After the Met Gala this year, take a look back at some of the hosts’ most iconic looks.
Story by Namrata Prakash
This year was all three celebrities’ first time holding the prestigious title of host, though they have been lauded for their fashion choices for years. We saw them demolish the carpet at the Met Gala, but let’s not pretend that was their first rodeo.
Harry Styles
Oh, yes. We are starting off with the cutest baby cherub in the most dazzling and sparkling outfit of his 2017 tour. He sported this particular ensemble at his concert in Milan and is really making the yellow-purple combination work. Personally, I would not have thought to pair these pieces, but the yellow soldier styling on the collar of his suit really gives the blouse a moment. And the sparkles. Oh my God. The only way to improve this outfit would be to wear a sparkly eyeshadow or highlighter on his face to complement it, but the man has plenty of years of touring left to fulfill that dream.
This outfit gives chess and checkers realness. It’s also playing cards and nineteenth century England realness. Let’s just say this is probably the most British outfit he wore on tour (and maybe his life), but it works. He wore this at the iHeart Radio Music Festival and, coincidentally, iHeart this outfit. We need more suits made from age-old games. Perhaps next we will have an outfit inspired by Chutes and Ladders, or maybe even Clue! The possibilities are endless.
This photo showcases the humble beginnings of the Harry in Floral Suits Series. It is also the suit he wore for One Direction’s final performance possibly ever … it’s an emotionally loaded suit. Also, we get to see his beautiful hair at its longest (although I prefer his 2014 hair). The black shirt under the colorful jacket works really well — there’s not any black on the suit, but we all know black can be so versatile. The pattern is truly beautiful, and when he started wearing florals, Harry started to evolve into his full form.
This kilt from his Glasgow 2017 show and this picture just make me want to gently kiss him on the forehead and tuck him into bed. He looks so happy and so in his element, and he pulls off the skirt flawlessly. I’m starting a campaign for the next tour to feature Harry in skirts exclusively. It’s all black, which could be boring — but of course, he uses silver accessories and a purse to spice it up, with matching nail polish as the final touch. The layers add so much depth and I actually love the long wool socks. This ensemble works so well it might even be convincing me his 2017 hair was best.
Lady Gaga
2010 Grammy’s Gaga … what can I even say that hasn’t already been said? From the swirly circles to her spike accessories, she looks like a metal spring come to life. Like if you touched her she’d just go “BOING!” The lavender color of the dress and her two-toned hair somehow fit together although you’d think the yellow would clash. And the shoes! THE SHOES! How does Gaga walk in them? How does Gaga walk in most of the shoes she wears? This is why everyone forgets she’s 5’2″.
This outfit actually renders me speechless. Gaga modeled this in Paris for the Thierry Mugler Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 line. The hat, the cloth that’s too long to be a scarf, the block-like shoes and the corset are just absolutely ravishing. The stark contrast between light and dark in her makeup, the beautiful blonde wig, I could keep going but it speaks for itself. 2010-2012 era Gaga was so innovative it’s taking everything in my being to resist the urge to focus on these years alone. I might slip up. Just bear with me. Bold and time-honored fashion choices won’t ever get old.
This one’s for those of us who felt like Gaga was getting a little normie the last couple of years. She was quick to remind us that she’s still got it! This full-leopard coat and thigh high boots make the perfect studio recording outfit. The boxy shoulders are to die for — I’ll fight anyone who doesn’t like a nice pair of shoulder pads — and the cute little bow braids tie everything together. Last but not least, we have to discuss the glasses and lip color. None of these things seem like they’d match, but WOW! That bright orange lipstick would look good with any outfit, and the rims on the sunglasses are so chic. I’m drooling.
This is the last Gaga outfit. Yes, I know I didn’t include the meat dress or any outfits with hair bows, but how is ANYONE supposed to put together a comprehensive list of Gaga looks without throwing together everything she’s ever worn? Anyways this 2016 Grammy’s dress is otherworldly. The decision to get rid of the eyebrows and lean into the eyeshadow is correct. The length of the dress, the shoulders, and the sparkly design is correct. The height of the heels is correct. Everything is just correct. A+.
Serena Williams
Tennis, but make it fashion! Serena Williams wore this at the 2016 U.S. Open and honestly, no one deserved it. This court style is so satisfying to look at, with the matching sleeves and ruffles in the skirt, she can really pull off a bright pink! And don’t even get me started with this mock neck. I have a soft spot for mock necks, so this really climbs to the top of my favorite tennis outfits that she’s worn. Plus, she even has her nails done. She’s playing professional tennis with plenty of chances for a racket and a ball to mess up her fingers but look at them: intact and here to stay. Who else can say that?
I can barely the find the words for this outfit. Are you absolutely kidding me. This ensemble from April 2010 really shows that Serena has had taste since the beginning. The sequins could have made the two-piece tacky, but there’s just the perfect amount in the right places, and the matching arm band really solidifies the gothic look. The belly button ring elevates the look even more — once again, she is literally wearing jewelry on the court! She had the time and talent to accessorize and still go out and play! I am so filled with awe and really cannot say how much I love this outfit. It’s one of the all time best athletic pieces, and that’s that!
Serena is a versatile woman and can absolutely bring her fashion off the court as well. Her love of two pieces shows up again here at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, where she stuns with this semi-sheer floral gown. The intricate pattern adds elegance to the midi skirt under her long train. The best part: it’s got pockets! The way Serena looks completely comfortable while upstaging the actual show — that is the face of confidence.
This dress is a dream. Literally royal. The golden detailing really accentuates the shape of the dress and the way it matches her hairpiece is swoon-worthy. She wore this in 2017, just two months after becoming a mother.The ponytail and the fitted dress are so sleek and shiny, and I love how the bottom design creeps onto the shoulder. The lip color works so well. Too well! I’m floored. She looks like a goddess and I want to live under her rule.
While we speak of Williams, it’s important to discuss the misogynoir surrounding conversations about the hosts of the Met Gala. Before the event, endless articles and tweets generated excitement about Styles and Gaga hosting, while ignoring one of the best and most famous athletes in the world in their praise! Styles, Williams and Gaga all hosted and we need to recognize all of them. It’s not new to leave black people out when it comes to fashion, but truly, everyone needs to be cognizant of the fact that this event was huge for all three hosts — and that Williams absolutely destroyed the carpet along with the other two.