This article was published on September 15th, 2021
The Met Gala is typically every year and brings together some of the biggest names in pop culture to walk a red carpet that is talked about at length across the four corners of the earth. Due to COVID-19, the event has been postponed for some time, but finally, the biggest fashion event of the year is back with a vengeance and with an interesting theme.
America: A Lexicon of Fashion, was the theme of this season, with stars taking the edict and running with it via their own interpretations. Guests were encouraged to embrace the ingenuity of American style and the adventurous spirit of the country through sartorial efforts. Of course (and as usual), that led to a wild range of looks that sought to capture a moment and a feeling, and HomoCulture presents the LGBTQ+ stars that made a statement this year. So, without further adieu, who raised the bar and set an unforgettable scene?
Lil Nas X in Versace
Lil Nas X gave the global audience not just one look, but three looks, each one a statement in and of itself. As Elton John cheered him on and reminisced over his own red carpet looks over the years, Lil Nas proved that the future of red carpets is set to be wilder and more risqué than ever before.
Dan Levy in Loewe
The creator and star of Schitt’s Creek made a huge splash on the runway this year, paying homage to AIDS activist David Wojnarowicz by mincing pastel shades of green, blue, and pink with considerable bling showcasing a queer couple on his chest during a passionate kiss. According to Levy, the costume celebrates “resilience and the love and the joy” of the LGBT+ community.
Grimes in Iris van Herpen
Just because she is the baby mama to one of the richest men in the world, doesn’t mean that pop star Grimes doesn’t know how to come down from her jet setting lifestyle and hang out with the peons of Hollywood. The poptrix strut her look like a true A-lister via Iris van Herpen, complete with sword and premium mask that had everyone questioning their availability to the general public. As if they can afford them!
Lorde in Bode
Another pop singer that proves she knows how to make an entrance, Lorde brought her A-game in Bode, featuring a peek-a-boo top that exposed her midriff and a and bejeweled train to seal the look. Her headdress proved that she truly is, indeed, pop royalty. Bow down!
Troye Sivan in Altu by Joseph Altuzarra
What LGBTQ+ people wear now will be worn by the mainstream soon enough, so expect more boys sporting LBDs (little black dress) thanks to the sleek sophistication that Sivan served at the Met this year. Carrie Bradshaw, step aside!
Cara Delevingne in Dior
In a bit of brilliant stunt statement wear, catwalk queen Cara dared everyone to bend over so she could spread her message of BDSM to the mASSes. Who wouldn’t want this siren to spelunk their crevice?!
Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta
Giving the papa va-va-voom and shades of Marilyn, pop singer Billie Eilish proved that she could serve a hot look at will with this ode to old school Hollywood glamour. We don’t know what’s hotter – Billie’s music or her stunning looks.
Kristen Stewart in Chanel
The former star of Twilight is poised to nab an Oscar nomination for her upcoming portrayal of Princess Diana, but before its release, Kristen Stewart is ramping up her sartorial accolades on the red carpet in this an ensemble that is serving both style and substance.
Megan Rapinoe in Sergio Hudson
Never one to mince her words on or off the court, Olympian and star soccer player Megan Rapinoe made an obvious statement on the Met Gala red carpet. The outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ rights — wore a custom red suit by designer Sergio Hudson. She complemented the look with a blue and white star shirt and platform red boots, and statement accoutrements of “America” on one side and “In gay we trust” on the other. Salute her!!
Ben Platt in Christian Cowan
The Broadway star gave the red carpet a taste of Brokeback Mountain meets Urban Cowboy brilliance in a Christian Cowan get-up that had us all pining for the days of Halston, halcyon, and Studio 54 all over again. Somewhere, John Travolta is screaming, “B*tch, stole my look!”
Nikkie de Jager in Edwin Oudshoorn
YouTuber Nikkie de Jager — who identifies as a transgendered woman — paid homage to Black gender non-conforming activist Marsha P. Johnson, one of the pivotal forces behind the Stonewall Riots in 1969, recognized as the catalyst to the gay rights movement in the United States. The ensemble was inspired by Johnson’s signature flower crowns and included her catch-phrase “Pay it no mind, written across a sash Jager wore on the Met Gala red carpet. Say that, SLAY that!
Amandla Stenberg in Thom Browne
Non-binary actress and activist Amandla Stenberg took inspiration from Black and queer Los Angeles culture to conceive her Met Gala look. Wearing a Thom Browne ensemble, Stenberg stunned in a tailored tailcoat, silk satin cup-less corset and dropped waist shorts, complete with matching black wool coat and sky-high platform boots. She capped the look with blonde braids and a corded semi-doo rag. Go on, sis!
Your Thoughts
Which members of the LGBTQ+ community hit all the right notes this year at the Met Gala? Who were your red-carpet favorites? Let HomoCulture know in the comments section below!
