The best, worst and most costume-y of the Met Gala red carpet.
Colman Domingo, Zendaya, Tyla
Zendaya: A+
Zendaya
This spring 1996 haute couture Givenchy gown designed by John Galliano summarizes the evening’s combination of archival pieces and the night’s king of fashion — Mr. Galliano. Her second outfit of the night added a darker, mysterious take on the garden theme versus her initial Maison Margiela Artisanal gown — and what’s not to love about the Alexander McQueen 2007 headpiece?
Tyla: A
Tyla
The whole concept of the passing of time informed this sand look, complete with hourglass sand timer as an accessory. Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing is a master of a molded bodysuit, but this sand-encrusted version is his best yet.
Colman Domingo: A-
Colman Domingo
Domingo taught us in the last year that his red carpet game is unmatched. This Willy Chavarria black and white tuxedo with floor-sweeping cape nails the romantic angles of the theme. He is the charming prince of this fairy tale.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph: B+
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
You may think of the Gap as a casual brand but with this Zac Posen-designed denim gown, Randolph shows us that accessible fashion has a place on the famous carpet. She looks beautiful and perfectly on theme.
Lauren Sanchez: C-
Lauren Sánchez
This feels like an art project in process — and there is nothing effortless about it. The broken-dishes floral pattern feels heavy and uninspired.
Nicole Kidman: A
Nicole Kidman
For this red carpet icon, a 1950s Balenciaga reissue is just another Monday at the office. Walking the fine line between modernity and tradition, the black ruffled floor-length skirt layered under a white mullet shell results in a picture-perfect moment.
Lana Del Rey: A
Lana Del Rey
As part of one of the big trends of the night, which was reissuing iconic moments of decades past, this McQueen dress based on a fall 2006 look is perfection. The enchanted forest theme and headpiece with veil creates the right amount of fantasy.
Barry Keoghan: D
Barry Keoghan
It’s giving 1970s unemployed magician. One thing that we have learned at the Met this season is that costumes don’t work — fashion is paramount. This velvet three-piece suit with pussy-bow blouse and top hat has very little to do with fashion.