Bad Bunny and other stars shine at the Met Gala amid controversy
Celebrities including Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, supermodel Heidi Klum, and singer Katy Perry walked the carpet at New York’s famed Met Gala on Monday – many of them unrecognisable, reports BritPanorama.
Some attendees transformed their appearances in line with the tradition of wearing extravagant outfits, while others chose to protest the heavy involvement of billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez-Bezos, who were named honorary chairs for the event.
Leaning heavily into this year’s theme of “Costume Art,” Bad Bunny was dressed as an elderly man, Klum donned a Statue of Liberty costume, and Perry appeared incognito in a silver mask.
Perry’s fellow pop icon Beyoncé made a notable return after a decade, co-chairing the gala alongside other stars. The annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute has gained a reputation for its extravagant fashion and high-profile attendees.
This year, the event was shadowed by protests specifically targeting Bezos, marking his first sponsorship. Reports suggest a $10 million donation, generating calls for a boycott due to concerns over wealth inequality and workers’ rights. Protesters displayed large banners reading “TAX THE RICH” and called out what they referred to as the “Resistance Red Carpet.” One protester was detained while attempting to enter the event, and actor Sarah Paulson made a statement by walking the carpet with a dollar bill covering her eyes to symbolise the “1 per cent.”
Tickets for the gala were priced at $100,000 each, though the majority of celebrities attended as guests.
Among the striking fashion choices, social media personality Emma Chamberlain donned a form-fitting dress with sleeves that extended to the floor, while Gwendoline Christie sported a feathered headpiece alongside a realistic mask. Madonna arrived with a ship on her head, accompanied by a team to manage the lengthy grey train attached to her ensemble.
Shifting away from traditional tuxedos, men embraced unique styles, with Canadian actor Hudson Williams opting for a powdered blue suit paired with makeup inspired by the film Black Swan. Kim Kardashian, instead of a classic gown, wore a vibrant orange metallic body plate from the 60s, designed by Allen Jones.
The evening showcased a mix of artistic expression and social commentary, reflecting both the glamour of the event and the significant issues at play.
