On every first Monday of May, celebrities from all different parts of the Hollywood industry come together to showcase their best looks of the year. With every year comes a corresponding theme, whether it be “Camp” in 2019 or “Heavenly Bodies” in 2018, for example. Nonetheless, this night, of all nights, is the one to show out and branch out with an artistic vision different from the rest. 

        This year, the theme was to honor the legend and forever artistic inspiration,  Karl Lagerfeld. For those who aren’t aware, Karl is one of Chanel’s most honorable designers to date. His most memorable work for Chanel included the double C logo, different Haute Couture looks, bridal looks, and more. Before joining Chanel in 1983, he designed for other fashion houses like Balmain, Patou, and Chloé. 

       In the Met’s direct words, 2023’s theme explored “the artistic methodology and stylistic vocabulary of Karl Lagerfeld’s designs through recurring themes across more than 65 years.” However, to every celebrity attending, this was executed differently through all sorts of designs. 

       Walking down the carpet, every space was filled with Karl’s legacy and work. With some like Manu Rios wearing Karl Lagerfeld Couture and Whitney Peak in Chanel, it was clear that some went with a more classy and calm approach to this year’s theme. Not only did some celebrities channel looks through Karl’s most famous fashion houses, but others also showed up in some of the most iconic looks of Lagerfelds. 

       Pop singer icon, Dua Lipa, graced the carpet in a 1992 ball gown by Chanel which was originally worn by Claudia Schiffer on the runway. With this look, it brought back the simplicity yet pure elegance that is Lagerfeld’s designs back to life. Another pop singer, Doja Cat, brought one of Karl’s life long partners to the Met: Choupette Lagerfeld, Karl’s cat. Doja showed up with cat-like facial prosthetics followed by an Oscar de Renta diamond dress. “This look honestly really surprised me and I don’t know how to feel about it. She definitely made a statement,” says freshman Diego Resto Padilla.

        After the brave yet eye-catching look of Doja’s, most others took the opportunity to work with other designers to show their love for Karl’s designs. An iconic list just begins with A$AP Rocky and Rihanna in Bvlgari, Cardi B in Chenpeng Studio, Gigi Hadid in Givenchy, and Jenna Ortega in Thom Browne. Freshman, Ava Abello expresses, “These looks incorporated Karl’s genius work so well and the designers did really well.” 

      Every walk on that carpet embodied Karl’s presence through fashion and artistic executions made by each designer and celebrity. Karl lives through the fashion industry with his iconic work and this year’s Met looks. The Met Gala may have ended already, but these looks will last decades.