Black Celebs Stun on the Met Gala 2023 Red Carpet

The MET Gala is back and our favourite Black celebrities did not disappoint on the red carpet! Check out the best looks from this year’s event, and get inspired by the latest fashion trends

Report by Trishad Atanga

This year’s MET Gala paid tribute to the late designer and fashion figure Karl Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019. The full title of the Spring 2023 show was ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’, in line with the exhibition that will be held at the MET until July 2023.

1. Michaela Coel – Dripping in gold

The British actress, who was the Met Gala co-chair, was stunning wearing a custom Schiaparelli gown. The dress had over 130,000 crystals and took 3800 hours to make! Hairdresser Antoinette Hill executed a beautiful job with simple cornrows. Styling by Georgia Medley. Makeup by Bernicia Boateng using Pat McGrath products.

2. Tems – An excellent red carpet debut

Nigerian singer Tems made her MET Gala debut with a beautiful custom black and white gown by designer Robert Wun. Her stylish sleek bun was completed with a beautiful feathered hair piece to complete the look, giving her a mesmerising look! Styling by Dusing Wright.

3. Anok Yai – Effortlessy stunning

Supermodels hit the red carpet at the MET Gala, and Anok Yai stunned among over. The 25 year-old Sudanese model was simply beautiful in a Prabal Gurung gold and silver dress. She completed the look with a bedazzled mesh visor, that gave her the look of a queen bee. Hair by Ursula Stephen. Styling by Carlos Nazario. Makeup by Sheika Dailey

Janelle Monàe – All Black and White

Janelle Monáe stepped out on the red carpet for the 2023 Met Gala wearing a shimmering two-piece ensemble by Thom Browne that quickly transformed into a bikini set. Her beautiful architectural updo was by hairstylist Nikki Nelms and created using Mielle Organics products, including Mielle’s White Peony Leave-In Conditioner and Mielle Rice Water & Aloe Braid Gel to finish.

‘Her super tall, structural top knot was inspired by her exaggerated tweed tuxedo. (…) The final look led to a tall cylinder like structure,’ says hairstylist Nikki Nelms.

Quinta Brunson – All eyes on the hair!

City-centric sitcom Abbott Elementary Quinta Brunson rocked the red carpet for her MET Gala debut! One thing we couldn’t stop staring at was her architectural hair look that took edges styling to another level.

‘For Quinta’s look we decided to traverse the intersection between hair and high fashion, creating an artistic crown headpiece using her natural voluminous curls and coils to make a statement and up the ante on her signature updo,’ said Alexander Armand in a press release. The stylist used Maui hair products to create the look.

The 33 year-old writer wore a Prabal Gurung pink dress with black tulle and firework detailing.

Halle Bailey – Our fave Little Mermaid

The 23-year-old actress stood out for this stylish appearance at the MET Gala red carpet! She wore a Gucci pearl-white halter-neck gown that dazzled and it appeared that she had taken some inspiration from The Little Mermaid film. One question is, how did her hairstylist Tinisha Meeks hide her locs? Tanisha beautifully styled Halle’s signature locs into a voluminous curly bob while keeping the colour of her Ariel-red hair.

Naomi – A supermodel stays a supermodel

Karl Lagerfeld was known to be Chanel’s creative director until his passing in 2019. And Naomi Campbell didn’t forget that: the supermodel brought her A-game to the MET Gala, showing up with a molten pink gown from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2010 couture collection.

Viola Davis

A total look that we loved! For her MET Gala look, talented actress Viola Davis opted for a vibrant Valentino candy pink PP dress complete with a matching feathered bustline detail, that gave her and elegant pink flamingo look. Her signature ‘fro by Jamika Wilson completed the look.

Doja Cat channeling Choupette Lagerfeld

While the real Choupette (Karl Lagerfeld’s cat) stayed at home, Doja Cat, who’s known for her bold and offset looks walked on the MET Gala red carpet wearing makeup that gave her a feline face. She commissioned designer Oscar de la Renta to create a hooded gown, which had 350,000 silver and white beads embroidered on it and took more than 5,000 hours to complete. This was her first appearance at the MET Gala. And she stunned.

Rihanna

Rihanna closed the MET Gala red carpet with a breathtaking look! She arrived in a Valentino wedding dress – a fitting end to a fashion parade. The look paid homage to Gabrielle Chanel’s favourite flowers – camellias, also the emblem of the French fashion house Chanel. The ensemble was completed with a stunning cape/stole made entirely of silk camellias.

What is your favourite look? Tell us everything in the comments!