When stars swan up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the first Monday in May every year, they are not only there to celebrate the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition at the Met Gala. For some attendees, it is also an opportunity to announce their ascendance into the A-list.
First-time attendees of the gala are getting a proverbial stamp of approval from Anna Wintour, the mastermind behind the gala’s transformation and Vogue’s global editorial director, who approves the guest list.
Paul Anthony Kelly, or J.F.K. Jr. in ‘Love Story.’
Kelly’s portrayal of John F. Kennedy Jr. in the hit series “Love Story” created a frenzy in the fashion industry, with a number of brands seeking to emulate his on-screen style. For his first Met Gala red carpet, Kelly wore a burgundy smoking jacket with bell-bottom-esque trousers from Dior.
The ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars.
Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the breakout stars of the steamy sleeper hit “Heated Rivalry,” took risks for their first gala red carpet. Storrie opted for a sleek suit from Saint Laurent, which he paired with a polka-dot halter-neck top that showed off his arms. Williams wore a blush blue and black cropped suit from Balenciaga. He decided to forgo a shirt and sported a dramatic eye shadow look.
Tyriq Withers from ‘Reminders of Him.’
The actor, who is known for his role in “Reminders of Him” and “Him,” had fun with texture on the carpet. He wore an all-black ensemble by Louis Vuitton that included a sheer button-up shirt, a matte cummerbund and a sparkly, floor-length coat. He completed his look with a Louis Vuitton logo-heavy metal bag.
Alysa Liu, the Olympic ice princess.
The gold medalist figure skater was named a Louis Vuitton ambassador earlier on Monday and was dressed by the brand on the carpet. She wore a strapless maroon gown with a dramatic skirt and matching heels. Her somewhat simple look paired perfectly with her striped hair of alternating dark brown and blonde.
Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta chief.
Although Instagram, which is owned by Meta, has been a fixture at the event for several years, Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, had never attended the gala. He and his wife, Priscilla Chan, made a quiet entrance at the event and skipped the red carpet. He played it safe with a classic tuxedo.
The ‘Saturday Night Live’ star Marcello Hernandez.
The comedian, who wormed his way into the hearts of America with his sketches (Domingo!) on “Saturday Night Live,” went with a Met Gala red carpet veteran as his dresser: Thom Browne. He wore a black herringbone double-breasted suit with a black-and-white trim.
Stevie Nicks, the rock icon.
It’s difficult to believe that Nicks, whose style has been a source of inspiration for so many, had never attended fashion’s biggest night. She wore a long-sleeve navy gown with a velvet trim on the dress’s top. Her look was also a by a first-time design duo: Zara by John Galliano.
Chase Infiniti from ‘One Battle After Another.’
The actress did not have a shortage of memorable looks during the awards season circuit, but her Met Gala gown was a standout. Created by Thom Browne, the sleeveless dress featured a trompe l’oeil Venus de Milo-inspired design embroidered with over 1.5 million stacked sequins.
