glamorous gowns that we have been living this way all along? Or maybe I’m looking a little too far into this, perhaps it’s a totally innocent event where everyone dresses up.

Anyways, onto the looks: Kylie, beautiful. Stunning. But the veil over the backwards flatbill hat gives the impression you are about to get married on a halfpipe. Otherwise, the dress was gorgeous.

If there is one person that always dresses to impress, it’s Blake Lively. This year, she made an appearance wearing Atelier Versace. The dress transformed from copper to green as she posed for the paparazzi. “This is the constellation from Grand Central Station,” she said, pointing to the dress “This is architecture from the Empire State Building — the Statue of Liberty. It’s, you know, lots of little references to New York City.” she told Buzzfeed. Alongside her was Ryan Reynolds, wearing a velvet Ralph Lauren suit paired with a white waistcoat. Good job Ryan, A+.

Kim Kardashian was seen with… what’s this?? Pete Davidson?! Unlikely couple, but they seem to be happy so I’m cool with it. Kim wore Marilyn Monroe’s – yes, the Marilyn Monroe’s – dress she wore when she sang “Happy Birthday” to John F. Kennedy. I would’ve been scared out of my mind to wear such an irreplaceable dress, but Kim rocked it just like she always does.

I think we can all agree that Lizzo looks amazing at each Met Gala, but this year, she ditched the purse and brought along a Lorraine West golden flute. 10/10 choice, the band kids supported it.

Overall, the looks were crazy as always. But I think I speak for everyone when I say we wouldn’t want it any other way.

(Image credit: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP)