The Met Gala is one of the biggest nights in fashion. This fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art always draws eyes around the world, with some of the most famous bringing their best looks. This year’s theme was “In America: a lexicon in fashion.” The theme sparked interesting looks but also some controversy due to how some guests handled the theme. 

A number of guests paid an homage to queer history and culture. Nikkie de Jagger, trans make-up artist and influencer, wore a gown that incorporated a flower crown and the phrase “pay it no mind.” Her dress paid homage to Marsha P. Johnson, a key figure in the Stonewall riots who had previously said that the P in her name stood for “pay it no mind.”  Elliot Page wore a green carnation on his lapel in honor of British author Oscar Wilde. Wilde asked his actors and followers to wear a green carnation to one of his play’s opening nights, and since then it was adopted by the gay community as a secret symbol for gay men.  

But some political messages received more of a mixed reception. New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrived in a white gown emblazoned with the slogan, “Tax the Rich.” Many felt that this was hypocritical considering she was attending an event where tickets cost $30,000 each, and suggested that she was embodying a performative liberalism she was once famous for criticizing (especially given that Black Lives Matter protestors were lined up outside the event). 

Yet as per usual, many of the attendees chose to disregard the theme of the event. Some took an avant-garde approach and dressed as they pleased, leaving their look up to interpretation, while others completely diverged from the theme. 

Many were critical of ASAP Rocky’s look. Was it a pillowy quilt coat? A blanket? The rapper looked like he just rolled out of his grandma’s bed and was too cold to take off the blanket. Despite being rolled in a technicolor burrito, he and Rihanna still commanded an audience. The pair both rocked the puff; both were adorned in a form of puffy down jacket dress, caps on. Rocky’s look may have been on the weird side, but there were definitely connections to the theme. The old quilt looked like it could have been to represent his grandmother growing up in the US. Surprisingly, the back story is very similar. He found the quilt in a thrift shop in Southern California. A person on Instagram created a post showing the quilt on their family’s bed that was actually made by their great-grandmother and eventually donated to the thrift store where it was found. Sarah from @books_n_babies said “[the quilt] ended up being used for an amazing statement art piece by amazingly talented people who took it to the next level.” All of these outfits certainly brought eyes but there was one shining star.

Lights Camera Action, Lil Nas X’s show, was the highlight of the night.  His multi-part outfit got better and better as he stripped off layers at the bottom of the red carpet. Montero commanded the attention of all when he went from a large cap made for a king, to a suit of armor fit for a knight, to a bedazzled gold body suit that outshined everyone.  His outfit may have drawn the most eyes, but others really got people talking.

As usual, some stars did not shine, and left us wanting more. But some really, really shined. The level of queer represenation was one of the highlights – it was truly inspiring to see.