The Met Gala is one of the biggest and most anticipated events on the celebrity social calendar. This year, the Gala theme is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” to honour the late fashion designer who passed in 2019. Lagerfeld’s experience in the industry was extensive and well-respected. He most notably held the position of creative director of Chanel and Fendi, two labels that are flooding the red, white and blue carpet at the Metropolitan steps. Along with the fabulous outfits, the jewellery is also a spectacle to be seen with arrays of white diamonds and pearls glittering the carpet.
Dua Lipa
The most incredible piece of jewellery to be worn on the carpet this year is undoubtedly by Dua Lipa. A brilliant white diamond of over 100 carats cut to the same proportions to pay homage to the incredible Tiffany Diamond worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The label says the new legendary cushion-cut white diamond is D-coloured, features 82 facets, and is responsibly sourced from Botswana. Paired with Chanel’s iconic Fall/Winter 1992 Haute Couture tweed bridal gown, Dua Lipa perfectly fits the theme with style and elegance and will be the talk of the town thanks to the beautiful decoration that sits on her décolletage.
Rita Ora
It is clear to see that Rita was thinking outside of the jewellery box with her choices for the 2023 Met Gala. Ora sported an extravagant manicure with beads and chains falling from her large, black, stiletto-shaped nails. Celebrity nail artist, Naomi Yasuda describes the nails to be her take on a deconstructed Chanel necklace. “Rita was close to Karl, so she wanted to make sure she paid homage to him in a way that was meaningful to her,” Yasuda says. Pairing her exaggerated nails with stacked chunky Boucheron bracelets and rings adorned with pearls proves to be the best way to accessorise.
Baz Luhrmann
Accompanied by his wife, Catherine Martin, Australian director, Baz Luhrmann paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld while sporting Australian jewellery brand, Paspaley. Luhrmann wore the stunning brooch set in 18K white gold, fitted with 172 white diamonds and 5 to 7mm Australian South Sea pearls. This $52,000 piece complimented his outfit adding another interesting element to the black-with-white trim suit.
Lizzo
Lizzo arrived at the Met Gala this year literally dripping in pearls. Committed to the theme and paying homage to the ultimate Chanel girl, Linda Evangelista, Lizzo wore a long black Chanel gown and completely elevated her look with a trailing vintage pearl bodice, stacked bracelets and pearl Chanel earrings.
Anne Hathaway
“A marriage between Versace and Chanel,” Hathaway describes her Met Gala look. The actress’ tweed gown was pieced together with pearl and gold safety pins acting as a form of jewellery for the body. These stunning elements were paired with arm cuffs and a Bulgari coin necklace. “I think it’s so cool how these necklaces incorporate ancient coins into [a] modern yet timeless design,” Hathaway says. “These pieces beautifully represent the heritage and pioneering spirit of the brand in a way that is palpable – you can feel it.”
Kim Kardashian
Following in Lizzo’s footsteps, Kim Kardashian leaned into the theme by adorning 50,000 freshwater pearls to her naked-style dress. This look nailed the theme’s brief with pearls being a popular way for the stars to pay tribute to the late designer. Her corset, skirt, choker, drop earrings, and rings were all made of crystals and pearls and took a dozen artisans over 1000 hours of work to complete.
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