The 2023 Met Gala took place May 1 in conjunction with the Costume Institute’s Karl Lagerfeld retrospective, and the night became a tribute to the late designer. As is custom for this glamorous annual event, fashion-forward celebrities strode the red carpet in jaw-dropping, gravity-defying, uber-luxurious couture—including a number of heart-stopping gowns by FIT alumni.
Gala co-chair Michaela Cole’s futuristic gold and silver dress by alum Daniel Roseberry, creative director of Schiaparelli, is replete with layered metals, pearls, and stones.
Kim Kardashian was festooned in pearls, in a design by Schiaparelli’s Roseberry that accentuated her curves. Her daughter North West came too—rocking jeans.
Jordan Roth, president of Jujamcyn Theaters, was transformed by Roseberry of Schiaparelli into a human fan—an homage to Lagerfeld’s signature accessory.
Michael Kors dressed Emily Blunt in an intricate white blouse and a glittering trouser/cape, tied up with a statement bow.
Kerry Washington went full mermaid with a two-piece lace gown designed by Michael Kors.
Lea Michele, who stars in Funny Girl on Broadway, wore a shimmering silver gown designed by Michael Kors in homage to Barbra Streisand, according to Vogue.
Emily in Paris star Ashley Park arrived in a custom Kors netted gown with a dramatic train. A pair of fingerless gloves were a nod to Lagerfeld.
Vanessa Hudgens wore a black and white gown with a long black train and a thigh slit, designed by Michael Kors.
Actor Kaitlyn Dever wore a Kors-designed red lace gown that pooled at her feet.
Model Alton Mason dressed as a Chanel bride in custom Lagerfeld couture, whose design director is alum Hun Kim. Alum Luis Peralta did additional beading for the look.
Cara Delevingne’s Lagerfeld-designed shirt/cape look and shag wig reimagined a Chanel Cruise 2013 photo shoot she modeled for, according to Vogue.
Actor, singer, and model Manu Rios wore a custom Karl Lagerfeld suit.
R&B icon Erykah Badu, who deejayed the night, wore a wig and gown reminiscent of Karl Lagerfeld’s white hair. Badu’s daughter, singer and model Puma Curry, wore a revealing look made of crystals and beads. Both were designed by alum Francesco Risso, creative director of Marni.
Isabel Yagerman, Fashion Design ’22, designed a gown for NYC Comptroller Brad Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette. Yagerman, production assistant at bridal brand Alexandra Grecco, is a friend of the family; Barnette is president and CEO of Nonprofit New York.