April 28, 2023 |
Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019) was a genius and a true tastemaker of our times. He was also a regular attendee at the glossy, annual Met Gala. Until his death in 2019, the German-born designer produced a body of work for the world’s biggest fashion houses; for 54 years he designed for Fendi, and spent 36 at Chanel. At Balmain, Patou, Chloé and his own eponymous brand, his legacy is unparalleled in its exquisite beauty, intelligence and luxury. Lagerfeld’s Warholian instinct for image making and his own signature style – the white ponytail, dark glasses, high collar and suit – made him a supreme force in fashion. Which is why, three years following his passing and despite what Lagerfeld himself thought about fashion’s place in a museum, he is set to be the subject of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring 2023 Costume Institute exhibition Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty, and the muse of the Met Ball theme.
Next week, on the first Monday of May, the biggest names in showbiz will decant to the Big Apple to celebrate the opening of Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty – which will open to the public May 5. (Choupette, Lagerfeld’s beloved white Burmese cat, will make an appearance too, joining fellow guests in celebrating his 65-year career in fashion). It’s never easy to determine how designers and celebs will interpret the theme – some will opt for literal references, vintage Lagerfeld designs and archival gowns, while others will subtly channel the man in new, bespoke ensembles. But, as one of the most beloved figures in fashion, we expect nothing but a masterful homage to the legacy of Lagerfeld; one charged with emotion as guests celebrate a friend and colleague in Kaiser Karl. As we await this year’s buzziest red-carpet event, take a moment to look back over some of his best Met Gala looks of all time, below. Category is: Karl Lagerfeld. Emily Phillips
CHRISTY TURLINGTON – 1992
First up is supermodel Christy Turlington, who wore Chanel to the 1992 Fashion and History: A Dialogue Met Gala. Channeling her inner Audrey Hepburn by pairing a sleek black maxi dress with pearls and a white shawl, this classic look quickly became a staple for iconic Met Gala outfits the world over. After debuting his SS92 collection for Chanel that same year – which featured the infamous chain dress later donned by Lily Rose Depp at the 2019 gala – it’s unsurprising that this was a memorable year for Lagerfeld. Bella Koopman
CLAUDIA SCHIFFER – 1995
After Lagerfeld cast supermodel Claudia Schiffer to be his couture bride a remarkable 11 times, it’s fair to say she goes down as one of his most iconic muses. This symbiotic relationship resulted in Schiffer’s simple, yet stunning look for the 1995 Haute Couture Met Gala. With couture being one of the most significant things Lagerfeld is remembered for, this look encompasses the effortless style and class that made 1990s Chanel so great. BK
KARL LAGERFELD – 2008
The theme of the 2008 gala was Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy and Lagerfeld sparkled – both figuratively and literally. Wearing a silver, sequinned jacket, along with a diamond chain and belt-buckle, Lagerfeld was as much a spectacle as the celebs he was dressing. Most notably, Kate Bosworth, who wore a comic book-inspired Chanel dress and was praised for her interpretation of the theme. BK
ANNA WINTOUR – 2008
Another hero of the 2008 Met Gala was Anna Wintour herself. Having enjoyed a long-term friendship with Lagerfeld, it was only right that the Vogue editor paid homage to the designer’s eye for couture. Stepping out in a silver Chanel gown with crustacean-like pockets, Wintour stunned paparazzi and guests alike. Continuing to predominantly wear Chanel Couture for many Mets to come, it’s evident this earlier look had an impact on Wintour’s subsequent red-carpet choices. BK
JANELLE MONÁE – 2011
With 2011 being Janelle Monáe’s first Met, it might’ve been expected that she would play it safe. But instead, Monáe opted for an androgynous Chanel ensemble. Though minimal in its components – featuring a white shirt, black trousers and top hat – the impact of Monáe’s look was anything but. Showcasing that it’s not necessary to be ultra-feminine in order to be fashionable, Monae’s look set the tone for many gender-bending Met Gala looks to come. BK
MARY-KATE OLSEN – 2013
If there’s one thing the Olsen twins have never failed at, it’s simple vintage glamour. At the Punk: Chaos to Couture Met Gala in 2013, Mary-Kate Olsen merged art deco glamour with boho chic by pairing a vintage Chanel slip with a fur-lined Balmain robe. Christina Trappl
LILY COLLINS – 2015
“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” Lily Collins has been making unique fashion statements since long before she became the Emily in Paris sensation we adore. Dressed head to toe in Chanel Couture Spring 2015, the combination of a flowy tulle skirt and sheer blouse left for a sweet, feminine look for the 2015 theme of China: Through the Looking Glass. CT
KRISTEN STEWART – 2016
Kristen Stewart wore a show-stopping, sparkling Chanel gown to the 2016 Met Gala. The waist cutout and high slit allowed for Stewart’s flair and indelible edge to shine through. With metallic eyeshadow and bottle-blonde hair, the personal muse to Lagerfeld left a striking imprint on 2016’s theme Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. CT
WILLOW SMITH – 2016
Dazzling sparkles were a running motif for Chanel in 2016, with Willow Smith rocking an oversized coat paired with perfectly tailored three-quarter-length trousers to the Met Gala – when are those coming back into style? Wearing an up-do that resounded ultimate chicness, Smith hit the carpet running with her first ever Met Gala appearance and the support of Lagerfeld behind her. CT
HELEN LASICHANH AND PHARRELL WILLIAMS – 2018
Take me to church! Lagerfeld’s attention to detail and modern twist allowed him to encapsulate the 2018 theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination beautifully. Helen Lasichanh was angelic in a Chanel coat, gown, bag, shoes and jewellery. By her side, Pharrell, looked absolutely dapper in a Chanel tuxedo jacket; his chest adorned by crosses and chains. CT
The 2023 Met Gala, ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’, will take place on Monday, May 1 in New York, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition will be open to the public May 5 to July 16.
