Met Gala 2023 - live: Karl Lagerfeld theme blamed for ‘boring’ best dressed list as cockroach steals show

Rihanna arrived fashionably late, preceded by a cockroach that nearly stole the show

Met Gala: Stars walk the red carpet

The 2023 Met Gala has come to a close.

This year’s theme was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”, which aimed to “examine the life” of the late designer’s fashion legacy.

But while many celebrities showed off their best Lagerfeld-inspired looks, viewers have branded fashion’s biggest night as “boring” due to the black-and-white ensembles that ruled the evening.

However, an unexpected guest went viral for its red carpet appearance. A cockroach was spotted on the red carpet and photographed before being “stepped on”, leading to viewers mourning its death.

The decision to feature the German designer so prominently has also attracted criticism given his history of controversial remarks.

Models protested ahead of the event, with Jameela Jamil among those who condemned the choice. Concerns were also raised about his past fatphobic and body-shaming comments.

In line with the theme, guests were informed that the “most authentic approach” for the Met Gala 2023 dress code would be “to wear an archival look from one of the labels Lagerfeld led”.

Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Campbell, and Jennifer Lopez all walked the red carpet in line with the theme, while some stars took more creative liberties in their Met Gala looks. Doja Cat and Jared Leto, for example, arrived dressed as Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette.

Met Gala 2023 key points

• Met Gala livestream ends abruptly
• The best dressed stars of 2023
• Rihanna arrives fashionably late
• The Met Gala theme and why it’s so controversial
• A cockroach on the red carpet turned out to be a Met Gala highlight

[1 May 2023 13:30 · Roisin O'Connor]

Blake Lively disappoints fans but has a relatable excuse for not attending

Blake Lively has long-been a favourite at the Met Gala each year, with some incredible looks ranging from Atelier Versace gowns to sparkly Gucci numbers.

Unfortunately, for anyone hoping to see her walk the red carpet tonight, she’s already confirmed she won’t be attending the event.

My colleague Chelsea Ritschel has the details:

[1 May 2023 14:01 · Roisin O'Connor]

The best dressed stars from the 2022 Met Gala

With the 2023 Met Gala just days away, it seems like the perfect time to look back at some of the best outfits from last year’s event, writes Amber Raiken.

The heme of the 2023 fashion extravaganza will be “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”, with guests being asked to dress in outfits that embody the work and style of the late fashion designer.

For the event last year, the theme was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” with the dress code listed on the invites as “Gilded Glamour” and was part two of an exhibit from the museum’s Costume Institute. The first part of the exhibit, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” was the theme of the 2021 Met Gala.

From Blake Lively to Sarah Jessica Parker, these were some of the best-dressed celebrities at the 2022 Met Gala.

[1 May 2023 14:31 · Roisin O'Connor]

Met Gala 2023 theme will honour late designer Karl Lagerfeld

Vogue has announced the dress code of the 2023 Met Gala, which will honour the late Karl Lagerfeld.

The biggest night in fashion is set to return to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on 1 May 2023, in celebration of the Costume Institute’s upcoming exhibition “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”.

According to Vogue, which first revealed the controversial theme last year, the annual fashion event will also pay homage to the designer through the dress code: “In honour of Karl”.

Here are all the details:

[1 May 2023 15:01 · Roisin O'Connor]

Who’s attending the Met Gala this year?

Blake Lively might be skipping the Met Gala this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see a whole host of celebrities walking the red carpet tonight.

Among the stars who’ve confirmed their attendance are Rita Ora, rappers Ice Spice, Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat, and actor Elle Fanning.

Meanwhile, Rihanna fans are in a frenzy at the prospect of the pregnant “Kiss It Better” star walking the carpet with her boyfriend, rapper A$AP Rocky.

The Great star Elle Fanning star told Variety that she is “excited” about her look.

“I sort of sketch everything out so I did a little sketch — an homage to Karl Lagerfeld, of course,” she told the magazine. “I am truly going on theme. I have a good story behind the look that is special to me.”

[1 May 2023 15:31 · Roisin O'Connor]

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Met Gala

Here’s everything that you need to know about the 2023 Met Gala’s co-hosts, location, and controversy.

[1 May 2023 16:01 · Roisin O'Connor]

How to watch the Met Gala tonight

Wondering how you can tune in from home? Amber Raikan has you covered!

[1 May 2023 16:31 · Roisin O'Connor]

Lagerfeld’s beloved cat Choupette will not be walking the red carpet today

“A million thanks to all of you my fans, animal lovers & Daddy’s admirers,” the official Choupette Instagram account reads.

“You have all shown the kindest enthusiasm and unconditional support, I say MERCI ! Many people invited me to walk the red carpet of the #METGALA2023 in tribute to Daddy, but we preferred to stay peacefully & cozy at home. We pay tribute to my Daddy every day since his parting and we are very moved to see one more day dedicated to him.

“With love, forever Choupette.”

[1 May 2023 17:01 · Roisin O'Connor]

Rihanna pays homage to Karl Lagerfeld with faux fur ensemble ahead of Met Gala

As the annual fashion event Met Gala kicks off today (Monday 1 May), celebrities will be offering their take on this year’s theme: “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”.

The theme, chosen by Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, promises to “examine the life” of the late designer’s fashion legacy.

It seems that “Diamonds” singer Rihanna has already addressed the theme ahead of time, as she appeared in New York over the weekend sporting in a monochrome black and white outfit, with vintage Chanel pieces.

Full story:

[1 May 2023 17:31 · Roisin O'Connor]

The most controversial Met Gala themes of all time

Let’s take a look at all the times the Met Gala ruffled a few feathers...

[1 May 2023 18:01 · Roisin O'Connor]

Who’s attending this year and how do you get invited?

While the gala might be a charity event, and primarily about raising funds, that doesn’t mean just anyone gets to attend. Since 1995, the guest list has been carefully presided over byVogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and this year is no different.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Met Gala’s guestlist, from who is attending this year to how you can get an invite.