We hold these truths to be self-evident, that any major red carpet will inevitably see some political declarations.
And this year's Met Gala certainly opened the door for A-listers to get candid about their ideology, using the theme "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" as a springboard to push for sociopolitical change.
On Monday, Sept. 13, co-chairs Timothée Chalamet, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman and Naomi Osaka welcomed the crème de la crème to Manhattan's most elite party. That means Cara Delevingne and Megan Rapinoe mingled with New York Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Carolyn Maloney, and all four were all inspired to use their designer duds to make more a political statement as well as a fashion statement.
More Met Gala attendees—including Billie, Saweetie, Nikkie Tutorials and Dan Levy—raised awareness for LGBTQ rights, women's empowerment and more big issues. Dan even worked with the fashion brand LOEWE to give a donation to Visual AIDS, which promotes AIDS awareness and education, after he decided to "celebrate queer love" with his daring Met Gala outfit.
See the boldest political ensembles of the 2021 Met Gala below.
This model did not come to play! She delivered a fierce Dior look with a defensive vest reading, "Peg the Patriarchy." Cara told Vogue, "It's about women empowerment… It's a bit like stick it to the man." She said she was inspired by female empowerment and sexuality, because highlighting individuality is what the night is all about.
YouTuber Nikkie Tutorials (Nikkie de Jager) paid homage to activist and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson with this "pay it no mind" sash, a nod to Marsha's motto about gender and identity. Nikkie, who came out as transgender last year, seemed to be further inspired by the costumes of Midsommar for the 2021 Met Gala.
The New York congresswoman couldn't pass up the opportunity to use her platform at the Met Gala to make a statement. Her white dress (by Brother Vellies) read "Tax the rich" in bright red.
Billie's bombshell gown symbolizes her activism for animal rights. According to The New York Times, she agreed to work with Oscar de la Renta on the condition that the designers would no longer use fur in their pieces. She said it was "shocking that wearing fur isn't completely outlawed at this point in 2021," telling the NYT, "I'm honored to have been a catalyst and to have been heard on this matter."
The congresswoman showed her support for the Equal Rights Amendment with a colorful gown and clutch reading "ERA YES."
The rapper came ready to rep! Showing off her crystalized Christian Cowan dress, Saweetie draped the Black American heritage flag and Filipino flag behind her. She told E! News, "That's what makes me an American girl."
The soccer champ served one of the most patriotic outfits of the night in a star-spangled red suit, along with a clutch reading "In Gay We Trust."
Dan was inspired by LGBTQ+ artist David Wojnarovicz to show two men kissing on his bespoke LOEWE outfit. He wrote on Instagram, "rather than feed on the message of hate, we wanted to celebrate queer love and visibility," adding, "Tonight, we're celebrating the resilience, the love, and the joy of the community."