The Met Gala has evolved from an annual fundraiser into the most anticipated day in the global fashion calendar – and this year we can expect another crop of stunning outfits.
The dress code for 2023 is linked to the theme of the Costume Institute's spring exhibition, meaning that guests will be invited to honour Karl Lagerfeld in their choice of gowns and outfits.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesWhile many guests do not stick to the theme, it is customary that the inspiration and aesthetic of the night are taken into account. So what can we expect this year? The late Karl Lagerfeld (or the Kaiser as he was known in fashion circles) was a visionary courtier. He served at the helm of Chloe, Fendi and Chanel, bringing the latter back from obscurity in the 1980s.
We found 7 dresses that we think are the perfect homage to Karl’s Met Gala theme:
Oscar De La Renta
This season, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia doubled down on the exuberance and modernity they’ve brought to Oscar De La Renta’s signature sophistication since taking the helm. The results radiate a fresh glamour which we feel have a distinctly Chanel code. Karl would certainly approve.
Chloe
What better way to honour Karl than to wear one of his archive pieces? This silk crepe ensemble hails from the late 1970s when the German designer was creative director at Chloe. The ensemble is composed of a floor length gown and overskirt. Both are of nude silk crepe and net with Schiffli lace trim. When worn together, they appear to be one piece but they are actually two. Edwardian overtones are evident with the pin ticks, puff sleeves and net inserts. Many of these delicate dressmaker details, he incorporated into his work for Chanel, a decade later.
Ralph Lauren
The Kristian evening dress is inspired by the tuxedo-inspired gown Mr. Lauren custom-designed for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Ralph Lauren’s 50th anniversary runway show in Central Park. Transforming a timeless menswear pillar into the ultimate in feminine elegance, this mulberry silk georgette dress with formal suiting details, and silk-satin-covered peak lapels and buttons is reminiscent of Karl’s classic black suits and every-day formal attire.
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Self-Portrait
We all know that Karl’s one true love was his pet cat Choupette, who was given a £1.3 million inheritance by her owner in his will. So what better way to pay tribute to the designers legacy than in a white feathered gown reminiscent of the snow-white fur of Karl’s beloved burmese cat? A flash of sparkle on this Self-Portrait mini dress completes the look with a diamante trim to highlight the silhouette. Pair with a collar for maximum Choupette-inspired glamour.
Emilia Wickstead
When we think of Karl Lagerfeld we think of Chanel, and when we think of Chanel we think of tweed. The Emmanuella gown from Emilia Wickstead is made from sumptuous tweed interwoven with metallic thread in an off-shoulder column silhouette. This elegant style falls to a floor-length and is accented by a fold-over design at the bust. Tres chic.
Alessandra Rich
Seen on the runway, Alessandra Rich's mini dress is shirred to create a body-hugging fit through the waist and hips. The neckline is draped from tulle to create a tactile, ethereal finish that adds even more texture. For a final flourish, it's centered with a romantic silk-satin flower - which resembles the Camelia - a motif that runs throughout Chanel’s collections.
Miscreants
Bows appeared frequently in Karl’s work with Chanel and Miscreants’ signature Cupid Dress doesn’t shy away from this signature. This piece has a clean strapless necklinem which is perfectly balanced with a straight hem and princess seams. The matching long opera gloves (so hot right now) and blue train bows made from luxury duchess satin make for a striking silhouette.
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