Behold: The Best Dressed Black Designers At The Met Gala
No red carpet can rival the first Monday in May --or the second Monday in September due to the pandemic. The Costume Institute Gala, or simply the Met Gala, is an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The Met Ball, known as "fashion's biggest night out," marks the debut of a new fashion exhibit that also serves as the dress code of the night. Always in New York City at The Met, the star-studded guest list includes the fashion industry’s top designers, the who’s who in pop culture, and those who can afford the reported $30,000 tickets.
This year, the Met Gala returned on September 13th, 2021, with an American fashion theme after postponing the in-person event due to Covid-19. Of course, there were plenty of our favorite celebrities who were "fashion killas" on the red carpet. A$AP Rocky hit the Met Ball in an oversized quilt from designer Eli Russell Linnetz's ERL’s spring 2022 collection with girlfriend Rihanna in Balenciaga Haute Couture. Rapper Lil Baby paired white Nike Air Force 1's with a Coach suit and logo embroidered turtleneck for his red carpet look. And Lil Nas X unveiled 3 custom Versace looks for his first Met Gala.
Along with these A-listers, several black fashion designers hit the red carpet and served up some serious fashion ensembles. Let dive into the Met Gala looks from designers, Kerby Jean-Raymond, founder of Pyer Moss, Romeo Hunte, Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God, Laquan Smith, and Kenneth Nicholson.
Kerby Jean-Raymond, Pyer Moss
In a picture entitled "MET GALA 2021," designer Kerby Jean-Raymond hopped out a Mercedes Benz in a custom red suit and a bulletproof style vest from his Pyer Moss brand. Bejeweled adorned red dress boots and jewelry accompanied the 4 piece suit.
Image: Instagram
Romeo Hunte
You know you look good when Anna Wintour slides you a compliment. Designer Romeo Hunte wore a boxy gender-neutral blazer, and hybrid cargo pants from his collaboration line with Tommy Hilfiger and a custom Trench Coat with an extreme train and swept the floor behind him. In an Instagram post, the designer celebrated the history making moment by thanking Vogue Magazine and The Met Museum. "What a great way to continue celebrating and making HISTORY with our #TommyxRomeo collab! It was such a magical night to witness diversity and inclusivity at its highest and continuing to pushing forward with American fashion. Special Thank you to @metmuseum @voguemagazine for giving me the space to shake the room!🤘🏾” he captioned the photo.
Image: Instagram
Jerry Lorenzo, Fear of God
Keeping it cool and comfortable Fear of God designer Jerry Lorenzo posed in the steps of The Met in a neutral 3-piece blazer, mock turtle neck and sweatpant set. On social media, Lorenzo used his IG caption to define his Sweats at the Met American Luxury look. “#americanluxury ‘the freedom to authentically and unequivocally be yourself… while having the conviction, integrity, and regality to do so without compromise… approaching all occasions with elegance, sophistication and an aspired intent’”
Image: Instagram
LaQuan Smith
LaQuan Smith attended the 2021 Met Gala in menswear look from Tom Ford. Fine Jewelry from Azature accessorized the brown velvet embossed suit jacket, white evening shirt and black tuxedo pants.
Image: Instagram
Kenneth Nicholson
Designer Kenneth Nicholson graced the Met Gala with British race car driver Lewis Hamilton and a gang of black designers and athletes including designer and stylist Jason Rembert, Theophilio designer Edvin Thompson and Track & Field athlete Sha'Carri Richardson. On Instagram, the designer says “ A huge thank you to @lewishamilton and the entire Lewis Hamilton team! Thank you so much for your generous support and leadership concerning this year’s Met Gala. You are truly showing the world the impactful power of what is possible when we choose to make space for one another. It was truly my highest honor to work with you on this momentous feat. Congratulations! #britishvogue."
Image: Instagram
Designers Heron Preston and designer and chairman of the CFDA, Tom Ford gave Men In Black vibes in nearly identical black mohair silk Atticus Tuxedos, velvet bow ties, white shirting and black evening shoes all by Tom Ford. "MET Gala. Thank you, @tomford for an incredibly memorable moment ❤️," Preston captioned a picture of the two of them on Instagram.
Image: Instagram
