The best accessory of the Met Gala: a literal sewing machine

& more unexpected winners from last night's event

I know the Met Gala gets sh!t every year for being extravagant and out of touch in the context of the world, but I actually think the theme — Superfine: Tailoring Black Style — delivered this year. In a time where the US is rolling back civil rights, defunding the arts/libraries/education, and dismantling democracy, celebrating Black Dandyism is significant and incredibly culturally relevant.

I also think we can get so wrapped up in the fashion that we forget the that Met Gala is a fundraiser for the Met’s Costume Institute and is a celebration of the newest Costume Institute exhibition. This year’s Met Gala raised a record $31 million for the Costume Institute. Which again, in a time where the arts are being defunded and deprioritized, is an incredible accomplishment.

More than any year think attendees really got the theme and I loved seeing the different interpretations of Black Dandyism and tailoring. As a sustainability gal and sewer, there were a handful of unique takes on the theme that were true standouts for me.

Thom Browne

Walter Goggins, Demi Moore, & Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne

Walton Goggins’ deconstructed, almost inside-out jacket and skirt immediately stood out to me on the steps of the Met. There is so much craftsmanship that goes into suiting and to have that on full display with this Thom Browne look was so exciting to see.

To be completely honest, I hated Demi Moore’s look the first time I saw it. It wasn’t until this morning when Darshen (iykyk) said in a tiktok roast that she looked like a tie that I got the vision. A LITERAL TIE??? You’re kidding. Such an iconic interpretation of the theme and I love that it took me some time to appreciate.

Janelle Monáe always steals the show, but this 2-part look — a collaboration between Thom and award winning costume designer Paul Tazewell — might be my favorite of the night. The optical illusion on the outer layer, the pop of color, the accessories, and even the details of the accessories on the coat MATCHING THE ACCESSORIES UNDER THE COAT are truly next level. I really feel like this look embodies Janelle Monáe’s personal style within the context of Black Dandyism and tailoring.

Balmain

Olivier Rousteing (creative director, Balmain), Jenna Ortega, and Rosalía in Balmain

I love that Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing latched onto the made-to-measure / tailored for you aspect of the theme for his Met Gala designs. His interview with Vogue alongside Rosalía he talks about how suiting and tailored designs start with the mannequin and how that was his inspiration for Rosalía’s stunning gown. I quite simply need to know more about the construction of the torso.

Jenna Ortega’s look — made entirely out of silver rulers — also blew me away. Another amazing theme interpretation by Olivier and Balmain and the fit is beautiful.

And I can’t forget THE accessory of the night: Olivier’s sewing machine bag. I love all the attention that was paid to tailoring (verb) not just tailoring (noun) or tailored (adjective).

eBay

Jeremy Pope in Vintage Maison Margiela with custom eBay pants. Emma Chamberlain in Courreges with eBay accessories.

You read that right — EBAY AT THE MET GALA.

Jeremy Pope is a close second to Janelle Monáe for my favorite look of the night. He wore a mannequin / dress form-inspired vintage Maison Margiela FW97 RTW vest and custom eBay tailored trousers. I now want a dress form vest of my own.

And Emma Chamberlain, a longtime spokesperson for vintage and secondhand fashion, wore accessories from eBay to the gala with a custom Courreges dress. I have been seeing Emma’s eBay commercial a lot more recently and just love that she’s a proud supporter of pre-loved fashion.

I loved seeing secondhand and vintage garments and accessories have their moment at the Met Gala and I hope to see more sustainable sponsors and partners included in the future.

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Last thoughts from your favorite outfit repeater

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Megan