Outfit Design

Harini Venkatesh ’25 in Arts | May 12, 2023

The annual Met Gala is one of the most highly anticipated events in the fashion calendar, with celebrities and fashion icons coming together to showcase their style and creativity on the red carpet. Each year's theme brings a new wave of inspiration and innovation, and the pressure is on for attendees to push artistic boundaries and make a statement with their outfits. As I immersed myself in the post-event coverage, I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to walk the Met’s steps myself, clad in an outfit of my own design. I grew enamored by the idea of creating the perfect ensemble—one that would capture the essence of my personal style while paying homage to the rich history and glamor of Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel couture.
For the 2023 Met Gala, I would draw inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld's Boclé take on the iconic Chanel jacket. My design would feature a fitted, sleeveless, cropped double-breasted jacket with a white-gray pattern and black pockets, which debuted in Chanel's Cruise 2022 Collection. To create a more accentuated silhouette, the jacket would also include peak lapels and a deep V-neckline, revealing a statement necklace. 
The jacket would be paired with a floor-length plain black skirt layered over a petticoat with a gold tulle layer at the bottom, creating a subtle shimmer effect. On top of the plain skirt, I would layer an intricately embellished shorter black skirt that opens to reveal the gold tulle underneath. This layered effect would add dimension and texture to the overall look, drawing attention to the intricacy of the embroidery and the depth of the tulle. 
To elevate the ensemble, the gold embellishments on the skirt would be complemented with chunky gold jewelry, like oversized hoop earrings and the aforementioned statement necklace with gold and black accents. The jewelry would accentuate the gold embroidery and add a bold twist to the classic palette. To complete the look, the hair would be styled in a sleek low bun, highlighting the jacket's neckline. For makeup, I would opt for a simple smokey eye, using shades of black and gold to add depth and intensity to the eyes while matching the color scheme. A bold red lip would finish off the look,  creating a pop of color and adding a touch of classic Hollywood glamor to the outfit.