Most Controversial Met Gala Red-Carpet Moments 2021
The Met Gala is fashion's biggest night brings together the top names in not only fashion but also music, film, art, and beyond. With an event of such scale, a little controversy is to be expected. The Met Gala is the night to make a statement and, sometimes, those statements do more than just turn heads: they cause Twitter moments and make global headlines.
Whether it is questionable styling choices, bold choices, or even ever crashers, there's never a dull moment when it comes to the Met Ball. If there's one guarantee, it's that the Met Gala will have us talking long after the stars have exited the Met steps and made their way into the halls of the art museum, out of sight but always in our mind.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 2021
Under the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” AOC attended the Met Ball wearing this Brother Vellies gown by designer Aurora James. Viewers were conflicted, however, when she turned around to reveal the phrase "Tax the Rich" printed across the back. Some loved it, others hated it, and others found it performative. Regardless, AOC stood by her choice.
Cara Delevingne, 2021
“Peg the patriarchy”? More like cause the controversy. Cara Delevingne loves to make a statement, but this Dior moment understandably didn't sit right with most people.
Kim Kardashian, 2021
At first, no one quite understood Kim Kardashian's head-to-toe black ensemble from Balenciaga at the 2021 Met Gala. It caused much confusion throughout the night, and, aside from memes galore, theories erupted throughout Twitter. While no solid inspiration was confirmed, many began to think: The theme is American fashion history at all, and what's more iconic in American fashion than Kim's silhouette? Her shadow is, quite literally, history. (On her Instagram, Kim offered an alternative take: "What’s more American than a T-shirt head to toe?!")
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, 2021
There were high hopes for Rihanna at the 2021 Met Gala and, upon arriving an hour late to the red carpet with A$AP Rocky, many fans were confused at the meaning behind her look. It made much more sense, however, once Rihanna explained in an interview that the inspiration was a black hoodie, “the thing we're usually incriminated by as Black people… I wanted to empower that. I wanted to take it and make it mine and make it fashion.” Whether you say her vision or not, there's no denying her Balenciaga outfit caused quite the stir.
Timothée Chalamet, 2021
Timmy, our sweet boy. As co-chair of the 2021 gala, everyone had their eye on him and while this look is certainly on-brand for the young star, many hated it. It's a look, for sure, and it's on-theme.
Frank Ocean, 2021
Why did Frank Ocean bring a neon green baby robot to the 2021 Met Gala? The moving, blinking, and animatronic doll was inspired by, in Frank's words, “movie magic” and “America.” Alrighty, then!
Billie Eilish, 2021
If we are talking positive “controversies,” Billie Eilish made quite the stir when it was known that she had agreed to wear Oscar de la Renta to the 2021 Met Gala, if and only if the brand promised to go fur-free. Now that is how you use your power.
U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, 2021
Like AOC, U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney decided to make a major, clear statement with her dress at the Met Gala. And like all political statements, it made quite some noise.
