Met Gala 2023 – live: Fashion world prepares for Anna Wintour’s controversial Karl Lagerfeld theme
The annual Met Gala is taking place today (Monday 1 May) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The theme was unveiled in September last year as “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” and promises to “examine the life” of the late designer’s fashion legacy.
Attendees have been informed that the “most authentic approach” would be for attendees “to wear an archival look from one of the labels Lagerfeld led”.
They can also opt for “modern-day” looks by Chanel or Fendi, two brands where Lagerfeld once held the role as creative director. For the third option, guests are recommended to “find a Choupette,” the name of the designer’s beloved Birman cat, and “dress à la Lagerfeld”.
The decision to feature Lagerfeld as this year’s theme has raised eyebrows, with many highlighting the controversial remarks the late designer made during his lifetime.
Pop star Dua Lipa, actor and writer Michaela Coel, actor Penélope Cruz, and tennis legend Roger Federer will co-chair the event with Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.
Met Gala 2023 key points
Everything you need to know about this year’s Met Gala
How to watch the Met Gala tonight
5 weird rules for guests attending the Met Gala
Karl Lagerfeld’s most outrageous remarks
The best dressed stars from the 2022 Met Gala
21:30 , Meredith Clark
The theme for this year’s Met Gala will honour the late Karl Lagerfeld.
In line with the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s upcoming exhibition, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”, the Met Gala dress code asks guests to wear clothing “in honour of Karl”.
According to Vogue, which hosts the annual fundraiser each year under the instruction of editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, attendees are expected to interpret, and follow, the theme by wearing an archival look from one of the labels Lagerfeld led.
These may include pieces he designed for a handful of houses – Balmain, Patou, Chloé, and his eponymous brand – or more “modern-day” looks from Chanel or Fendi, for which he served as creative director.
Read more about the Met Gala 2023 dress code here.
What is the dress code for the 2023 Met Gala?
Are the Kardashians invited to the 2023 Met Gala?
21:01 , Roisin O'Connor
The Met Gala 2023 is almost here. As fashion lovers everywhere prepare for the star-studded event, there is one question that many people are asking about this year’s guest list: Are the Kardashians invited?
Meredith Clark can tell you everything we know so far:
Are the Kardashians invited to the Met Gala?
What actually happens inside the Met Gala?
20:31 , Roisin O'Connor
After the red carpet portion of the evening, the celebrities, influencers and other notable guests will make their way inside the museum - at which point the Met Gala becomes more shrouded in mystery, as it has never been revealed what exactly occurs inside during the invite-only party.
From a cocktail hour to a sit-down dinner and musical performance, this is what we know about what goes on inside the Met Gala.
What happens inside the exclusive Met Gala?
5 weird rules guests must follow at the Met Gala
20:01 , Roisin O'Connor
5 unexpected rules guests must follow at the Met Gala
Vogue reveals employee once had to search through garbage to try to recover Met Gala invites
19:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Vogue staff have revealed that an employee was once tasked with digging through a garbage dump in the hopes of recovering invites to the Met Gala ... while reflecting on some of the major mishaps that have occurred during the planning for the annual party.
Chelsea Ritschel has the full story!
Vogue reveals garbage dump was searched after Met Gala invites were thrown out
A history of Karl Lagerfeld’s controversial comments
19:01 , Roisin O'Connor
While his legacy and contributions to the fashion industry live on, Karl Lagerfeld’s highly controversial opinions and beliefs have also resurfaced in light of the museum and Vogue’s upcoming tribute.
Jameela Jamil was among those who condemned the choice, with the actress taking to Instagram to criticise the “distinctly hateful” way Lagerfeld used his platform to attack marginalised groups and public figures throughout his career.
Here’s a look at just a few of his biggest controversies:
A history of Karl Lagerfeld’s controversial comments
18:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Apparently Lizzo didn’t have the best time at last year’s Met Gala, with a long queue, not enough alcohol, and rude photographers!
According to the Daily Mail, the pop star shared an Instagram Story in which she gave fans some insight to the less-glamorous side of the event.
“There’s a long f***ing line,” she explained. “I’m taking the glamour away from it but it’s true. You’ve gotta wait. So you’re waiting and that’s the hardest part. I was sweating in a big-ass coat, my feet were hurting.
“I was like, ‘Bitch? Can we get some chairs or some drinks or some hors d’oeuvres? They were being really stingy with the liquor that night. He was like, ‘Red or white wine? And I was like, ‘Tequila! Do you know what I’ve been through? Do you know how many hours I’ve been in this corset? How long I’ve been in these damn shoes? Tequila!’.”
Lizzo apparently also claimed that photographers accused her of being boring when she tried to play the flute on the red carpet.
“I had this plan to play the flute and do the whole intro [of a classical piece] but I got nervous and I only played it once because all the photographers were heckling me,” she claimed. “They were like, ‘You’re putting us to sleep with the flute!’ I was like, ‘OK?’ In my mind I thought everyone was going to be transfixed. So I only played it once, only the first half of it. Then I posed and got the photos.”
Boo! I’m not sure what those photographers were thinking, Lizzo on the red carpet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, flute or no flute.
Who’s attending this year and how do you get invited?
18:01 , Roisin O'Connor
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.
Who’s on the guestlist for the 2023 Met Gala... and how do you get an invite?
The most controversial Met Gala themes of all time
17:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Let’s take a look at all the times the Met Gala ruffled a few feathers...
The most controversial Met Gala themes of all time
Rihanna pays homage to Karl Lagerfeld with faux fur ensemble ahead of Met Gala
17:01 , Roisin O'Connor
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:
Rihanna pays homage to Karl Lagerfeld with faux fur ensemble ahead of Met Gala
Lagerfeld’s beloved cat Choupette will not be walking the red carpet today
16:31 , Roisin O'Connor
“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, foreverChoupette.”
How to watch the Met Gala tonight
16:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Wondering how you can tune in from home? Amber Raikan has you covered!
How to watch the 2023 Met Gala tonight
Everything you need to know about the 2023 Met Gala
15:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Here’s everything that you need to know about the 2023 Met Gala’s co-hosts, location, and controversy.
Everything you need to know about the 2023 Met Gala
Who’s attending the Met Gala this year?
15:01 , Roisin O'Connor
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.”
Met Gala 2023 theme will honour late designer Karl Lagerfeld
14:31 , Roisin O'Connor
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:
What is the dress code for the 2023 Met Gala?
The best dressed stars from the 2022 Met Gala
14:01 , Roisin O'Connor
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.
The best dressed stars from the 2022 Met Gala
Blake Lively disappoints fans but has a relatable excuse for not attending
13:30 , Roisin O'Connor
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:
Blake Lively reveals whether she will attend 2023 Met Gala
5 weird rules guests must follow at the Met Gala
13:00 , Roisin O'Connor
Whenever the Met Gala is held, there are certain guidelines that guests will be expected to follow should they want to stay in Anna Wintour’s good books.
From an age restriction to a ban on selfies, here are five of the unexpected rules put in place at the Met Gala.
5 unexpected rules guests must follow at the Met Gala
The most controversial Met Gala themes of all time
12:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Tonight’s Karl Lagerfeld tribute is controversial, sure, but this is far from the first time the Met Gala theme has caused a stir.
Here’s a look at some of the other memorable (not neccessarily in a good way) Met Gala themes:
The most controversial Met Gala themes of all time
12:01 , Roisin O'Connor
It comes as no surprise that Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is one of the most prominent figures in fashion, considering she comes from a journalism background and has been working in fashion since she was 15 years old.
Yet she’s managed to maintain a huge aura of mystery when it comes to her personal life, and even how she operates in her role at Vogue.
Here are five surprising things you might not know about her:
5 surprising things you might not know about Anna Wintour
Are the Kardashians invited?
11:30 , Roisin O'Connor
The Met Gala 2023 is almost here. As fashion lovers everywhere prepare for the star-studded event, there is one question that many people are asking about this year’s guest list: Are the Kardashians invited?
Members of the Kardashian-Jenner family have been a mainstay at the Met Gala for the last 10 years. Just last year, six members of the famous clan attended the red carpet event together. However, a report from Page Six in March claimed that the reality stars have not received an invitation to the 2023 Met Gala, whose theme this year is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”.
The reason why the Kardashians supposedly didn’t make the cut? Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who is in charge of the guest list, was allegedly “cracking down” on who can attend the exclusive event. However, another source close to the Kardashian family told the outlet that the rumours weren’t true.
Meredith Clark reports:
Are the Kardashians invited to the Met Gala?
How to watch the Met Gala tonight
11:05 , Roisin O'Connor
For those of you not lucky enough to receive an invitation to the main event, there are plenty of other ways you can feel involved.
Here’s how to watch the Met Gala from home:
When is the 2023 Met Gala and how can you watch it?
Karl Lagerfeld’s most controversial comments
10:57 , Roisin O'Connor
The decision to have the 2023 Met Gala serve as an homage to late designer Karl Lagerfeld has proven controversial to many.
The widely celebrated German designer, who died in 2019 at the age of 85, was best known for his work as the creative director of the French fashion house Chanel, a position he held from 1983 until his death. Lagerfeld was also the creative director of Fendi and his eponymous Karl Lagerfeld label.
While his legacy and contributions to the fashion industry live on, the designer’s highly controversial opinions and beliefs have also resurfaced in light of the museum and Vogue’s upcoming tribute.
Here are some of his most infamous remarks:
A history of Karl Lagerfeld’s controversial comments
The fashion world prepares for tonight’s Met Gala 2023
10:38 , Roisin O'Connor
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s liveblog of the 2023 Met Gala.
Legendary Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is preparing to welcome some of the biggest names across fashion, TV, music, sport and film in what is widely regarded as fashion’s biggest night.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event:
Everything to know about this year’s Met Gala: When is it and what is the theme?
5 weird rules guests must follow at the Met Gala
11:19 , Roisin O'Connor
Whenever the Met Gala is held, there are certain guidelines that guests will be expected to follow should they want to stay in Wintour’s good books.
From an age restriction to a ban on selfies, here are five of the unexpected rules put in place at the Met Gala.
5 unexpected rules guests must follow at the Met Gala
Who’s attending the Met Gala this year?
11:13 , Roisin O'Connor
Fans might be disappointed to learn that Blake Lively won’t be attending the Met Gala this year, but there’ll still be ample opportunity for some A-list celebrity-spotting tonight.
Among the stars to have confirmed their attendance are Elle Fanning, Rita Ora and Ice Spice.
We’re also expecting to see Megan Thee Stallion, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevingne, Kristen Stewart, Priyanka Chopra, Kaia Gerber and many more.
Anna Wintour’s four co-chairs, Roger Federer, Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel and Penelope Cruz, will all be attending, of course.
The Great star Elle Fanning 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.”
The best dressed stars from the 2022 Met Gala
11:18 , Roisin O'Connor
Celebrities attended the annual fashion event in their most iconic looks for the theme: ‘In America: An Anthology of Fashion’
Here’s a look at some of the best looks:
