Emerging talents Theophilio, Kenneth Nicholson, and Jason Rembert joined Law Roach and Sha'Carri Richardson on the Formula One champ’s excellent all-Black table
Although this year’s Met Gala theme was technically all-American, there was a distinct lack of American design on the beige carpet – not one (1) person wore Marc Jacobs – with almost every celebrity soliciting European fashion houses for their looks. That being said, the Americana spirit was palpable, because disregarding the rules and doing whatever you want is perhaps the most US thing of all. And while some attendees did tap the stalwarts (among them Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera) most guests overlooked America’s emerging vanguard of Black design talent. Not to mention OG designers like Willi Smith, Dapper Dan, or Sean John.
As if to preempt this, however, Lewis Hamilton gave three designers a seat at his table – to the kaching of £30,000 no less – where they joined a sweep of bright Black talents. Theophilio, Kenneth Nicholson, and Jason Rembert sat beside stylist Law Roach, Alton Mason, Kehlani, and athletes Miles Chamley-Watson and Sha'Carri Richardson. Hamilton, who is by now a Met Ball veteran, explained his decision to turn the spotlight towards these up-and-coming US talents. “The Met is the biggest fashion event of the year, and for this theme, I wanted to create something that was meaningful and would spark a conversation,” he told Vogue. “So that when people see us all together, it will put these Black designers at the top of people’s minds.”
As one of the motor world’s most influential figures, and an ambassador for the sport far beyond the race course, the seven-time Formula One champ established the Hamilton Commission last year to improve Black representation within the UK sport. To steer these efforts into the creative industry and use the Met Gala as an opportunity to diversify its talent roster, is a logical move, then. “We’re living in a time where diversity and inclusion is so important, and that’s why I started this organisation within my own sport,” he continued. “I realized it’s very similar in the fashion industry. A lot of young brands and designers don’t have the same opportunities, so that’s what really set me off.”
Check out our round-up of Met Gala looks in the gallery below.
LIL NAS X BROUGHT MORE DRAMA
Going for a double win, Lil Nas X collaborated with Atelier Versace once again on a custom look. Except it wasn’t just one look, or even two, the musician served us three solid gold looks. The first look channeled royalty with giant structured shoulders, before being torn away to reveal a golden suit of armour (complete with abs), before revealing the final sparkling catsuit. Theatrics and glamour – will he ever miss?
TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET THREW CAUTION TO THE WIND
No white after Labour Day? Psht, who cares? Rewriting the ancient laws of American fashion, the Dune actor mashed-up some of his design faves: Haider Ackerman and Rick Owens, accessorised with some beaten up Converse. Let’s hope there are no spillages tonight...
KIM K WAS THERE (WE THINK)
After serving some Balenciaga Kimk (that’s Kardashian-flavoured kink) earlier this week, Kim Kardashian brought out another kinky look for the Met Gala. A Demna design again, her look entirely obscured her face and body, only revealing her ankle-grazing ponytail – a clever ploy to escape socialising we’re sure. Similarly concealed, the designer appeared alongside Kim on the red carpet.
THE SPIRIT OF MARILYN MONROE WAS ALIVE AND WELL
After last night’s rather demure black skirt and jumper combo at the VMAs, Billie Eilish was clearly saving all of her glamour for tonight. Looking like a vintage Hollywood starlet with her coiffed blonde locks and pastel peach Oscar de la Renta gown, the musician said “it was time” to bring glamour. Using her platform for good, Eilish revealed that she only agreed to work with the label if they agreed to no longer use fur in future collections. Win/win.
MORE FETISH ON THE RED CARPET
Following on from Kim Petras’ bedazzled gimp fantasy, à la Richard Quinn at last night’s VMAs, Gossip Girl’s Evan Mock opted for a similar look. Dressed in Thom Browne, the pink-haired actor’s look was safety pinned within an inch of its life and accessorised with a patent black gimp mask – playfully studded to mimic a mohawk.
FRANK OCEAN HAD A BABY
Making a surprise appearance at the event, the musician appeared wearing Prada and his newly launched jewellery label Homer, but that wasn’t the only accessory. In his arms he cradled a lime green animatronic baby, clad in a onesie. Yeah... we don’t know why either, but fashion.
RIHANNA KEPT US ALL WAITING
As she should! The ex-singer eventually turned up with boo A$AP Rocky on her arm, joining the army of attendees wearing Demna Gvasalia’s debut Couture collection for Balenciaga. Looking equally snug in a patchwork quilt, the rapper opted for ERL.