The Best Plus-Size Met Gala Looks Ever: Lizzo, Nicola Coughlan, & More
— Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty ImagesSince its inception in 1948, countless stars have debuted history-making looks at the annual Met Gala — from Princess Diana to Rihanna. It’s a huge reason why both celebs and spectators deem the exclusive bash one of the biggest nights in fashion — if not the biggest. Despite hundreds of invitees on the yearly guest list (carefully curated by Vogue editor Anna Wintour), too few plus-size looks have graced the Met steps during the gala’s 75-year tenure. (It’s not too different from the current fashion week landscape, unfortunately.) They may be few and far between, but curvy A-listers have slayed every single one of their Met Gala outings — and that deserves to be celebrated. Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlin served exaggerated Regency-era glam, while Euphoria’s Barbie Ferreira walked the red carpet swathed in pearls. And Lizzo turns it out for each Met Gala appearance — from her camp-y bubblegum pink ensemble in 2019 to her gilded coat from 2022. With the 2024 event — themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” — quickly approaching, join me in reviewing some of the most iconic moments in Met Gala history. Here are just a few of the best plus-size looks ever to grace the famous Met steps. 2011: “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” — Randy Brooke/FilmMagic/Getty ImagesThe late André Leon Talley, former Vogue editor-at-large and Met Gala red carpet correspondent, always wore his best ‘fits at the annual event. In 2011, as a tribute to Alexander McQueen, he wore a vibrant violet silk kaftan and buckled red shoes. 2017: “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” — Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesIn 2017, with the theme “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between,” model Ashley Graham turned heads in this frilly red-and-white number with a corset-style skirt by H&M. 2019: “Camp: Notes on Fashion” — Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty ImagesLizzo nailed 2019’s “camp” theme with neon pink hair and a pink marabou coat by Marc Jacobs. It literally deson’t get more camp than that.2021: “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion” — Kevin Mazur/MG21/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesAm I the only one who thinks Elsesser’s 2021 Zac Posen Old Hollywood gown (and makeup) gave serious Queen of Hearts vibes? In the best possible way. 2021: “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion” — John Shearer/WireImage/Getty ImagesIn a frothy tulle number equipped with floral appliques and embroidery, beauty YouTuber Nikki de Jager paid homage to trans activist Marsha P. Johnson.2021: “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion” — Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesWith power shoulders, an exaggerated silhouette, and braided fringe, Precious Lee chicly channeled the zoot suit — with origins in ‘30s-era Harlem — in a suit dress by Area. 2021: “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion” — Theo Wargo/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesI’m still thinking about Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira’s pearl-encrusted flapper gown by Jonathan Simkhai from the 2021 Met Gala. Her beaded fringe swayed as she walked up the stairs for an absoutely dazzling vision. 2022: “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” — Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty ImagesAt last year’s fete, Nicola Coughlin served “gilded glamour” in a black and pink Richard Quinn number with exaggerated sleeves and feathers. Paired with a cape and opera gloves? She would’ve made Lady Whistledown proud. 2022: “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” — Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesAt the 2022 shindig, model Paloma Elsesser channeled Courtney Love for her underwear-as-outerwear-inspired ‘fit by Coach. Creative Director Stuart Vevers even repurposed silk and lace dresses from the ‘30s to fashion her vintage-style corset and boudoir-like slip.2022: “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” — Taylor Hill/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesLizzo aced the “gilded glamour” theme in an opulent gold-embroidered cape by Thom Browne that she threw on top of a black bustier gown, also by the designer. The musician completed the look with her favorite accessory: her flute. 2023: “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” — Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesTheater actors sure know how to bring drama to any event. Take Tony winner Alex Newell’s Christian Siriano masterpiece at the 2023 bash. With an exaggerated hip and bustier bodice, topped with a supersized hat (covered in floral appliqués), their Met Gala debut couldn’t have been chicer. 2023: “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” — Taylor Hill/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesTo honor Karl Lagerfeld, Lizzo wore custom Chanel (naturally) inspired by one of his ’90s-era creations. The “Truth Hurts” singer wholly embraced the pearl motif with her gown, jewelry, and even boots.
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