Met Gala 2021 as it happened: All the red carpet fashion and celebrity moments

So, what is American fashion? The Met Gala red carpet danced around that question by serving a melting pot of looks that either tackled, flirted with or fully ignored the theme.

Many of these ensembles were difficult to digest. Hopefully the plant-based menu served inside will be easier to swallow.

Billie Eilish (left to right), Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer LopezCredit: Getty

As we wrap up, here are some fashion standouts from the preened pack. Who wore your favourite look? Vote in the poll below the images. And thanks for joining us today.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (left to right), Rihanna, Lil Nas X, Timothee ChalametCredit: Getty

Psst, while you’re here, have another glimpse at some of the most talked about looks from the 2021 gala. We’ve rounded them up for you.

So, what is American fashion? The Met Gala red carpet danced around that question by serving a melting pot of looks that either tackled, flirted with or fully ignored the theme.

Many of these ensembles were difficult to digest. Hopefully the plant-based menu served inside will be easier to swallow.

Billie Eilish (left to right), Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer LopezCredit: Getty

As we wrap up, here are some fashion standouts from the preened pack. Who wore your favourite look? Vote in the poll below the images. And thanks for joining us today.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (left to right), Rihanna, Lil Nas X, Timothee ChalametCredit: Getty

Considering celebrities paid something like $US35,000 per ticket, you’d imagine they’d get a nice dinner inside.

Leaked menus from 2019’s Met Gala showed invitees ate dishes such as “asparagus tart with celery leaf pesto” and gianduja chocolate cake, so it’s probably better than your egg-on-bread lunch.

After that, the lucky ones get to attend Rihanna’s after-party, organised by the “king of New York nightlife” Richie Akiva at a secret destination.

The red carpet was fun. Now let the scandals begin.

Hold up! The Met Gala queen, Rihanna, has just arrived with partner A$AP Rocky.

Of course Rihanna is one of the last to arrive. She’s in Balenciaga couture, not a Uniqlo puffer or a fancy doona.

Bow down and brace yourself for the memes.

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna.Credit: Getty

Well, that was interesting. No Rihanna, no Beyonce, no Lady Gaga – who knew we were on-trend staying in all this time?

It’s not something I’ve ever really considered before, but turns out I enjoy nutso accessories.

Timothee Chalamet’s Chucks were a “Can’t I just wear these?” formal move I can relate to, but the stranger the better. In that sense, I give my winning trophies to Frank Ocean’s animatronic cyborg baby, Grimes’ medieval sword and glowing orb, Lil Uzi Vert and Erykah Badu’s zoo handbags, and Iman’s hat.

And honourable mentions belong to Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X and Dan Levy for using their looks to express some inner personal truth. Not as important as a cyborg baby, of course, but still powerful.

Considering the event’s theme offered such an opportunity to embrace long marginalised voices and the industry’s youthful, progressive future, the fact that so many stars chose to celebrate Old Hollywood glamour is pretty embarrassing for them.

And so, much respect to Lewis Hamilton. The British Formula One champ has revealed Anna Wintour agreed to let him host his own table at the event, and he invited four young black designers to celebrate the theme.

“It’s about highlighting beauty and excellence and talent,” Hamilton says.

Lewis Hamilton.Credit: Getty

I was expecting more Texan tuxedos on the red carpet but Lupita Nyong’o in Atelier Versace demonstrates the difficulty in making the stiff fabric chic. Sometimes jeans are best left as jeans.

Full points, however, for a tornado hairdo inspired by the work of American photographer Lorna Simpson (not Marge).

Lupita Nyong’o.Credit: Getty

Cleavage? Check. Leg slit? Check. Jennifer Lopez managed to bend a Ralph Lauren look to her red carpet will for the Met Gala.

Jennifer Lopez.Credit: Getty

Pharrell, Ben Platt and Leon Bridges all leaned into the Western theme but J-Lo showed them that the only accessory required is a cowboy hat. Cowboys wore faux fur capes, right?

Somehow, Vogue’s red carpet live-stream has ended ith everyone left anticipating the entrance of Met Gala legend Rihanna.

It’s an odd surprise as multiple red carpet personalities had cited the pop icon as their biggest inspiration and main point of excitement today.

“Oh, to be in the presence of a god,” said host Ilana Glazer. “It’s like seeing heaven early,” Billie Eilish’s brother Finneas added.

It did seem like a lot of pressure. Unless she had a working invisibility cloak or like real wings to fly, I was already feeling worried for Rihanna. Perhaps she secretly slid in wearing her trackies?

Model Emily Ratajkowski has gone for a romantic look, wearing a bright red lacy gown with a flowing train. You can probably guess: this one’s by Vera Wang, inspired by her bridal collection.

When asked what American fashion means to her, Ratajkowski responded: “I don’t know, I need to go inside and find out.” Indeed.

Emily Ratajkowski. Credit: Getty