Met Gala Looks That Made Political Statements
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The Met Gala has long been the crown jewel of fashion’s lavish nights, but it’s also morphed into something even more significant — a platform where fashion meets activism. Despite taking a softer approach to political statements in 2023, the event stirred the pot with its choice to honor Karl Lagerfeld, igniting protests and debates within the fashion world.
With “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” poised as the theme for 2024, alongside plenty of speculation about which stars will walk the Met Gala red carpet, there’s a buzz of excitement about what’s next. Will celebrities leverage this grand stage to continue making bold statements with their fashion choices?
This evolution reflects a broader shift in how the Met Gala is perceived. No longer just an evening of opulence, it’s become a venue for stars like Cara Delevingne, Gabrielle Union, and Dan Levy to use their influence for good — be it tackling patriarchy, honoring Black Hollywood, or championing LGBTQ+ love.
These moments from 2021 and 2022 underscore the gala’s capacity to mirror societal conversations, bridging the gap between high fashion and high-impact messages. It underscores the event’s unique position at the intersection of glamour and activism, setting the stage for future celebrities to make their mark, not just with their style, but with their stances on pressing global issues.
See all the stars who made political statements with their Met Gala looks through the years!
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (2021)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often known simply as AOC, made quite the statement at the 2021 Met Gala, an event that celebrated the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” AOC isn’t your average attendee; she’s a U.S. Representative with a knack for speaking out against socio-economical injustices.
For the gala, AOC donned a striking white off-shoulder gown designed by Brother Vellies. But it wasn’t the cut or the designer label that caught everyone’s attention — it was the bold statement emblazoned in red across her back saying “Tax the Rich.” It was a simple yet profound message, especially within the context of the Met Gala, famously attended by celebrities and moguls from various industries, essentially the epitome of American wealth and extravagance.
This fashion choice was more than just a style statement; it was a direct challenge to the attendees and the system they operate within. AOC used her platform and the global spotlight to highlight issues of economic inequality and push for tax reforms that would require the wealthy to contribute more.
Lena Waithe (2018)
At the 2018 Met Gala, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” Lena Waithe, the Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and actor known for impactful series like Master of None and The Chi, delivered a profound statement with her choice of attire.
Opting for a sleek black suit, her look was elevated by a cape that carried a powerful symbol of pride — the rainbow flag. This vibrant declaration against the backdrop of a theme exploring fashion’s intersection with Catholicism spoke volumes. It highlighted the need for inclusivity and acceptance within spaces often marked by their conservative views on sexuality.
Waithe’s appearance at the Met Gala transcended mere fashion; it was a strategic act of advocacy. By showcasing the pride flag in such a visible and influential arena, she underscored the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, challenging prevailing norms and inviting reflection on the inclusivity of religious spaces.
Lena Waithe & Kerby Jean-Raymond (2019)
In 2019, the Met Gala rolled out with a theme called “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” It was here that Lena Waithe and Kerby Jean-Raymond truly stood out, not just for their eye-catching attire but for the deeper message they wore on their sleeves – well, actually, all over their suits. Lena Waithe, a powerhouse in storytelling and an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, teamed up with Kerby Jean-Raymond, the genius behind Pyer Moss and a designer known for weaving activism seamlessly into his work.
Their suits were a spectacle, detailed with pinstripes that, upon a closer look, revealed lyrics from LGBTQ+ anthems and quotes from legendary LGBTQ+ figures. The highlight? Waithe’s cape, boldly stating “Black Drag Queens Invented Camp” across the back, driving home the point that camp culture owes much to the creativity and resilience of Black drag queens, a fact often sidelined by mainstream discussions.
But this moment on the Met Gala red carpet was just one chapter in their ongoing story of advocacy. Waithe, who sported LGBTQ pride-themed attire at the Met Gala the year before, has consistently lent her voice and platform to uplift LGBTQ+ stories within the entertainment sphere, while Jean-Raymond’s Pyer Moss has remained at the forefront of marrying fashion with social commentary, tackling issues from racial injustice to cultural identity.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (2022)
At the 2022 Met Gala, themed “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” the newly elected Mayor of New York City, at 61, made a striking statement. He chose a classic tuxedo with a tailcoat that carried a powerful message – “End Gun Violence” emblazoned across it, showcased at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala.
The creation of this politically charged ensemble was a collaboration between the mayor and Láolú Senbanjo, a New York City-based Nigerian artist renowned for his intricate hand-drawn designs. The artwork adorned the tuxedo’s lapels, cuffs, and trailed down the back, transforming the suit into a canvas advocating for social change. Notably, this project emphasized sustainability, repurposing a suit already owned by the mayor, as reported by the New York Post.
This choice of attire was deliberately intended to spotlight a pressing issue facing society today — gun violence. According to the mayor’s press secretary, Fabien Levy, the idea originated from the mayor himself, reflecting his keen sense of style and a determined mission to send a specific message through the medium of fashion at an event watched by millions.
Hillary Clinton (2022)
For the 2022 Met Gala, which celebrated “Gilded Glamour,” Hilary Clinton chose a custom Joseph Altuzarra gown that was as meaningful as it was beautiful. With an off-the-shoulder neckline, the dress was exquisitely hand-embroidered with the names of pioneering women such as Rosa Parks, Lady Bird Johnson, and Clinton’s mother, Dorothy Rodham, along its edges as a tribute to the fearless women who’ve made history.
“I knew that I wanted the dress to have a personal component for her,” Altuzarra told Vogue. “When someone like Hillary goes to the Met, it’s not just like, ‘there’s Hillary at the Met and she’s wearing a dress.’ It has a lot of significance. I felt like I had to be very thoughtful about what the dress would mean to the theme and to the occasion.”
The gown also highlighted the importance of America’s folk craftsmanship, honoring those artisans and homemakers whose work is fundamental yet often goes unrecognized. Clinton, who said she only goes to the Met Gala “every 20 years,” made sure this one counted with her sartorial choices.
Sarah Jessica Parker (2022)
At the 2022 Met Gala, under the theme “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” Sarah Jessica Parker did more than just match the theme. She ignited discussions on a neglected part of American history. For this gala, Parker donned an exquisite custom gown by designer Christopher John Rogers. The outfit was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring a black bodice intricately designed to blend seamlessly with a voluminous, white skirt adorned with flowers —a nod to American fashion’s opulence and excess.
The standout element of her outfit, however, was the headpiece, which was created in partnership with milliner Philip Treacy. Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley — a formerly enslaved individual who rose to become the White House’s first Black female fashion designer and a trusted advisor to Mary Todd Lincoln — this headpiece was a profound homage to a legendary, yet frequently unrecognized, figure in American history.
Christopher John Rogers, speaking to Vogue, emphasized the intent behind the design, noting, “She was a smaller designer, and someone that people don’t really talk about. The idea was to highlight the dichotomy between the extravagant, over-the-top proportions of the time period, and the disparity that was happening in America at the time.”
Lewis Hamilton (2021)
At the 2021 Met Gala, Lewis Hamilton didn’t just turn heads with his outfit; he used the occasion to champion diversity and inclusion. Known predominantly for his electrifying prowess on the Formula 1 tracks, Hamilton has increasingly become recognized for his vocal support for diversity and inclusion within sports and beyond.
During the gala, he extended this advocacy to the fashion world. Wearing a sleek, black Kenneth Ize suit, Hamilton wasn’t just dressed by the Nigerian-born, LVMH Prize finalist designer; the Formula 1 star bought a table, an investment of $200,000-$300,000, to bring emerging Black designers to join him, spotlighting talent that often goes unrecognized at such high-profile events.
Hamilton’s commitment to diversity extends beyond a single night at the Met Gala. Through The Hamilton Commission and his Mission 44 foundation, he has dedicated significant resources to increasing the representation of Black individuals in UK motorsport and empowering underrepresented youth. His actions consistently demonstrate a deep-seated commitment to challenging norms and fostering inclusivity in every arena he touches.
Dan Levy (2021)
At the 2021 Met Gala, themed around American fashion, Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy stood out not only for his style but also for his impactful political statement during his gala debut.
Known for his role as the lovable David Rose, Dan Levy has always been more than just an actor; he’s a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and uses his platform to push for inclusivity and acceptance. For the Met Gala, he collaborated with designer Jonathan Anderson of Loewe, creating an ensemble that was anything but subtle. Levy’s outfit featured an eye-catching, puff-sleeved top adorned with an artwork by David Wojnarowicz, a queer artist and activist who fought against the societal indifference to the AIDS crisis.
Following his Met Gala appearance, Dan Levy continued to champion LGBTQ+ causes. He actively supports organizations like GLAAD and The Trevor Project, using his platform to raise awareness and funds.
Cara Delevingne (2021)
For the 2021 Met Gala, which celebrated the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” Cara Delevingne did more than just make an entrance; she delivered a statement that was impossible to ignore. With her signature boldness and a dash of drama, Delevingne dazzled in a striking Dior creation. Yet, what really grabbed everyone’s attention? That white bulletproof vest boldly bearing “Peg the Patriarchy” in fiery red letters.
Delevingne shared with Vogue correspondent Kiki Palmer that her outfit was all about empowering women and pushing back against traditional power dynamics. “It’s about women empowerment, gender equality — it’s a bit like, ‘Stick it to the man,’” Delevingne explained.
However, Delevingne’s “Peg the Patriarchy” vest didn’t just make waves for its bold message—it also landed her in hot water. The phrase, originally coined and trademarked by Luna Matatas, a Black queer sex educator, in 2015, was meant to critique oppressive systems affecting all genders. Yet, Delevingne and Dior’s use of the slogan without crediting Matatas brought up serious questions about the ethics of repurposing such powerful statements without proper acknowledgment.
Since the gala, there hasn’t been any public move from Delevingne or Dior to recognize Matatas’ contribution to the conversation, nor have they been seen actively supporting related causes. The situation highlights a tricky overlap between fashion, politics, and the need to respect and acknowledge the roots of political slogans used in activism.
Riz Ahmed (2022)
For the 2022 Met Gala, themed “Gilded Glamour,” celebrities were invited to channel the lush extravagance of New York’s Gilded Age. Amidst the sparkle, Riz Ahmed, the celebrated actor and musician, stood out—not for opulence but for a message. Eschewing the theme’s default luxury, Ahmed turned the spotlight on the era’s often forgotten backbone: its immigrant workers.
His ensemble, crafted with intent by the immigrant-founded 4S Designs, was a direct nod to these unsung heroes. Dressed in a relaxed navy blue jacket, white tank, and drawstring pants, finished with knee-high boots, Ahmed made more than just a fashion statement. He explained to Vogue, “This is an homage to the immigrant workers who kept the Gilded Age going,” underlining the outfit with a Cartier necklace inspired by Indian jewelry, showcasing the deep roots of immigrant contributions to American culture.
Ahmed’s impact stretches far beyond fashion; he’s a catalyst for crucial dialogues and inclusive action. His dedication shines through his work to highlight the Rohingya and Syrian refugee crises, bringing vital awareness to these issues. His advocacy for improved representation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities also showcases his unwavering commitment to championing equality and justice throughout society.
Megagn Rapinoe (2021)
At the 2021 Met Gala, themed “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” Megan Rapinoe, famed for both her soccer prowess and activism, stood out with her bold accessory choice. Rapinoe walked the carpet in a striking suit by Sergio Hudson, a designer who’s no stranger to dressing powerful women. Her outfit wasn’t just a nod to American fashion; it was a vibrant manifesto wrapped in red, white, and blue, complete with a clutch emblazoned with the words “In Gay We Trust.”
After her unforgettable appearance at the 2021 Met Gala, Rapinoe dialed up her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. In June 2021, she made a significant impact at the White House, passionately advocating for the Gender Equity in Education Act, which aims to eradicate gender bias in educational environments. She’s also been a steadfast supporter of the Equality Act, tirelessly campaigning for broad anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community through interviews and tweets from 2021 into 2022. Beyond her vocal support, Rapinoe has actively collaborated with organizations like Athlete Ally and GLSEN, spearheading initiatives that strive for greater inclusivity within sports and educational sectors.
Camila Cabello (2022)
In 2022, the Met Gala embraced the theme “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” with a particular focus on the Gilded Age, an era marked by extravagant wealth and dramatic social disparities. Camila Cabello, the Cuban-American singer known for her chart-topping hits and vibrant personality, opted to address this notion with her sartorial choices. Her ensemble, crafted by the renowned designer Stella McCartney, was more than just a nod to the theme; it was a bold statement on sustainability and environmental responsibility. McCartney, whose brand is built on the principles of sustainable fashion, created a look for Cabello that highlighted the importance of eco-conscious choices in an industry often criticized for its environmental impact.
Cabello’s outfit served as a political statement, emphasizing innovation and ingenuity as solutions to today’s ecological challenges, mirroring the industrial advances of the Gilded Age but with a contemporary twist focused on sustainability. “The Gilded Age, I think of luxury and materialism and industrialization,” Cabello told Extra on the red carpet. “To me, having this sustainable dress is kind of celebrating those trends of innovation and ingenuity but applying it to the challenge we have now.”
Madonna (2016)
In 2016, at the Met Gala themed “Manus x Machina,” Madonna didn’t just turn heads with her Givenchy outfit by Riccardo Tisci; she made a bold statement against ageism and sexism. Clad in a statement ensemble by Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci, the material girl turned style into a manifesto, challenging societal norms with every thread.
The outfit—a tantalizing mix of metallics, sheer lace, and strategic coverings—was Madonna’s armor in the battle against ageism and sexism, a fight she’s championed throughout her career. But this was no mere fashion statement; as Madonna eloquently shared on Instagram, “My dress at the Met Ball was a political statement as well as a fashion statement. The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an age-ist and sexist society.”
“I have never thought in a limited way and I’m not going to start. We cannot effect change unless we are willing to take risks. By being fearless and by taking the road less traveled by. That’s how we change history,” she asserted, embodying the spirit of those who dare to defy conventions.
She continued, confronting the criticism head-on, “If you have a problem with the way I dress it is simply a reflection of your prejudice. I’m not afraid to pave the way for all the girls behind me‼️” Quoting Nina Simone, Madonna declared, “the definition of freedom is being fearless. I remain Unapologetic and a Rebel ❤️ in this life and all the others. Join my fight for Gender Equality!”
Gemma Chan (2021)
At the 2021 Met Gala, themed “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” Gemma Chan ignited a conversation on heritage, representation, and the complex history of Asian-Americans in Hollywood. She attended the event with the Nepalese-American designer Prabal Gurung, a figure renowned not only for his design prowess but also for his advocacy within the fashion industry. “Honoured to be attending this year’s #MetGala with Nepalese-American designer @prabalgurung. Born in Singapore, raised in Kathmandu and based in NYC, Prabal is a leading voice for change both within the fashion industry and beyond,” Chan shared on her Instagram.
Their collaboration was deeply meaningful, with Chan’s outfit paying homage to Anna May Wong, Hollywood’s first Chinese-American film star. “For his 10th anniversary 2020 collection, he sent models down the runway in sashes reading ‘Who gets to be American?’. With that in mind, this year we wanted to give a nod to and pay tribute to Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American film star of Hollywood’s golden era,” Chan revealed about the inspiration behind her look on Instagram.
Anna May Wong’s story, as detailed by Chan, is one of resilience and pioneering spirit. Born in Los Angeles in 1905 into a family with deep Chinese roots, Wong broke barriers from a young age. She was a leading lady in The Toll of the Sea at just 17 and had a prolific career across silent films, talkies, television, and stage. Yet, despite her stardom, she faced significant racial prejudice and typecasting. Chan quoted Wong’s reflection on these challenges: “It’s a pretty sad situation to be rejected by Chinese because I’m ‘too American’ and by American producers because they prefer other races to act Chinese parts.”
Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade (2022)
At the 2022 Met Gala, themed “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade made a significant impact, dressed in Versace. Their outfits did more than dazzle; they carried a strong historical message. Union, renowned for her dynamic roles and activism, and Wade, celebrated for his basketball legacy and philanthropic efforts, made a poignant commentary on the historical exploitation and contributions of Black and brown people during the Gilded Age in America.
Union wore a stunning dress adorned with silver sequins, floral appliqués, and a feathered train, paying homage to the legendary Diahann Carroll’s timeless style. But it was the thoughtful addition of red crystals that brought a deeper meaning. Speaking with Vogue at the event, Union explained, “This country is built off of our backs, our blood, sweat, and tears.” She pointed out that the red crystals symbolized the blood shed by Black and brown people during the Gilded Age, a time when a few amassed great wealth at their expense.
